An Unfinished Life

Plot synopsis:
One year ago, a wild bear stole a calf from Mitch (Morgan Freeman) and Einar’s (Robert Redford) ranch. The two friends attempted to save the calf, but the bear viciously attacked Mitch — and because Einar was drunk, he failed to save him from serious injury. The bear escaped into the mountains.
A year later, Mitch’s wounds still cause him constant pain. Einar cares for Mitch daily, giving him morphine injections, food and friendship. He leans his guilt on emotional crutches, while Mitch struggles to walk with a cane. The bear later returns to forage for food in town — and around the same time, Einar’s long-lost daughter-in-law Jean (Jennifer Lopez) shows up on his doorstep.
Sheriff Crane Curtis (Josh Lucas) captures the bear and displays him in the town zoo. Jean and her daughter Griff (Becca Gardner) move in with Einar and Mitch. Einar’s son, Griffin, had moved away and married Jean years ago, causing a rift in the family that snapped when Griffin died in a car accident. Tension mounts between Einar and Jean because both are still grieving for Griffin.
Since Griffin died, Jean has fallen into a series of abusive relationships. She moved in with Einar to escape her latest abusive boyfriend, Gary (Damian Lewis), but like the bear, her past will return to haunt her. Jean slowly falls in love with Sheriff Curtis, but little Griff can’t open up to him or trust him because of Jean’s bad experiences.
Jean starts working at a local coffee shop. There she befriends Nina, another waitress (Camryn Manheim), who helps her understand Einar’s gruff ways and dark past.
Tensions in the family continue to build. One night, Gary arrives to harass Jean and Griff. He and Einar have an explosive confrontation that pushes Einar to the brink.
Einar returns to the ranch and demands that Jean tells him how Griffin died. Jean says they flipped a coin to determine who would drive — she lost. At 3 a.m., the two tired souls set out for the last leg of their trip. Jean fell asleep at the wheel. The car flipped six times. Griffin died, but Jean survived and discovered she was pregnant with Griff. When he learns the truth about why his son was ripped from him too soon, Einar says they’ll have to talk about Jean moving out. Jean says she’s through talking. The next morning she takes Griff with her and leaves to stay with Nina. Griff, who loves her grandfather as the first strong male figure in her life, runs back to the ranch alone. Einar and Mitch teach her to be a real Wyoming cowgirl.
Einar meets Jean at the diner and invites her to come back and live with him and Griff after a camping trip. The camping trip is cover for carrying out a request from Mitch to set the bear who handicapped him free. The plan does not go off without a hitch as Griff accidentally knocks the gearshift lever into neutral while Einar is luring the bear into the cage, freeing the bear who attacks Einar. Griff drives Einar to the hospital, where he and Jean attempt to reconcile. Back at the ranch, Mitch survives a peaceful confrontation with the bear from his past. It flees to the mountains where it belongs.
Gary makes one last attempt to drag Jean and Griff back “home”; this ends with Einar beating him up and tossing him on a bus out of town. In the final scene, Einar affectionately talks with one of his cats, who throughout the whole story he coldly ignored. Griff then invites Sheriff Curtis for lunch. All is well as Mitch narrates the last seconds of the story, describing to Einar, his dreams of flying above the earth and coming to understand things about life.

Tags: thought-provoking, violence, cute, romantic

Review:
Appreciation and forgiveness, along with some adversity, show us that unity is still possible even given previous misunderstandings and alienation's.Every one in the film does a good job, and you feel like you have just visited the ranch and had dinner with these characters, and you want to go back for breakfast.
The relationships in this film are realistic and intelligent, not sappy nor Hollywood glossy.This is a wonderful film and it is a great delight to watch Redford, Freeman, Lopez, Lucas and Gardner play their parts in such gorgeous scenery.
With the very capable support of Morgan Freeman, a quite good Jennifer Lopez, and masterful work by Robert Redford, we're treated to a special film, a study of family relationships where things don't appear contrived or staged.People carry grudges and live with demons for many years; some are unable to even get rid of them.
In order to escape from the abusive boy-friend Gary Winston (Damian Lewis), Jean Gilkyson (Jennifer Lopez) moves with her young daughter Griff Gilkyson (Becca Gardner) without previous notice to the ranch of her father-in-law Einar Gilkyson (Robert Redford) in Wyoming.
While Mitch heals his wounds and forgives the bear, Einar also changes his feelings regarding Jean, finally understanding that accidents happen and accepting her and loving his grand-daughter."An Unfinished Life" is a beautiful tale of forgiveness, with the lead characters healing their wounds  Mitch, the ones provoked by a savage bear, and Einar his innermost feelings of loss.
The cast has amazing performances, showing the importance of a director of the weight of Lasse Halltröm: Robert Redford and Morgan Freeman are unanimity, but I myself like a lot the versatile Jennifer Lopez and strongly believe that even the viewer that dislike her as actress must admit her excellent performance in this touching film.
Its a great family relationship movie and Redford as usual is great he can underplay his role and get more out of it than some actors and his relationship with Morgan Freeman is so typical of two old guys tolerating each other.
I for one was extremely interested upon hearing that a movie was being done with Jennifer Lynn Lopez, Robert Redford, and the brilliant Morgan Freeman.
That said, along with the fact that I'm not a very big fan of Jennifer Lopez's, I thought the presence of Redford, and Freeman would be enough to enjoy this movie.
Each character and player when he/she is on screen is telling you so many things at a time that you get completely engrossed in their story.Jennifer Lopez plays a single mother running away from her abusive(typical) boy friend Damian Lewis and has no where to go but to her Father-in-law who hates her.
Father-in-law is of course Robert Redford who is not looking forward to anything in life, and his only real purpose in living seems to be to take care of his wounded friend Morgan Freeman.
Robert Redford and Morgan Freeman were excellent as always they are, Jennifer Lopez and her daughter role who played were also so good.One of a best cast movie which brought a new life from its original book.
(Robert Redford.) His life is a solitary one as he goes about his ranch, tending horses, cattle and his best friend Mitch Bradley (Morgan Freeman)who blames no one for his unfortunate encounter with a Grizzly Bear, which left him an invalid.
Morgan Freeman is so gifted...words escape me.I think it's true that both of them play roles that have a high degree of themselves in them, but that's OK, I like them or who I perceive them to be.Lopez, if you can watch her on screen and forget about her personal life that she shamelessly sells and lives publicly, is a reasonably good actress.
Morgan Freeman plays the same type of supporting character we all loved in "Million Dollar Baby" (which I think was the best movie of the year so far), to this one.
Some scenes, like when Einer talks to his son, or when he tries to let go of the tragedy he considers is his life, or the scenes where he and Mitch, Freeman, remind us of their brilliant talent, are truly genuine, sincere, wonderful and truly special.One of the most pleasantly surprising elements of the movie is Jennifer Lopez.
It's a simple theme that "works" because it's so universal (we all shut down in some areas of our life) and because it's told with such an engaging story.Morgan Freeman has a very interesting role, and Jennifer Lopez turns in a surprisingly good performance as a battered mom.The writing is great -- understated, terse -- especially the dialogue between Redford and Freeman, which captures the deep bonds of two old friends who are not about to state their feelings for each other directly.
In this very fine film AN UNFINISHED LIFE the setting is the vastness of Wyoming, in a town where everyone knows everyone and remembers everything, but the townsfolk also hold a profound respect for privacy and personal pain.Einar Gilkyson (Robert Redford) is a man in his 60's whose son was killed in an automobile accident eleven years ago, an accident in which this son's wife Jean (Jennifer Lopez) was driving.
Redford finally comes to grip with reality, thanks in part to his granddaughter, and accepts both daughter-in-law and granddaughter as part of his family Morgan Freeman plays Redford's friend and ranch hand who has been mauled by a bear.
Nothing happened but everything is changed thereafter.Morgan Freeman (e.g. moments before the bear),Robert Redford, Becca Gardner, Jennifer Lopez..
Robert Redford has given up on life and spends his time taking care of his ranch hand, played by Morgan Freeman, who was attacked by a grizzly.
Redford and freeman have not disappointed me in the past and i do not expect to ever see a film by them that is not worth watching.Now, add in the fact that we have Jennifer Lopez playing Redford's daughter-in-law, and the person he blames for the death of his son, showing up on his doorstep with his granddaughter, and you can expect some real sparks to fly and a Lifetime movie to result.
Cared for and tended to by Einar for many years.Jennifer Lopez, playing Jean, his daughter-in-law, shows up after a 12 year absence towing her eleven year old daughter, Griff, played by newcomer Becca Gardner in a wonderful performance.
Einar is hostile to this, he's always blamed Jean for killing his son in a tragic car accident.How all these disparate people heal and bond (Mitch has to forgive the bear who destroyed his life) is the crux of the story.Nothing is over-sentimentalized, the story is gently unwound under the able direction of Lasse Hallström who also delighted me in What's Eating Gilbert Grape - another engaging character study.Jennifer Lopez, against all my predictions, nails the role beautifully - and it is a tricky one, waxing between a saucy temptress and an abused woman with maternal instincts.There are a quite few telling moments in this film, made by understatement rather than the regulation Hollywood plank on the head.One is when Griff has thought she has figured out the relationship between Einar and Mitch and is very much alright with it and another where Einar tells Jean that a good child can only be produced in one way and says that isn't a compliment, it's just the way it is.Lovely gentle film.
If you like sweeping landscapes, beautiful music, brilliant performances (yes even Jennifer Lopez is credible) and Robert Redford doing what he does best, (although he is slightly more mean than usual) you will love this film as much as I do.
Robert Redford and Morgan Freeman are the obvious main talents in the film, but the ability of Jenifer Lopez, Josh Lucas and new comer Becca Gardner was glowing throughout the film.Set in the American desert, Robert Redford plays a man filled with anger due to the death of his son some 12 years ago.
Eventually after many attempts Redfords character warms to his her and tries to find it in him to forgive Jenifer Lopez at the same time.The film has beautiful scenery throughout, with horse riding and the odd bear An Unfinished Life is definitely a well made film from the maker of Chocolat.The storyline is basic with no twists or flashbacks which makes viewing far easier.
It's where her father-in-law Einar Gilkyson (Robert Redford) is residing.When Jean and her daughter arrived at Wyoming, they also met Einar's friend Mitch (Morgan Freeman) and the other residents of the neighbourhood.
I have become a true movie buff..living in the new england states and not having a lot to do,i became a movie watcher at home mainly..An unfinished life" is a very real and true account of how families should forgive..and if possible move on.it is both a sad movie,but a happy movie.I also like to see a bad guy get his just deserts.I understand where the character jean comes from, have been there done that with the wrong person, so it hit home a lot,and sadly children do suffer the chaos even in their adult lives when they witness what "Griff" witnessed with her mother,she was delightful in her innocent but grown up manner.Robert Redford i have always loved to watch his films,he always brings his character to life no matter what it is.I have seen JLO in a couple of similar movies,but i think this is her best work.Morgan Freeman as always is a great charismatic actor.He was the most centered one of the group seeing things as they are and should be.i have watched this movie so many times i can count,i have it taped for when i get the feeling of wanting to see it again,including the scenery, makes me want to be there in the vast wilderness.
The film starts out where Jean Gilkyson(Lopez) is being abused by her boyfriend Grey Winston(Damian Lewis), afterwords Jean and her daughter Gliff(Becca Gardner)leave to go to Jean's father-in-law Einar Gilkyson (Redford) in Wyoming.
While at the same time Einer is taking care of his friend Mitch Bradley (Morgan Freeman), who was attacked and seriously injured several years ago.The film captures the beauty of the Wyoming landscape and with great acting from the actors especially with Becca Gardner, Redford and Freeman, but surprisingly enough I give kudos to Jennifer Lopez.
It goes a little deeper than that by teaching us to be more understanding, more forgiving and more compassionate.Robert Redford and Morgan Freeman are two of my favorite actors and give wonderful performances.
My initial reaction after watching this movie was what a beautiful film visually and what a great story about love, acceptance and forgiveness.
I haven't read the book - didn't even know it was from a book but am a real fan of Morgan Freeman and Robert Redford so when I saw a preview of the movie while on business in the US I knew I had to see it before I left.
I saw it as a sneak preview which cost a little more but it was well worth the money and I was not disappointed.I was a little sceptical about JLo being in it but she did a pretty good job and any slack was definitely picked up by Freeman and Redford who both played excellent parts.I shall be reading the book and also be waiting for the movie to go to DVD.
Redford, Lopez, and Freeman did great jobs in ringing their characters to life.
"I think the dead forgive us our sins," Mitch says, his gentle wisdom inspiring Hallstrom's cast to let go of their hate.Despite a creaky performance by Lopez, "An Unfinished Life" features gorgeous location photography, palpable atmosphere and likable performances by Freeman and Redford, who play a couple of cantankerous old men.
It's not a very good movie but what may be called a goody-goody one which is worth to be seen and it has an excellent cast (Robert Redford, Jennifer Lopez and Morgan Freeman) who do a great performance..
A fractured family reconnects after Jean Gilkyson (Jennifer Lopez) shows up at father-in-law Einar's (Robert Redford's) now non-working ranch, and introduces him to his teenage granddaughter, Griff (Becca Gardner), whom he never knew.Jean and Griff arrive after a road trip in an attempt to escape Jean's battering boyfriend Gary Winston (Damian Lewis).
Unbeknownst to Einar, Jean was pregnant with Griff at the time of the accident.Other key players include Camryn Manheim as Nina, proprietress of a local coffee shop who offers Jean employment and takes her in after a fall-out with Einar, and Josh Lucas as Crane Curtis, the local sheriff who (can't you see this coming?) helps protect Jean when Gary shows up looking to resume their relationship, and who provides Jean with a potential new love interest.Finally, Morgan Freeman plays a pivotal role as Mitch Bradley, Einar's only family during the years of Jean's absence, and the gentle philosopher who makes Einer see the value in restoring his relationship with Jean and establishing one with Griff.
After What's eating Gilbert Grape?,director Lasse Hallstrom didn't do movies which were as good as that one(the best movie made by him after that great movie is The cider house rules,that it isn't great thing).But An unfinished life is one of the best movies directed by Hallstrom.This film is very fun and it has excellent performances from the great actors Robert Redford and Morgan Freeman.Jennifer Lopez made a very good performance on this movie.She really surprised me.Her last good performance had been on the great movie Out of sight.I totally recommend this great film because it has excellent performances and it's very fun.The only bad thing about this movie is that,in some parts,it's predictable..
Unfortunately I expected a little more from the likes of Robert Redford and Morgan Freeman in this film.
Regardless of your attitude that we are just sheep to be sheared of money I wanted to thank Morgan Freeman, Robert Redford and Jennifer Lopez (her best movie to date) for the wonderful story they helped create.
Lasse Halstrom's "An Unfinished Life" starring Robert Redford, Morgan Freeman, Jennifer Lopez, and Josh Lucas is a very well written, acted, and directed drama.
Robert Redford plays a good old grump, Morgan Freeman plays a good philosopher, and I must say Jennifer Lopez did pretty good herself, and Becca Gardner was wonderful as the strong spirited granddaughter!
All the actors including Jennifer Lopez, Robert Redford and especially Morgan Freeman where fantastic.
AN UNFINISHED LIFE gives us a story about two men (Robert Redford as Einar and Morgan Freeman as Mitch), and the examination of a loving relationship between friends, men who care for each other in a profound way but it's much more than that.This story begins with Einar's daughter-in-law, Jean (Jennifer Lopez), coming back to live on Einar and Mitch's Wyoming ranch.
And Griff for allowing her mother to remain in an abusive relationship too long.But once the family comes together, their disjointed nature takes on a sense of meaning for all of them, and their lives again move forward.Robert Redford plays his best role to date as the curmudgeon cowboy who doesn't forgive easily but has a loving nature tucked deep down inside.
This is a family story that delves deep into the meaning of letting life continue and how to allow healing in a time when it seems impossible.It's a great character movie with some of the more notable performances in a dramatic role that I've seen in quite a while..
The message is the same, the location different.An Unfinished Life takes advantage of signature acting of its main characters (Redford = rugged but kind, Freeman = Wise but cripple, Lopez = Slutty but righteous) and carries a predictable, non-challenging plot about a father loosing his son in an accident and having problems forgiving those involved in it.As any good mourning movie, it has the usual confrontation between the suffering and the culprit, the talking at the grave, the frozen in time dead son room, the help-me-get-thru-this drinking, everything.
Jean Gilkyson (Lopez) leaves her abusive boyfriend and goes with her daughter, Griff (Gardner), to live in Wyoming with her former father-in-law Einer (Redford).
The acting by Robert Redford, Morgan Freeman, Jennifer Lopez was superb.
Director Lasse Hallstrom's An Unfinished Life is a modern melodramatic oater whose plot once started can navigate on its own.Redford's Einer is a crusty old Wyoming cowboy taking care of a much milder buddy, Morgan Freeman's Mitch, who has been mauled by an ubiquitous brown bear.
Morgan Freeman, Robert Redford, Jennifer Lopez.
The story is about learning to forgive within former in-law lives with some abuse thrown in to keep it real.Morgan Freeman always demands the respect when he's on the big screen and he certainly deserves respect from this role.He plays a long time friend, like part of the family of Redfords.The two have some real on screen moments which makes you believe you're intruding while watching them sting each other with their verbal volleys and some of these lines are as funny as funny can be but in an odd way.This is a sign of great acting when you cringe every time the two bicker about how one another should have done this or that with their life (these two were also in "Brubaker" together).There are some very emotional moments and there is something to learn about all of us when we think the right thing to do is "never give in".
When we sit and watch your movies, my client said; I wish Jennifer Lopez and Robert Redford would star in my true based story of my life.
And, like that movie, it has performances by Redford, Freeman and Bart the Bear (a grizzly who figures prominently in the plot) that are Oscar worthy.It is a movie that leaves one thinking about the value of life and family and will surely be nominated come Oscar time..
She went to Wyoming with her teenager daughter to stay with her father-in-law, played by Robert Redford, who lives with his ranch helper, Morgan Freeman, mauled by a bear a year ago.