This wasn't what I expected at all, and terribly I almost didn't bother. I've not seen any of Mike Mills' previous films and I only heard of this one, like many, thanks to Christopher Plummer's Oscar win. With it the summary of the film "where a 75 year old man comes out as gay" made me expect a simple if risque "fish out of water" family comedy but I was delighted by what it turned out to be - a thoughtful, ingenious, sometimes melancholic indie romantic/comedy/drama that had me hooked in the first five minutes. McGregor gives one of the strongest, most endearing performances of his career, Melanie Laurent is gorgeous and understated, and Plummer is great indeed as the ailing father, but the real star is Mills' wonderful script and the ingenious, playful direction. There are so many wonderful things in this film; of course Albert the dog and his subtitled thoughts ("I can understand up to 150 words, but I can't talk") down to tiny but truthful details like Oliver repeating phrases he'd learnt as a boy from his mother to impress Anna. It's a film about the complexity of relationships with families and lovers, dealing with loss and making sense of love, and it does it movingly, intelligently and delightfully.
Very little seems to "happen" (and I put that in quotations for a reason) in this film but that is part of the point; it's a memory of the director's father, sweet and subtle and fading away. No massive drama. No bitterness. Just a lot of warmth between people trying to find their way through life (and death). I enjoyed it very much. And how darling was that scene of them roller skating through the Biltmore with Josephine Baker singing in the background? :)
An understated, quiet, simplistic and surprising gem of a film. "Beginners" is a pleasant ride from start to finish - helped along by the warm way it tells its story. Christopher Plummer is fine, but didn't particularly stand out in a film of fine performances - though, that being said, his role could have been awful in the hands of a less skilled performer. A real treatise on finding love and keeping it - but with a mildly off-putting and depressing edge. Some of the scenes looked a little dark and the score seemed to be limited to one piece of piano music that, while pleasant, grew tiresome. Overall, a lovely film that just needs to smile a touch more.
A beautiful piece really. I liked at a lot. Not only was the story good, but the pictures were SO my style. This kind of cinematography is my favorite.
@ediedoyle: I agree. I think you know a film is good when not a lot "happens" but you still like it, haha. The rollerskating seen was so good.
Amazing film. One of the best I've seen in theaters this year. Truly stunning and wonderful in all aspects -- acting, directing, editing, cinematography, blocking, the whole nine yards.
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Comments 1 - 15 of 23
dombrewer
This wasn't what I expected at all, and terribly I almost didn't bother. I've not seen any of Mike Mills' previous films and I only heard of this one, like many, thanks to Christopher Plummer's Oscar win. With it the summary of the film "where a 75 year old man comes out as gay" made me expect a simple if risque "fish out of water" family comedy but I was delighted by what it turned out to be - a thoughtful, ingenious, sometimes melancholic indie romantic/comedy/drama that had me hooked in the first five minutes. McGregor gives one of the strongest, most endearing performances of his career, Melanie Laurent is gorgeous and understated, and Plummer is great indeed as the ailing father, but the real star is Mills' wonderful script and the ingenious, playful direction. There are so many wonderful things in this film; of course Albert the dog and his subtitled thoughts ("I can understand up to 150 words, but I can't talk") down to tiny but truthful details like Oliver repeating phrases he'd learnt as a boy from his mother to impress Anna. It's a film about the complexity of relationships with families and lovers, dealing with loss and making sense of love, and it does it movingly, intelligently and delightfully.danisanna
Bittersweet and sad, yet lovely and endearing. Sweet little gem.indiastokers
It was really amazing, can't believe it isn't featured in the 2010's list.Joker of Gotham
One of my favourite romance movies of all time, I really enjoyed this movie with a lot of passion, Christopher Plummer is amazing, realy , really great in the movie, Ewan McGregor is one of my favourite of all time actors and he is also marvellous in the movie, Mélanie Laurent is beautifull and I will love to see more of her in the future, and Cosmo was also great4.25/5
ediedoyle
Very little seems to "happen" (and I put that in quotations for a reason) in this film but that is part of the point; it's a memory of the director's father, sweet and subtle and fading away. No massive drama. No bitterness. Just a lot of warmth between people trying to find their way through life (and death). I enjoyed it very much. And how darling was that scene of them roller skating through the Biltmore with Josephine Baker singing in the background? :)frankqb
An understated, quiet, simplistic and surprising gem of a film. "Beginners" is a pleasant ride from start to finish - helped along by the warm way it tells its story. Christopher Plummer is fine, but didn't particularly stand out in a film of fine performances - though, that being said, his role could have been awful in the hands of a less skilled performer. A real treatise on finding love and keeping it - but with a mildly off-putting and depressing edge. Some of the scenes looked a little dark and the score seemed to be limited to one piece of piano music that, while pleasant, grew tiresome. Overall, a lovely film that just needs to smile a touch more.CrumbThumber
liked it quite a bit.Earring72
Sweet, extremely well acted by all, endearing and moving drama!MathiasLaustrup
A beautiful piece really. I liked at a lot. Not only was the story good, but the pictures were SO my style. This kind of cinematography is my favorite.@ediedoyle: I agree. I think you know a film is good when not a lot "happens" but you still like it, haha. The rollerskating seen was so good.
NuclearPlanet
I Love the scene where Oliver is talking to the dog about the history of his breeding. Such a cute movie, and one of the bests of 2011.taylorannephotography
Beautifully made film.satisfythecrave
Amazing film. One of the best I've seen in theaters this year. Truly stunning and wonderful in all aspects -- acting, directing, editing, cinematography, blocking, the whole nine yards.CElia_
The soundtrack is just outrageous... Loved it.taliakathleen
Loved itpinkpatxi
Great filme!Showing items 1 – 15 of 23