SimonJack Talk about a midlife crisis. Kevin Spacey's character, Quoyle, has one with such bizarre contributors as only a novelist could conjure up. Annie Proulx won the Pulitzer Prize for fiction for her 1993 novel of this same title. The story wreaks soap opera throughout except for its setting and a slower, more deliberate layout of the plot. Most soaps have that confined indoors look and feel, and the outdoors of Newfoundland in this film go against that. But the story is one huge melodrama. Drawn out and slowed down, but quite a melodrama. I first saw this film in the theater. Seeing it again years later, I have the same reaction. It's a strange story, maybe the start of a happy ending, but just sort of dull. This film doesn't have much life, but then that may be what the point is – at least at the start. I just don't find that sort of thing very enjoyable. I understand that some people may, and that's fine for them. It's passable mostly because of the setting and the good acting we see. Besides Spacey, principals are Julianne Moore as Wavey Prowse and Judi Dench as Aunt Agnis. I liked some of the minor performances as well – Pete Postlethwaite as Tert Card and native Newfoundlander Gordon Pinsent as Billy Pretty. This type of film isn't for everyone – even most folks perhaps. If one is in the doldrums, it's not recommended. If one is in a chipper mood, this might even nip that back a bit.

Kirpianuscus its delicacy . as basic virtue. the second - the great performances. not surprising. because the actors work is only another proof of impeccable art. because the novel gives all the opportunities for a story who mix the theory of the second chance with beautiful love story. and Judy Dench did the right role for give a form of spell to a so simple and honest remind of small things who define the authentic happiness than it becomes, scene by scene, more than impressive. a film about hope and new beginning. so, an universal story who has not the desire to demonstrate something. only remind. the taste of a rare state , old fashion joy and polite way to define the right manner to be yourself after a long expectation.

Chuck4Ever After BUT NOT FOREVERHad this movie been released in the last few years, it would have swept the Oscars. Most of us were still reeling from 9/11 when it came out...So many factors make it a hidden gem:Spacey's performance -- Great plot and brilliant script -- The entire cast -- Hauntingly beautiful soundtrack -- Breathtaking scenery and cinematography.Watched it for the first time the other day, and gave it 9 out of 10. It has transfixed me so much that I must now give it a 10.Thank goodness I found it on Netflix. Still spellbound.

suite92 Ecch, voice-over. Keven Spacey narrates from early childhood (the not quite drowned cliché) to adulthood, where he's an ink-setter in Poughkeepsie, NY, and where he meets his first wife, Petal. The word 'clueless' keeps coming to mind.They spawn a daughter, much to Petal's disgust. Petal leaves him with another man after his parents kill themselves in a penniless state.Petal and the interloper drive off the road into a river and die. Nice. They had sold Bunny (the daughter) to a black market adoption agency for 6,000 USD, and had a receipt to prove it. That's how the NYSHP tracked them down and recovered Bunny.Agnes Hamm (his father's half sister) visits, helps him relocate to Newfoundland, helps him move into a house the family still owns, and has not been lived in for 44 years. The house needs quite a bit of repair, and is quite a story in its own right.He gets a job with the local newspaper, and is assigned by Jack to do the shipping news and car accidents. He learns to write in a journalistic style. Agnis comes out of retirement to help bring in more income. He gets advice and learns more about writing.Bunny likes Wavey's son. Wavey and Quoyle become friends.Quoyle shows quite a skill at finding out unfortunate buried facts. Quoyle gets into a disagreement with Tert over shipping news content. It is not pretty, but Jack sides with Quoyle. Later, he finds a body and a head at sea, and manages to lose his boat in the process. Quoyle discovers a number of other secrets, like the bad behavior of his ancestors, his father's bad treatment of his aunt, and the like.By the end of the film, Quoyle is part of the community, and much more at peace with himself.Scores-----Cinematography: 8/10 The majority of the film's frames are on the dark side, almost to the point where some camera/light source changes might have been called for. On the other hand, the film's locations are northerly with frequent overcast skies.Sound: 10/10 No problems. The incidental music was excellent.Acting: 8/10 Kevin Spacey is both the worst (as the younger Quoyle) and the best (older Quoyle) actor in the film. Judi Dench delivered another fine performance. Cate Blanchette's performance was quite repellent, but that was her assignment. Julianne Moore was good. Scott Glenn was delightful. Pete Postlethwaite was great.Screenplay: 8/10 Nicely done, except for the early material. A separate actor for the younger Quoyle would have been much better.