An Unfinished Life
By Cynthia Fuchs,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Sentimental drama; not likely to interest kids.
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What's the Story?
AN UNFINISHED LIFE centers on stoic, stubborn, and stuck in his ways Einar Gilkyson, a Wyoming rancher who spends his days milking cows, tinkering with his ancient pickup, or porch-sitting with his best friend Mitch (Morgan Freeman). Einar's grief and anguish stems from the death of his son in a car accident some 12 years ago. He's never forgiven his son's wife, Jean (Jennifer Lopez), who was at the wheel. Shortly after the accident, she left town and never looked back. But when Jean decides to leave her abusive boyfriend, she lands on Einar's porch-step with Griff (Becca Gardner), her daughter with Einar's dead son. Griff quickly wins Einar over. In Griff, Mitch recognizes the chance at new life for Einar. Mitch works to bring them together as a family, even though Einar and Jean resist reconciliation.
Is It Any Good?
Although this movie is sentimental with heavy-handed symbolism, it features a fine performance by Robert Redford. As he did in his wonderful movie My Life as a Dog, Lasse Hallström pays special attention to the experiences of a child.
The film's literally looming metaphor for forgiveness is the grizzly that Mitch calls "my bear." Wise, kind, and crusty-cozy, Mitch is the sort of role for which Freeman is best known and rewarded (in affect and inflection, he's related to Freeman's character in Million Dollar Baby).
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the theme of forgiveness. The characters are split between those who feel guilty, angry, and unforgiving (Jean and Einar, her father-in-law), and those more open to forgiveness (the girl, Griff and Mitch, the bear's victim): how do all the characters come to appreciate the difficulties endured by the others, and so begin to understand their responses? How does the bear figure as a metaphor for "accidents" and for forgiveness? How might Einar or Jean have found other ways to express their grief and sense of guilt?
Movie Details
- In theaters: September 9, 2005
- On DVD or streaming: July 27, 2021
- Cast: Jennifer Lopez , Morgan Freeman , Robert Redford
- Director: Lasse Hallstrom
- Inclusion Information: Female actors, Latino actors, Black actors
- Studio: Miramax
- Genre: Drama
- Run time: 107 minutes
- MPAA rating: PG-13
- MPAA explanation: some violence including domestic abuse, and language
- Last updated: September 28, 2023
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