Flash Movie Review: Manchester by the Sea
FOR many people only fond memories resurface when they travel back to their old neighborhood. The discount store that had the best penny candies, the shoe store with the jovial shoe clerk who told the best stories, the house where one’s best friend lived; there could be many places that bring a smile to one’s face. But not everyone may have a similar experience when they go back home. There are some people who tentatively traverse the streets that are fraught with landmines of dark emotions. RECENTLY I had to travel back to my old neighborhood, the place where I grew up. The street I lived on looked the same except several houses on the block were painted in different colors. The tree in the alley next to my home, where I would climb up to hide, was no longer there; it was replaced with recently poured concrete to add parking spaces. My secret place to hide at school was in one of its parking lots; it was still there. I would wait inside until I felt everyone in the school had gone home for the day, before venturing out from it. Driving east I passed a place that was a few houses down from a relative’s place. That spot nearby was where one time I did not get to their home in time before being attacked. I continued on until the street ended at the beach. Here is where I started developing my creative side, building elaborate sand castles and forts. Alas, some of them were meant to fall once the tide came in. No matter which way one looks at it, each neighborhood has its share of good and bad memories. RETURNING home due to the death of his brother Joe, played by Kyle Chandler (The Wolf of Wall Street, Zero Dark Thirty); Lee Chandler, played by Casey Affleck (Out of the Furnace, The Finest Hours), was stunned to find out he was made the guardian of Joe’s son Patrick, played by Lucas Hedges (Moonrise Kingdom, Kill the Messenger). There was a problem, Lee did not want to move back home. This film festival winning drama had some of the best acting I have seen this year. Casey, Lucas and Michelle Williams (My Week with Marilyn, Blue Valentine) as Randi Chandler were so good together that my heart ached. The atmosphere for this movie was one of sadness and depression; however, the script was smartly written to allow Patrick to act like a typical high school boy. I enjoyed the scenery of the east coast and never felt the camera work was intrusive. There were a couple of spots where I found the story deflated a bit, but seriously the acting in this picture could get a few nominations this awards season. Let me reiterate this was not a happy story; but it was a moving experience, especially the way the story unfolded. Even if the distance is far, it would be worth your time to travel over to the neighborhood in this winning film.
3 2/3 stars
Posted on November 30, 2016, in Drama and tagged 3 2/3 stars, casey affleck, death, drama, film festival winner, guardian, kyle chandler, lucas hedges, michelle williams. Bookmark the permalink. 9 Comments.
A friend recommended this movie to me on the basis of me being able to relate to it (my two oldest brothers are dead) but actually that being the premise of the movie put me off a bit precisely because it is such emotive territory for me. However, having had the movie brought to my attention, I have been hearings lots of great buzz about it including that it could be a strong contender come awards season. I won’t be able to go to the cinema to see it anyway but will try to catch it when I can on the small screen.
Jordan,
Everyone else gave it 4 stars! 🙂
Great to see you.
Terry
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It was fun bumping into you for this film. What can I say but i am tough? Would you give it 4 stars?
I don’t mind dark movies from time to time…as long as they are good.
This is one that needs to be seen. Thanks for the comment.
I really want to see this movie.
Thank you for the comment. I hope you get to see it; last week it was only at a couple of theaters in my city.
I’m glad you liked it, as I must admit to some ambivalence. I kept waiting for something original to happen, something unexpected, but the narrative arc was visible within the first quarter and even Affleck’s brilliant acting and fabulous cinematography did not lift the story beyond cliches.
I did find out after that many people expressed the book was better, which is the usual case for me.
Thank you for your comments, I appreciate it.