| 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
Buy Used: $5.77
You Save: $12.22 (68%)
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Avg. Customer Rating:  118 reviews
Sales Rank: 7197
Format: Closed-captioned, Color, Dvd-video, Widescreen, Ntsc
Language: English (Original Language)
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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| Editorial Reviews:
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 113 more reviews...
 How do we learn how to forgive? May 31, 2008
[...]
How do we learn how to forgive? How can I forgive if the person is no longer here? No longer speaking, nowhere near, no grave to visit, no unknown granddaughter to bring us together, no bear which forces us to face our fears. How do we learn to Love?
Love this film, love the soundtrack, the music, the vistas, the views; I have watched it three times in a row right now. If only life could be like
this. How can we do it? Questions remain.
I personally did not like Robert Redford's character. His rage is outstanding, inappropriate and wrong. He is not much different than the young man that took his anger out on Jennifer. He just uses words with women and fists with men. In a normal place, he would be in jail for his behavior. The worst of it is that he isn't even drinking anymore, and his rage and violence remains. It's so "American" to make the hero an angry warmonger. Out of the entire cast and film, this was my only complaint. When Captain Call in Lonesome Dove (Tommy Lee Jones) behaved this way, at least he knew he had overreacted, and felt some sense of shame. Redford shows none. What did he learn about "accidents" and forgiveness and rage? That "the bad guy" still "deserves it?"
I could see Mickey Rourke acting in this part with the ice-cold smoldering anger he carries to his films, but Redford? Never. Didn't like it at all. The day would come all too soon when the daughter-in-law or granddaughter would do "something" to instigate his ire, and then LOOK OUT.
Everything else was fantastic, Freeman (of course), the young grand daughter, and Jennifer Lopez was excellent. She is one of the most underrated actors of her generation.
Great film and important story. Thanks to everyone concerned. Now if I just can just figure out how to do it for myself. "Face my bear" but what is his name? Where is he, except hungry & growling inside of me?
NOTE: Soundtrack by Deborah Lurie is FANTASTIC. I'm on my third "viewing" of the film just to listen to it again, until my CD comes!
 An Unfinished Life May 2, 2008
An Unfinished Life is very good and we certainly are enjoying it. Your service was great, much thanks.
What Chemistry! April 6, 2008
Robert Redford and Morgan Freeman directed by Lasse Hallestrom! I saw this movie on cable TV and had to add it to my collection. It was refreshing to see Redford play a country grandfather, though I have NO complaints when (as Tom Brokaw called him) The King of the Golden Boys. My next review, in fact, is The Sting. I am not a big fan of Jennifer Lopez, and her role could have been played by almost anyone. But with Hallestrom's direction, Lopez was palatable. Josh Lucas was a good supporting factor. A very nice surprise was the young girl who plays Lopez's daughter and Redford's granddaughter, Becca Gardner (I believe is her name). She was charming. In the bonus interview, one can really see Hallestrom's great direction, for Becca comments as a very young girl, but in the movie, he brings out a mature performance from her. It is marvelous to see chemistry between two unlikely actors like Robert Redford and Morgan Freeman, but it is there, and one can understand how these two actors have had such long and successful careers (trivia: these two were both in Brubaker). Excellent features, delivery, and condition.
DON'T MISS THIS-family friendly too March 26, 2008
especially if you are looking for a good story, great actors and a story of people who are all recovering from some kinds of wounds or hurts in life. maybe it just was not glitzy or sexy enough for Hollywood. I'd never heard of it until I stumbled across it. (Some blood and wounds depicted but fine for over 9 yrs. old.)
An Unfinished Life - My favorite movie! February 19, 2008
0 out of 2 found this review helpful
This movie is very moving, entertaining and humorous but is a real tear-jerker. It is definitely a feel good movie. I want to buy this movie for all my friends!An Unfinished Life
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