Review of Still Mine (2012) by Panta O — 26 Sep 2013

This was unexpectedly gorgeous Canadian romantic drama which was originally released under the title Still at the 2012 Toronto International Film Festival. Written and directed by Michael McGowan based on a true story, the film stars James Cromwell as Craig Morrison. His story is set in rural St. Martins, New Brunswick and he is a farmer living with a wife losing her memory. He decides to build a new house that caring for her can be more manageable but he has to battle a government bureaucrat (Jonathan Potts). The battle for the right to build a new house for his ailing wife Irene (Geneviève Bujold) is almost becoming ridiculous because the government keeps demanding compliance with the building laws without even checking the house... the certificats and stamps are more important than human life!

It is a warm story of a senior love with the realities of aging that falls right in the middle, no excess on sweetness. I think that most seniors and families affected by Alzheimer's will find much to identify with and to enjoy even more... I use to be a carer for a person affected by it and I know how frustrating could be, testing all boundaries.

It seems that the critics agree with me because the film garnered seven nominations at the 2013 Canadian Screen Awards, including Best Picture, Best Actor (Cromwell), Best Actress (Bujold), Best Original Screenplay (McGowan), Best Cinematography (Brendan Steacy), Best Editing (Roderick Deogrades) and Best Original Score (Hugh Marsh, Don Rooke and Michelle Willis). Cromwell won the award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role.

If you like good acting, true story with its ups and downs, and a real love between two people being together over 60 years, please check this film which is for everyone who doesn't believe in bureaucracy!