- IMDb page: An Unfinished Life (2005)
- Rate: 7.0/10 total 16,577 votes
- Genre: Drama
- Release Date: 16 June 2006 (UK)
- Runtime: 108 min
- Filming Location: Ashcroft, British Columbia, Canada
- Budget: $30,000,000 (estimated)
- Gross: $551,809 (Brazil) (31 March 2006)
- Director: Lasse Hallström
- Stars: Robert Redford, Jennifer Lopez, Morgan Freeman | See full cast and crew
- Original Music By: Deborah Lurie
- Soundtrack: Don't
- Sound Mix: DTS | Dolby Digital | SDDS
- Plot Keyword: Bear | Friend | Car Accident | Wyoming | Ranch
Known Trivia
- Set against the rugged ranchlands of Wyoming, USA; but was filmed in Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada. The production company licensed the "M" logo of Marion, the design and logos of the police cars, and asked for photographs of police uniforms.
- Christopher Young originally scored the film but his score was later rejected and replaced.
- Dedicated to Karin Lyberg-Hallström and Britta Olin, Lasse's and Lena's mothers respectively.
- In Mitch Bradley's (Morgan Freeman) house there's a painted portrait of a black Civil War Union sergeant on the wall. Freeman played Civil War Union Sergeant-Major John Rawlins in Glory.
Goofs: Crew or equipment visible: In the scene where the truck with the grandfather (Robert Redford's character) and the young girl inside is coming back to the farm at night you can see a human watching the scene, and a piece of equipment at the end of the scene in the bottom right corner.
Plot: A down on her luck woman, desperate to provide care for her daughter, moves in with her father in-law from whom she is estranged. Through time, they learn to forgive each other and heal old wounds. Full summary » | »
Story: In order to escape from the abusive boy-friend, Gary Winston, Jean Gilkyson moves with her young daughter Griff Gilkyson without previous notice to the ranch of her father-in-law Einar Gilkyson in Wyoming. Jean and Einar are disaffected, since he blames her for the death of his beloved son in a car accident. Einar is taking care of his friend Mitch Bradley, who was attacked and seriously wounded by a bear, and he does not know that he has a grand-daughter. While Mitch heals his wounds and forgives the bear, Einar also changes his feelings regarding Jean, finally understanding that accidents happen and accepting her and loving his grand-daughter. Written byClaudio Carvalho, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Produced By:
- Robert Redford known as Einar Gilkyson
- Jennifer Lopez known as Jean Gilkyson
- Morgan Freeman known as Mitch Bradley
- Josh Lucas known as Crane Curtis
- Damian Lewis known as Gary Winston
- Camryn Manheim known as Nina
- Becca Gardner known as Griff Gilkyson
- Lynda Boyd known as Kitty
- Rob Hayter known as Deputy
- P. Lynn Johnson known as Shelter Supervisor
- Byron Lucas known as Motorcycle Rider
- Trevor Moss known as Griffin Gilkyson
- R. Nelson Brown known as Kent (as Rnelsonbrown)
- Dillard Brinson known as Gnome Owner
- Jason Diablo known as Customer #1
- Sean J. Dory known as Customer #2 (as Sean Dory)
- Bryan Korenberg known as Angry Couple Man
- Bonnie Barton known as Angry Couple Woman
- Danielle Dunn-Morris known as Angie
- Sandra Polson known as Secretary
- Dale Kipling known as Cook
- Jill Teed known as Bartender
- Jayne Dancose known as Nurse Phyllis
- Ken Camroux known as Doctor (as Ken Camroux-Taylor)
- Bart the Bear known as The Bear
Production Companies:
- Miramax Films (presents)
- Revolution Studios (presents)
- Initial Entertainment Group (IEG) (in association with)
- Ladd Company, The (as Ladd Company)
- Kalis Productions GmbH & Co. Zweite KG (in association with)
- Persistent Entertainment (uncredited)
- Unfinished Films
- 911 Filmcars picture buses (uncredited)
- Abbey Road Studios music recorded and mixed at (as Abbey Road Studios, London)
- Alberta Justice special thanks: Les Arts de Coraties
- American Humane Association, The animals monitored by
- BSX Records rejected score album released by (limited edition) (piano sketches) (uncredited)
- Carhartt special thanks
- Cheyenne Frontier Days Art Show posters: "Team Roping," "Cheyenne Thunder," "Chetenne Frontier Days" and "Some Days" supplied by
- D. Bassett & Associates negative cutting (as D. Basset Neg Cutting)
- Dakota Music Services music copyist (as Dakota Music)
- Dimension Films footage: "Below" used with permission of
- Doug Seus' Wasatch Rocky Mountain Wildlife owner and trainer: Bart the Bear
- Eastpak special thanks
- Edible Planet Catering catering (as Edible Planet)
- Fantasy Studios foley recorded at
- Kodak motion picture film
- Post Logic Studios digital film mastering (uncredited)
- Sound One Corporation post-production sound facility (as Sound One Corp.)
- Sound, San Francisco sound editorial by
- Spacecam Systems gyro-stabilized camera system
- Superb Records soundtrack released by (uncredited)
- Thompson-Nicola Film Commission production services
- Thompson-Nicola Film Commission special thanks
- Trevanna Post post-production accounting
- United States Geological Survey (USGS) special thanks
- Vancouver Hospital & Health Sciences Centre special thanks
- Varèse Sarabande rejected score album released by (limited edition) (uncredited)
- Varèse Sarabande soundtrack available on
- Video Split Productions video assist equipment (uncredited)
- Village of Ashcroft, The special thanks (as The Corporation of the Village of Ashcroft)
- William F. White International production equipment provided by (as William F. White International Inc.)
- Ascot Elite Entertainment Group (2005) (Switzerland) (theatrical)
- Bioscop (2006) (Czech Republic) (theatrical)
- Buena Vista International (2005) (UK) (theatrical)
- Distribution Company (2006) (Argentina) (theatrical)
- Eagle Pictures (2005) (Italy) (theatrical)
- Independent Films (2005) (Netherlands) (theatrical)
- Miramax Films (2005) (USA) (theatrical)
- Paradise Group (2005) (Russia) (theatrical)
- Shaw Organisation (2006) (Singapore) (theatrical)
- Sky Films (2006) (Philippines) (theatrical)
- Sony Pictures Releasing (2005) (Sweden) (theatrical)
- TOBIS Film (2005) (Germany) (theatrical)
- Alliance Atlantis Home Video (2007) (Canada) (DVD)
- Argentina Video Home (2006) (Argentina) (DVD)
- Argentina Video Home (2006) (Argentina) (VHS)
- DeA Planeta Home Entertainment (2005) (Spain) (all media)
- Dutch FilmWorks (DFW) (2006) (Netherlands) (DVD)
- Eagle Films (2005) (non-USA) (all media) (Middle East)
- Miramax Home Entertainment (2006) (USA) (DVD)
- Net5 (2008) (Netherlands) (TV) (first national airing)
- Nordisk Film (2006) (Sweden) (DVD)
- Tanweer Films (2012) (Bangladesh) (TV)
- Tanweer Films (2012) (Bhutan) (TV)
- Tanweer Films (2012) (India) (TV)
- Tanweer Films (2012) (Nepal) (TV)
- Tanweer Films (2012) (Pakistan) (TV)
- Tanweer Films (2012) (Sri Lanka) (TV)
Special Effects:
- Custom Film Effects (visual effects) (titles and digital opticals)
Visual Effects by:
MPAA: Rated PG-13 for some violence including domestic abuse, and language
Filmography links and data courtesy of The Internet Movie Database
This is the third film from the director that I saw after Chocolat nCider Ho...I would not call this one a great piece of storytelling butI speak entirely for myself when I say, the characters do not let yougo, while you watch this movie. And that is something. Each characterand player when he/she is on screen is telling you so many things at atime that you get completely engrossed in their story.
ReplyDeleteJennifer Lopez plays a single mother running away from herabusive(typical) boy friend Damian Lewis and has no where to go but toher Father-in-law who hates her. Father-in-law is of course RobertRedford who is not looking forward to anything in life, and his onlyreal purpose in living seems to be to take care of his wounded friendMorgan Freeman. There is Bear which wounded Freeman and is the terrorelement in the otherwise peaceful Wyoming (smashing locales) town andthere is Josh Lucas the love interest/sheriff for Jenny's Cinderella.There is débutant Becca Gardner the even-tempered daughter of Jenny's.Camrein Maynheim (The Practice) has a supporting role. And there Ifinish the list of principal characters in the movie.
Now why I am taking pains to mention each one of them is because theyare who make this movie watchable. Especially Freeman,Gardner andRedford (in that order). Not that others do a bad job. But these threeprovide all the entertainment. None of the characters are living inwhat we would call normal circumstances in any way. At the same timethere is nothing new about the story they are telling. It is just theway they go about telling it. Unhurriedly, through gestures andexpressions, breathing life into these stereotypes. There is redemptionfor everyone involved and that is expected. But the story manages toteach you something, and not in a very persuasive manner. That is theredeeming feature of the movie and may be that is the flaw. It willfail to influence too many, some might even find it boring. But I guessthat is Okay because for the few viewers who like an optimistic storytold with compassionate characters played by expert actors, this one isworth watching.
In order to escape from the abusive boy-friend Gary Winston (DamianLewis), Jean Gilkyson (Jennifer Lopez) moves with her young daughterGriff Gilkyson (Becca Gardner) without previous notice to the ranch ofher father-in-law Einar Gilkyson (Robert Redford) in Wyoming. Jean andEinar are disaffected, since he blames her for the death of his belovedson in a car accident. Einar is taking care of his friend Mitch Bradley(Morgan Freeman), who was attacked and seriously wounded by a bear, andhe does not know that he has a grand-daughter. While Mitch heals hiswounds and forgives the bear, Einar also changes his feelings regardingJean, finally understanding that accidents happen and accepting her andloving his grand-daughter.
ReplyDelete"An Unfinished Life" is a beautiful tale of forgiveness, with the leadcharacters healing their wounds – Mitch, the ones provoked by a savagebear, and Einar his innermost feelings of loss. The cast has amazingperformances, showing the importance of a director of the weight ofLasse Halltröm: Robert Redford and Morgan Freeman are unanimity, but Imyself like a lot the versatile Jennifer Lopez and strongly believethat even the viewer that dislike her as actress must admit herexcellent performance in this touching film. Josh Lucas is a greatsupport actor and the favorable surprise is the performance of theyoung and unknown Becca Gardner. Although being a predictable storywithout any twist, this sensitive movie is highly recommended. My voteis eight.
Title (Brazil): "Um Lugar para Recomeçar" ("A Place to Restart")
I thought this was Redford's best acting by far. He keeps getting moretalented with age. He is my favorite actor. However, he seemed a littlewooden and unemotional in some of his past roles i.e. Out of Africa(even though this is one of my favorite Redford movies. The hairwashing scene is so sexy!). I was just so impressed with his portrayalof an angry and bitter man. He had a depth to his character that I'venever seen him convey before. If you're a Redford fan, you will trulyenjoy this gorgeous and thought provoking movie. I wish Redford wouldwin a Best Actor Oscar before he retires.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I think Morgan Freeman brings out the best in his fellow actors.He & Redford have excellent chemistry. Morgan is amazing. He has such aclassy and soulful spirit.
Everyone is perfectly cast in the movie. The little girl nearly stealsthe show from the seasoned actors. It's a must see. I'm looking forwardto owning this movie.
As I write this review, I think of why I actually decided to see thismovie. I came to the realization that it was to see Robert Redford, andMorgan Freeman - two top-notch, class actors. That said, along with thefact that I'm not a very big fan of Jennifer Lopez's, I thought thepresence of Redford, and Freeman would be enough to enjoy this movie. Iwas wrong, not that either Redford, or Freeman's performances werenothing less than excellent, but the job done by Becca Gardner wasespecially wonderful. In fact, in my opinion, she stole the show.Gardner's portrayal of the Griff Gilkyson character was a special oneindeed. And yes I must admit, I even enjoyed Jennifer Lopez in thismovie. All in all, a very solid movie that I enjoyed so much. And thebest part, it was NOT a remake.. thankfully !!
ReplyDeleteThis is a well done movie and I do believe if more people would go seeit they would agree. Its a great family relationship movie and Redfordas usual is great he can underplay his role and get more out of it thansome actors and his relationship with Morgan Freeman is so typical oftwo old guys tolerating each other. The young girl however steals themovie from her adult counterparts and brings a warmth to her part notseen that often anymore. Jennifer Lopez is good but she is outshone bythe others who slowly build up a good family togetherness. Of coursethen there is a bear thrown into the middle and "Bart" of course isgood as he has been in other movies he has been in.
ReplyDeleteRobert Redford, Morgan Freeman, and eye candy, J. Lo., along with adelightful young new comer Becca Gardener and a believable story, andyou have an honest to goodness story of real people dealing with reallife.
ReplyDeleteMany will see it as a soap opera.
As you look back at the projects Redford has been involved with, yousee continuity. He likes to look into the lives of "ordinary people"living simple normal lives. No cheap tricks here. Just an honest story.
Jean Gilkyson, (J. Lo) the young, widowed and down and out of luckdaughter-in-law of Einar Gilkyson (Redford) is a battered woman inIowa. She and her 11 year old daughter Griff escape her abusive boyfriend (Lewis) from Iowa and manage to reach the dumpy Wyoming ranch ofher once father-in-law. No love is lost between the two as he blamesher for the untimely death of his son. (No Spoilers here!) Predictably,there is conflict and drama between the two. Add in the wonderfulsupporting act of Morgan Freeman as the ailing ranch hand living in anearby cabin, a bit of romance between J. Lo. and the local sheriff,the appearance, disappearance and reappearance of the abusive boyfriendfrom Iowa along with the absolutely delightful performance of BeccaGardner whose eyes will mesmerize you and, "Bart the Bear" and you havewell spent time and money.
-Enjoy
I saw a preview of this movie last night. I have been an admirer ofboth Redford and Freeman for years. They are a marvelous team. I wasmoved by their banter and by the the caring relationship that is aresult of forty years of friendship. Both give Oscar-worthyperformances. Jennifer Lopez was surprisingly good as the victim ofdomestic abuse. The little girl who played her daughter was alsoexcellent.
ReplyDeleteAs my sister and I left the theater, a woman with a clipboard wasasking for comments. We both said, "It was great." She answered,"That's what everybody is saying. They liked the story and the actors."
Don't miss this movie! We need more movies that focus on people, notexplosions, special effects and gore.
Margaret
Some films are able to capture subtleties in a pretty straightforwardmanner, and this is one of them. With the very capable support ofMorgan Freeman, a quite good Jennifer Lopez, and masterful work byRobert Redford, we're treated to a special film, a study of familyrelationships where things don't appear contrived or staged.
ReplyDeletePeople carry grudges and live with demons for many years; some areunable to even get rid of them. That's the case of Redford's character.Without a way to release himself, he has managed to create a prettymiserable existence for himself. The only redeeming moment arising fromthe relationship with his best friend.
Things are bound to change with the arrival of his daughter-in-law andthe granddaughter he never knew existed. The drama unfolds quite nicelyand our hearts are touched along the way. It's a quiet movie, full oflovely vistas and some intense drama. It doesn't pack the punch of"Million Dollar Baby", a film which it's bound to recall because of theFreeman's character dynamics. Give yourself a treat and enjoy Redfordin the comeback film of his career.
An Unfinished Life may be the sweetest movie you'll see this year, andcertainly the most beautiful. Take yourself to the theater, then lookforward to the DVD.
ReplyDeleteWe are treated to watch Robert Redford play a perfect curmudgeon,crusty, craggy, a rancher named Einar Gilkyson, in his 60's who has alot to do every day. His first duty is to take care of his best friendand long time cowboy buddy, Mitch Bradley, played by Morgan Freeman.Then he gets to milk the cows. Their friendship carries the filmthrough the ups and downs of life, with Mitch as the guiding light toEinar's disgruntled reality.
Unable to pull her own life together, Einar's daughter-in-law arriveswith Einar's granddaugther in tow, needing a temporary place to stay.Jennifer Lopez plays Jean, and her daughter, Giff, is well played byBecca Gardner. The daughter-in-law is immediately rejected by Einar,still feeling the loss of his son and blaming her for it. They stay anyway, and the story develops their lives as the four of them work outtheir differences while living on the ranch in a stunningly beautifulvalley. Josh Lucas plays the local sheriff, a handsome man that remindsone of the younger Robert Redford. He gives spark to Lopezs characterwhile being a complete gentleman.
An Unfinished Life brings a man and a bear together to acknowledge eachothers strengths, and brings an unhappy, bitter man to realize that hestill has an amazing family right in front of him. Appreciation andforgiveness, along with some adversity, show us that unity is stillpossible even given previous misunderstandings and alienation's.
Every one in the film does a good job, and you feel like you have justvisited the ranch and had dinner with these characters, and you want togo back for breakfast. The relationships in this film are realistic andintelligent, not sappy nor Hollywood glossy.
This is a wonderful film and it is a great delight to watch Redford,Freeman, Lopez, Lucas and Gardner play their parts in such gorgeousscenery. There is plenty of humor in the film, and an honest look athow we work out our emotional dilemmas and hang ups and eventuallybring out the best in ourselves, often by being around someone else'sbest.
You will feel bested yourself, for watching this fine film. Complimentsespecially to Robert Redford and Morgan Freeman, a dynamic duo. Theyare a perfect compliment to each other, and their maturity is a greatbonus to the film.
I have to say that within the past two years I've hard both positiveand negative comments on the film adaptation of the book "An UnfinishedLife". I for one was extremely interested upon hearing that a movie wasbeing done with Jennifer Lynn Lopez, Robert Redford, and the brilliantMorgan Freeman. This cast for years have entertained me throughsplendid movies such as Selena, Out of Sight, The Way We Were, andMillion Dollar Baby. Although very aware of the skepticiscm of havingLa Lopez in a film with Oscar performing co-stars, would prove to showones stubbornness. Lopez gives a knockout performance and I wouldchallenge anyone who says she was miscast for this role. Isn't it thejob of the actor to travel outside of their character, and convey thefeelings of another. I don't think much is needed to be said aboutRedford's and Morgan's heartbreaking performances. Lasse Halstrom hasoutdone himself again, he has brought justice to the splendid novel byMark Spragg. I trust all of you will give this Oscar worthy movie ashot, before you draw any of your conclusions. 'An Unfinished Life'reminds me of an old family western, filled with heart and emotion.This coming from a guy whose never in his life has been quite so fondof the wild west.
ReplyDelete