Review of Half Nelson (2006) by Nick H — 29 Oct 2008

Films like these are the reason I want to make movies. this effort never hits a false note in its entire running time, and everything in it rings with such dense truth that it's unforgettable. Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck have written and directed a gritty American masterpiece that everyone should see.

every line of dialogue hits home and every frame is filled with brilliance. the entire cast is in top form, from Gosling's career-defining performance as Dan Dunne, to Shareeka Epps absolutely perfect portrayal of Drey, to Anthony Mackey's wonderful embodiment of Frank.

this movie is what nuanced, subtle filmmaking is all about. it is too good for flashy moments of superfluous drama, and that makes for a much more rewarding experience. everything it shows, it earns and then some.

and if I were to ignore the music by Broken Social Scene, I have committed a crime. they fill the film with wonderful music, personalizing it even more. the sad thing about films like Half Nelson is that hardly anyone has seen them, or even knows about them.

I urge anyone who hasn't seen this wonderful, emotionally engaging film to see it immediately, and if you have seen it, watch it again.