Movie #1262 "Manchester by the Sea" was a tough watch, but well worth the time. You need to know this is a very tense, sad film that the trailer doesn't prepare you for near enough. The film is yet another one on grief, but the way it attacks that, head on, is like no other. Such raw, dramatic realism fills scene after scene, and that's thanks to a choice of filling the film with awkward, quiet characters, played by oscar- worthy actors, led by Casey Affleck, Michelle Williams, and Lucas Hedges, the nephew. There's so much said with a look, a shrug, a staring off at a piece of nature with scenes where music dominates the background and we watch a funeral, but nothing is said. (However, all together, the film suffers from annoying background music in scenes that it gets in the way) The film is quiet, with explosive moments, and the pacing is slow because you are right there with them every step (and I mean every step) along the way. The film takes you through the paces of a journey in grief, and since this has the indie feel to the film, don't expect manipulative, sleek scenes --- don't expect a hollywood ending, don't expect an explosive confrontational high point --- don't go in with expectations, and just go along for the ride. Not everyone will like it , but when done watching it, I think you will respect it for its realness, its poignancy, and how it deals with a very universal subject. I won't be surprised if it is on award lists this year (it already is nominated for Critics' Choice awards which will be given out tomorrow night, and it made the AFI list of best films of 2016).
"MANCHESTER BY THE SEA" 2016 rated R I give it 4 out of 5 stars.
While working as a handyman in Boston, taciturn loner Lee Chandler gets word that his brother Joe has died of a coronary. After returning to the siblings' hometown, Lee receives another shock: He's been named legal guardian of Joe's 16-year-old son.
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