Beginners
Rating: 8/10
Cast: Melanie Laurent, Ewan McGregor, Christopher Plummer, Goran Visnjic
Director: Mike Mills
Sad, sweet, melancholy and extremely moving, Beginners sees Ewan McGregor as Oliver,dealing with his father's death (played brilliantly by Christopher Plummer)from cancer.
Just 5 years before his death, his dad came out and began a new lease of life at 75 with a younger man (ER's Visnjic) ;and it's this which inspires Oliver to do the same as he starts a cautious courtship with Anna (Melanie Laurent).
With flashbacks interspersed with some wry narrative tricks and snapshots of life then and now, Mike Mills has made a truly warm and affectionate picture which is subtle and astoundingly good. McGregor's barely been better and Laurent is the perfect romantic foil for him. This is a romatic pair who work really well together and the warmth of the narrative hits you in the heart when you least expect it.
Swinging back and forth helps it all come together and the end could see you in tears.
Plus throw in a cute dog as well who says it all in subtitles, and it's easy to see why this is recommended. Quirky, heartfelt, endearing and human, it's a rare treat late in the year and one which should be relished and cherished.
