Sherif Shafie

A wonderful movie that reveals how, in the span of a few generations, a rich culture deeply rooted in the close traditional bonds of an extended family and its irreplaceable support system is transformed as it gradually decays into the TV-induced image of the modem 'American nuclear family'... revealing the impacts and burdens this leaves on the elders, family cohesion, and, indeed, all of society.

Just watched this movie and I was so pleasantly surprised, and moved. Not going to get into the acting, story, or cinematography, which are all superb. What I will say is that this is an immensely pertinent story of our times. It's about how ordinary lives are shaped by the forces of modern life and events that often end up hardening us... rendering us cynical, hopeless, and even bitter. The movie unfolds, seemingly, at the pace of life - with its steady march, incorporating all the the nuances and subtleties that shape our existence. It left me with a deep impression and a chance to consider what matters, after all is said and done. Perhaps, if one is open to it, you may be lucky enough to have an epiphany of sorts: allowing yourself to be profoundly nudged into the direction of the things that truly matter as you forge you way forward in life.

For me this movie hit all the right notes to the extent that I wouldn't even label it under any genre, other than 'life'. If you're feeling down on your luck, bored, uninspired, or even broken, this movie works. Not because it forces some inspirational bologna or tells of a struggle - but because it reflects the absurdity of life and the reality of our times with all of its messiness and contradictions. Part of its beauty is that nothing is overdone and no one is trying too hard. The movie just flows effortlessly, weaving in incredible foods, great music (much of it Latino), relationships, parenthood, loyalty and the true joys of life. The actors are all super well selected and John Leguizamo is just hilarious. Its deep if you want it to be, but also superbly enjoyable and very entertaining... I highly recommend!

As a huge fan of survival stories, the open seas, and sailing, there was hardly a chance I wasn't going to enjoy this movie. The fact that the movie is based on a true - and remarkable - story of survival definitely adds to its appeal. The movie avoids the bravado and heroics of other 'action-focused' survival stories, lending it a calmer, more pensive, and realistic perspective. The intimate portrayal of the evolution of the two main characters' relationship and insights into their upbringing and personality drivers adds color and helps the viewer develop a stake in their survival as well as empathy with their predicament. A good movie for couples to watch!

I can't fathom how people are not deeply moved and impressed by this movie, criticising it as too slow or melodramatic. For me, it was a deeply impactful and thought provoking look at life, death, love, DESTINY, family, patriotism, government, and staying true to one's self and values. Depending on where you are in life, what stage you're at, what you're going through... this movie will shed a different light and impact you differently every time. Yes the movie is somewhat slow paced and it's definitely dramatic... but I find that refreshing and realistic in this era of instant gratification and fast everything. In truth, life does take its own pace - let's not forget that the movie is set during the early 1900's, and on a remote farm in Montana.... so I think its pace does add a sense of authenticity to the picture. That, coupled with the incredible cinematography and music score, help to immerse you in the time period and the events taking place, reflecting the time and allowing the viewer to get deeply involved, almost intimate. You feel like you've journeyed through the lives of the characters, getting an intimate portrayal of who they are and what truly moves them. Having been through so much with them, you feel like you have a stake in the characters - regardless of whether you like them or not. What happens to them matters and you can't help but be impacted by their sorrows, joys, and tragedies. As for the drama, I think those that criticise the movie need to keep in mind the time period and the events: WWI, the Great Depression and prohibition. It was tough times and people struggled and many perished, especially in the wild countryside. Lest you forget that we're just coming out of a devastating pandemic that has left many deeply scarred and forever changed by their losses or awakenings. Life can be dramatic, let alone during the early 1900s! If you want to watch a movie that you can forget about right after it's over, there are plenty of action, superhero, and zombie flicks to last a lifetime. If you want to be moved, roused, even shaken, into considering who you are and what life's deeper meaning is... then this is a movie I highly recommend in all of its tragic and peotic glory!