I recently had the good fortune to stumble on a masterpiece. In 2005, Robert Redford put together a film that lingers with its messages, subtlety, honesty, and beauty.
No spoiler, my inquisitive viewers, but just imagine the acting power when you put together the Sundance Kid himself, the gravely-voiced Morgan Freeman, and the stunning Jennifer Lopez.
The plot is simple. Jennifer is the daughter-in-law of Robert, and she has been gone the past ten years. She has struggled with men and tried to be a good single mother. Down on her luck, she meanders back to Redford's place...which, as you will guess, is a ranch. Redford DOES the outdoors! Morgan Freeman plays a ranch hand who is injured and hangs out on the property.
The conflicts? Redford as father-in-law can't forgive his daugther-in-law for being at the wheel when his son died. He also can't forgive himself for being too drunk to help his farm hand when a bear mauled him. Imagine themes of guilt, anger, and love... Put them in a big cauldron, stir well, and presto! With three fantastic stars and a great script, you've got film magic.
Don't miss the symbolism of the bear. The wild animal that wanders the town is a metaphor for so many emotions.
A for top notch. A fantastic piece of work....with no wanton violence or sex!
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