Review of Please Give (2010) by Valerie P — 10 Oct 2011

It is a solid character driven movie, loved it. superb movie which made me cry towards the end-lol. A strong ensemble piece anchored by Catherine Keener, the movie is a funny and plausible reading of the neuroses of a functional, likable but in-pain group of working middle class New Yorkers. What's most positive and enjoyable about the film is the desire of its characters to deal with their problems even when they're not aware they're doing it. But a natural striving to consciousness takes hold because they're all just open enough to admit they don't have all the answers. Watching them on a path that ineluctably carries them to self-awareness, and then each other, is one of the great movie pleasures of this year. Holofcener matures into a filmmaker that not only has a keen sense humanity but also of pulling out some of the most honest work from her cast. Amanda Peet, Rebecca Hall, Ann Morgan Guilbert, Oliver Pratt and Sarah Steele are so believable in their roles, it's almost like they characters really do exist. "Please Give" is nothing but sweet, true and well made. Hands down one of the best of 2010.

Please Give is an almost perfectly rendered slice of life, buoyant with wonderful performances.