Review of An Unfinished Life (2005) by David M — 13 Oct 2014
Movies based on books can be successful; Harry Potter et. al. or abysmal; take your pick. This movie struggles to carry the multi-track format of the book, but does an excellent job of presenting the challenges of forgiveness.
It's always easier to forgive someone else than to forgive yourself. It's always hard to accept forgiveness because it requires acceptance of the need for it first. All the characters in this story are on hold because of their need for forgiveness; given and accepted.
Each is broken or wounded in their own way and unable to heal, in part, because of a need to forgive - really forgive - and live in that forgiveness. Some of the story may be a bit simplistic, even predictable, but don't we all see what's going on in others better than we see it in ourselves? There are a couple scenes that elicit self-righteousness, but even then, there is a measuredness that challenges the viewer to recognize themselves in the characters - or their potential to be the characters.
Not an easy film, but well worth watching, especially if you can take the time to think about it afterward.
This review of An Unfinished Life (2005) was written by David M on 13 Oct 2014.
An Unfinished Life has generally received positive reviews.
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