seasounds1
The setting of this story is in Florida , obviously a retirement area. Walter has succumbed to a regimental routine to pass the time away , always a gentleman , giving an image of proper conduct .Frank , on the other hand , is rough around the edges and refuses to give into getting old in his own stubborn way . In somewhat of a "Odd Couple" theme they meet and learn a little about how each other have struggled to find their ways, yet holding on to their identities as a men while age overcomes them. I really love this movie because it shows the side of desperation many encounter when get when they get old. Their lives start to loose meaning and they have to fill the void with memories and stories to pass the time away. Denial and refusing to give in , the characters really give us a taste of what life can come to .
CinemusRex
Although I've only seen this movie once quite a while ago it is definitely on my "see again soon" list. While slipping through the many film credits of Robert Duvall I felt I just had to comment. His performance in this movie separates him from his other characters and in my eyes cements his reputation as a premiere actor. Along with a wonderful cast including Richard Harris as a crusty old curmudgeon, the always talented Shirley MacLaine, and the relative newcomer at that time, Sandra Bullock the film spins its story in a very timely and entertaining manner and left me at the end with not only a lumpy throat (i can't tell you who dies of course but it's one of the best death scenes I've ever seen) but the crushing desire to see it at least three or four more times. Highly recommended.
Ann_Marie
What a great film! Being a huge Sandra Bullock fan since 95, I knew I had to buy this. I was not let down at all. It is one of my all time favorites! Its a shame that many people don't know about it. Its filled with touching and hilarious moments with outstanding acting and a sweet story! Go get Wrestling Ernest Hemingway today!
cdillon000
This is a great movie, and the critic's plot summary doesn't come close to helping you decide whether or not to watch it. It's NOT a tear jerker either. With this cast you're obviously not watching any rookies or male actors lost in their macho. Every character in this movie is played superbly, and becomes so real, that you can't help but feel like you are right in the middle of a slice of life in a little town on the coast of Florida.Robert Duval (Walter) is a retired Cuban gentleman, Richard Harris (Frank) is a lonely, crusty retired sailor. Each lives alone, without any family around. They meet in the park at Franks' unwelcome prompting, and with some real reluctance on Walter's part. Shirley McClaine (Coonie) is the divorced motel landlord where Frank lives, and they go toe to toe over one issue after another, occasionally over a little Irish whiskey, including whether or not she'll let Frank get his hands on her. Sandra Bullock (Elaine) is Walter's favorite waitress at the Sweetwater Cafe, and they exchange fond jabs each time he comes around. Piper Lorie is a self respecting single lady, on whom Frank clumsily works his flawed romanatic magic in their town's only movie house.At the center of this light drama is the unlikely and rocky friendship developing between Frank and Walter. With the backdrop of a laid back little coastal town, and moving to wonderful cuban music and rhythms, each one of the characters and relationships unfolds a little at a time, and begin to cross over one another. Just as you get to know people in your life a little at a time, these folks become more and more themselves as the story unfolds.The timing, setting, filming, music, and subtleties of the characters and the script work beautifully so that you fall right into it all.The ending is tender, wistful, and the characters just seem to go their own way. This is like that book you read, where halfway through you started dreading the last few pages.
AD
