An Unfinished Life | 
 enlarge | Director: Lasse Hallstroem
Actors: Robert Redford, Jennifer Lopez, Morgan Freeman, Josh Lucas, Damian Lewis
Studio: Miramax
Category: DVD
List Price: $17.99
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Rating:  125 reviews
Sales Rank: 6164
Format: Closed-captioned, Color, Dvd-video, Widescreen, Ntsc
Languages: English (Original Language), English (Subtitled), Spanish (Subtitled)
Rating: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Number Of Items: 1
Running Time: 108
Aspect Ratio: 2.40:1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.2
Dimensions (in): 7.5 x 5.3 x 0.6
MPN: 03966900
UPC: 786936278118
EAN: 0786936278118
ASIN: B000E5KQOQ
Theatrical Release Date: 2005
Release Date: April 11, 2006
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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Amazon.com
Much like the late Rodney Dangerfield, some films just can't get any respect. Shelved by Miramax for two years, An Unfinished Life was released with little fanfare between Morgan Freeman's Oscar win and Lasse Hallstroem's higher-profile Casanova. Despite critical praise from some quarters, the heartland drama got lost amidst the shuffle. The title comes from the epitaph of Griffin, late son of Wyoming rancher Einar (a rumpled Robert Redford). Between chores, he looks after ranch hand Mitch (Freeman), who was mauled by a bear the year before. One day, daughter-in-law Jean (Jennifer Lopez) and granddaughter Griff (Becca Gardner) drop by the ranch unexpectedly. They're on the run from Jean's abusive boyfriend, Gary (Damian Lewis), back in Iowa. "I don't want you here," Einar states flatly--he blames her for Griffin's death 12 years ago--but the look on the kid's face convinces him to relent. While Jean works as a waitress in town and embarks on a tentative relationship with Sheriff Crane (Josh Lucas), his newfound granddaughter helps to take care of Mitch. Just as the four are starting to form a loose-knit family, Gary comes looking for Jean and upsets the delicate balance. It may pack fewer surprises than the superior What's Eating Gilbert Grape and the bear symbolism may be a mite heavy-handed, but the deeply unfashionable An Unfinished Life deserves a second chance to find an audience. --Kathleen C. Fennessy
Product Description
From the acclaimed director of CASANOVA CHOCOLAT and THE CIDER HOUSE RULES ... Academy Award(R) winners Robert Redford (Best Director ORDINARY PEOPLE 1980) and Morgan Freeman (Best Supporting Actor MILLION DOLLAR BABY 2004) star in this powerful story of risk and redemption. Stoic and heartbroken Einar Gilkyson (Redford) quietly lives in the rugged Wyoming ranchlands alongside his only trusted friend Mitch Bradley (Freeman). Then suddenly the woman he blames for the death of his only son arrives at his door broke desperate and with a granddaughter he's never known. But even as buried anger and accusations resurface the way is opened for unexpected connection adventure and forgiveness. Also starring Jennifer Lopez (SHALL WE DANCE?) and Josh Lucas (SWEET HOME ALABAMA GLORY ROAD).System Requirements:Running Time 107 Mins.Format: DVD MOVIE Genre: DRAMA Rating: PG-13 UPC: 786936278118 Manufacturer No: 03966900
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| Customer Reviews: Read 120 more reviews...
 A REALLY GOOD FILM September 15, 2008
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
AN UNFINISHED LIFE
Have you ever watched something and thought man that was a great movie, but once it sinks in you realize while it was good it came short of classic status. This movie is one of those unfortunately because it is actually a really good movie, and that is even with J-LO. I will get to that later but let me start out with a quick little statement. Some people may have noticed I have giving lesser films a 5 star rating, I assure you I had reasons for doing so. I do not rate things side by side, I rate things based on my level of enjoyment when viewing it. Like a movie called "Vengeance of the Dead", that film is by no means a classic film. But when I watched it with out expectations and knowing it was a low budget film from Full Moon it was an ok movie. When I watched it again with what turned out to be a very enjoyable director's commentary it added a lot more to the film, there for with both viewings it rounded up to a 5. Like I said I do not rate things side by side if I did do it that way this film would certainly rate higher then the previous movie I mentioned above.
Now with that out of the way I can get to this movie, it is with out doubt a very good movie. Writers Virginia Korus Spragg and Mark Spragg have crafted a well paced, entertaining, and at times moving film that never seems to be the preachy type. The story is of a woman named Jean Gilkyson [Lopez] who is trying to escape not only her abusive boyfriend but her life as well. Traveling along side her is her daughter Griff Gilkyson [Becca Gardner] and they make their way to Jean's ex father in law Einar Gilkyson [Robert Redford] who still blames her for his son's death. Tensions run high while they are there but along with Mitch Bradley [Morgan Freeman] Einar starts to come around as he spends time with his newly found granddaughter. Of course that is not all that happens in this movie, but the relationship between Grand father and granddaughter is the heart of this story. Director Lasse Hallstroem did an excellent job with this film as did director of photography Oliver Stapleton who shot this beautifully. The scenery in this film is amazing, and the look of this movie is great as well. All those who worked on this movie behind the camera deserve a lot of credit.
Of course the people in front of the camera make it come to life, and all of them do a great job with this film. Robert Redford of course is great as the grieving father who blames the girl for his son's loss. He is with out a doubt one of the funnier characters in the film. Of course his best friend in the film Morgan Freeman is excellent , did you think other wise? Freeman in particular is great as the friend who was mauled by a bear and now is disfigured and unable to move or walk with out help. He is one of the funnier characters when argues with Redford's character yet is also one of the saddest in the film. Josh Lucas who plays the town sheriff portrays his character well and is very believable in his role, as is Becca Gardner who plays the granddaughter. She in particular does a marvelous job on this film, and that is a compliment since most child actors usually are not that great. Remember earlier when I said I would come to that later in reference to J-Lo, well now is the time. I have never really been a fan of this woman, especially when it comes to her music. But some thing about her annoys me, maybe it is how she acts outside of the movies. But with that aside she actually did an excellent job on this film, I have not been this impressed with her since "Selena". Not only is she less annoying in this film but she actually is the character and not J-Lo with a different name.
Of course I did say that this film did not reach classic status in my mind, here is why. This film is pretty predictable, I am sure other people have mentioned this but you can guess what is coming for the rest of the movie after the 20 minute mark. And while that will not kill the mood of the film it will draw down the surprise of certain situations. Another problem you will have to deal with is the character development, it goes by to fast. Don't get me wrong these are definitely strong well rounded characters but I wish they had more time to develop with each other. The relationships seem to form out of no where, this film could have been great if it had a little more time added to it in my mind.
But with scenes that involve the bear and the boy friend taking place this film still ranks pretty high, I recommend seeing this to any and every body. Rent it first to see if it is for you, but if you like it I think it is worth owning. Give it a chance and see how you feel, even if you do not like it I don't think you will say it is not worth seeing.
 Unfinished Life September 13, 2008
What a shame that a movie of this quality is released almost accidentally! Everyone is stellar, but the slow to develop story takes all prizes. No flashy acting or episodes, the drama is a lovely mirror for the quietude and scenic loveliness of Wyoming. A "heartland" story that comes from the heart, and should go to the heart of anyone watching. As always, Morgan Freeman is hauntingly beautiful, Redford is bitter but still manages to shine with his love for animals, and Lopez is perfect. The soundtrack is absolutely perfect. A must-see.
 A real downer September 13, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Unrelentingly morose, this film has its moments. But overall, you won't laugh or cry. You'll just sit there and be somewhat depressed by the whole thing. I didn't get the whole thing with the bear and Morgan Freeman. Some kind of symbolism, I guess. And all you think when you see J-Lo is her butt, not her acting skills, which don't get much of a workout here. Redford plays a crank well, and you get the feeling this is probably what he's like now in real life. It's watchable, but why would you want to?
Deserves More Praise August 25, 2008
I thoroughly enjoyed this creation. A believable story told by outstanding actors.
And guys, if you think this is just a chick flick, watch and see how Redford takes care of the bad guy.
One of the better films you've never heard of... August 15, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I'll admit, I'm kind of confused how this movie escaped the watchful eye of Oscar. I'm not saying that I think it was the best film of the year, but I am saying that all the elements of this film fit nicely together, and the end result is something that is very much up Oscar's alley.
`An Unfinished Life' tells the story of Einar Gilkyson and his daughter-in-law Jean. Einar has blamed Jean for the death of his son Griffin and has since refused to speak to her, but when she shows up at his doorstep on the run from her abusive boyfriend, her daughter Griff (Einar's granddaughter) in toe, he decides to let her stay. They form an unlikely family, with ranch hand Mitch Bradley lending his words of wisdom to try and bring Einar and Jean together. Jean works as a waitress to contribute and finds herself flirting with a relationship with the local sheriff Crane Curtis, all the while her boyfriend Gary is desperately trying to track her down. While Jena is working Einar is bonding with Griff and in the process leans how to forgive, and most importantly, how to let go.
There is a lot of tenderness brought to this film, in a subtle and underwhelming sort of way. Nothing seems overly heavy handed, which is a nice change of pace when considering most movies today, especially films of this nature that tend to `overdue' the sentiment and eagerly manipulate the audiences emotions. True, we know what we are supposed to be feeling, but we achieve that feeling all on our own.
The performances truly elevate the material as well. Jennifer Lopez, who has been tampering with a decent movie career for some time now, really shines as Jean. She proves that she is so much more than just a `romantic/comedy' actress here, delving into feelings of pain and guilt that transcended the work she did in `Enough'. Josh Lucas is charming, which he needs to be, but sadly the script doesn't need him to be anything more and so he isn't. Robert Redford is convincing in his sullenness, grappling his characters deep-rooted pain.
I want to talk a little about Morgan Freeman for a minute. When I reviewed `Million Dollar Baby' I mentioned that Freeman's Oscar win was undeserved and that the idea of his character was far more effective than his actual performance. I still stand by that. Here though, Freeman takes the VERY SAME IDEA but manages to reel in a deserving performance. When you think about Mitch Brady, he really is Eddie Dupris (Freeman's `Million Dollar Baby' character). He is the crippled ranch hand that Einar keeps around mostly because Mitch saved his life. Sound familiar? Mitch attaches himself to Jean while Einar is still resentful of her and he manages to bring the two of them together. Sound familiar? In all honesty they are really the same character. Eddie embodied the better film while Mitch received the better performance.
In the end `An Unfinished Life' is truly touching and moving. It has its minor flaws, but those flaws never take away from the overall effect of the film. Like I said, I'm really shocked that this did not get a bigger Oscar push for all the elements for Oscar are here. I can't say that I would have nominated it anywhere, but I definitely wouldn't have shelved it as most people did, for this film deserves some attention, serious attention.
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