Review of Tender Mercies (1983) by Todd D — 10 Sep 2010

For Fans Of: Redemption, Honky Tonk, Oscar performances.

Date Night: Nope.

Art Factor: Medium.

Fun Factor: Low.

Emotional Factor: High.

Intelligence Required: Low.

Essential Viewing: Yes.

I really hate that I saw this AFTER I saw Crazy Heart. I know that isn't fair to either film, but life is not fair. Both Duvall and Bridges won Best Actor Oscars playing broke down drunk country singers. Which performance is better? That I will leave up to you. But as far as movies go, this one just isn't as good as Crazy Heart. Tender Mercies is great, don't get me wrong, it just isn't the best movie about drunken country singers that win Oscars. I filed it under essential though because the performance given by Duvall is just that damn good and should not be missed.