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Based on a novel by Mark Spragg, this modest, unassuming little drama with a striking A-list cast slipped into theatrical release last year almost entirely unheralded, wowing neither critics nor moviegoers. Yet, An Unfinished Life’s merits were not lost on those who took a chance and discovered this well-made story of redemption and forgiveness. Robert Redford stars as a reclusive Wyoming rancher who ignores his spread and tends to his solitary employee (Morgan Freeman), who is crippled and in constant pain after being mauled by a bear that still roams the countryside. Both men are surprised by the unexpected arrival of the rancher’s daughter-in-law (Jennifer Lopez), whom the old man blames for the accidental death of his son a decade earlier. Upon learning that she and his granddaughter are trying to escape her abusive boyfriend, the rancher reluctantly offers them shelter -- and a long, slow healing process begins. Director Lasse Hallstrom (The Cider House Rules), an expert in the depiction of dysfunctional families, wisely allows his actors to define their characters with subtlety. Redford at times comes perilously close to turning his grizzled, bitter, taciturn old-timer into a caricature, but he always manages to pull back just in time. Freeman’s feisty sidekick is cut from familiar cloth, but that fine actor invests him with dignity and resolve. No less effective is Lopez, whose well-modulated performance belies her current reputation as a media-manufactured diva of limited ability. She’s capable of fine work, and that’s readily apparent here. Also worth mentioning is young newcomer Becca Gardner, who plays Lopez’s daughter beautifully and more than holds her own in scenes with old pro Redford. Ed Hulse

All Movie Guide

Two generations of a damaged family are brought together in this emotional drama. Einar Gilkyson (Robert Redford) was a once successful rancher whose spread went to seed after he developed a serious drinking problem. Now on the wagon, Einar looks after what's left of his spread with his friend Mitch (Morgan Freeman), a one-time cowhand who never fully recovered after being mauled by a bear. Einar once had a son named Griffin, but he died in a car wreck while Griffin's wife, Jean (Jennifer Lopez), was driving; Einar never forgave her for the death, and he had never met the granddaughter she was carrying until she arrived at his doorstep 11 years later. Jean has become involved with a violent man named Gary (Damian Lewis), and seeks refuge on Einar's ranch for the safety of her daughter, Griff (Becca Gardner). Einar reluctantly takes in Jean and Griff, giving them a place to stay as Jean looks for work and tries to put her life back together. But old trouble makes its way back to town in two ways -- Gary tracks down Jean and wants to make her pay for leaving him, while the bear who attacked Mitch comes down from the mountains looking for new prey. An Unfinished Life was adapted from the novel of the same name by Mark Spragg. Mark Deming

Product Details

• UPC: 786936278118
• Source: MIRAMAX
• Region Code: 1
• Presentation: Wide Screen
• Sound: Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround
• Language: English, Français
• Subtitles: Español
• Time: 1:48:00
• Sales Rank: 2,315

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