Review of Manchester by the Sea (2016) by Saintsfan1255 — 25 Nov 2016

I have never cried and laughed at the same time in a film, however, there is a first time for everything. Kenneth Lonergan's Manchester by the Sea is easily the best film this year. I guess I should start with the acting, which is also the best this year.

Casey Affleck shines in his role as Lee, a grieving uncle/brother with a dark past. I am not one who can see the future but I can easily say that Affleck will be getting a best actor nomination if not win best actor.

Among the other future nominees, Lucas Hedges is a welcome surprise in his role as Patrick, Lee's nephew. Finally, Michelle Williams will probably be getting a best supporting actress nomination in her role as Randie.

The acting in this film is impeccable and it definitely helps it destroy you emotionally. Another stand out is the writing, people are probably saying that this is the saddest film this year but they forget the fact that the film has a lot of humor.

The humor is very unique in that its a stinging humor, every joke has an insult behind it (which is great). The direction and the cinematography is amazing and really adds to the amazing sense of place that this film has.

You can really tell where you are (I don't really know how to explain it but it's good). Overall, this film is unlike many that are made these days. It doesn't spoon feed you exposition, it lets you come to conclusions on your own and it is very rewarding.

Also, the film doesn't have a linear storyline yet it all makes sense. And like life, it doesn't have some perfect ending where everyone's happy, it is real and it feels as such. In closing, it would be a disservice to oneself not to see this movie because it is unequivocally the best film this year.