The closest thing I have seen to the perfect film. Wonderfully nuanced with incredibly deft touches, the film is perhaps the most touching in American cinematic history.

A very well crafted little film about generational differences and the treatment of the elderly. It has moments where you both sympathize with the parents and are frustrated by them and while the ending gets a little preachy, overall the film does the subject justice. It's far from a hard hitting film but it's quite enjoyable with it's little bits of interspersed comedy and the actors do a wonderful job with their roles.

Heartbreaking, but wonderful. Hard to believe that even back in 1937, people were treating their parents like unwanted nuisances -- I thought that was a trait we had just recently developed! I immediately wanted to call my folks after seeing this (but then remembered I had more important things to do).

Devastating yet inspiring

280

There are problems of logic with the actions some of the characters take -- e.g., why doesn't the old woman go to a retirement home in California so she could be near her husband? -- but all in all, the film is tightly woven and acted impeccably.

#280

Feels strangely ahead of its time in a couple of ways. I don't think it affected me as much as it affects most, but I still found it quite touching. It doesn't really get great until the couple meets up once again and spends a day together in the city.

Filled with sentiment yet rarely sentimental, this is a film about two occasionally irritating old people who have their blind spots and flaws, yet who are still enormously sympathetic. This is that rare Hollywood movie written for adults. Victor Moore is very good and Beulah Bondi is simply amazing.

You can't talk about this movie without seeming like a silly. Absolute masterpiece!

# 304

I kept trying to conceive of this as a quaint family portrait, dealing with issues of family values sentimentally but also interestingly and compellingly. The more the movie progressed the more I realized I was being assaulted with half-digested schmaltz, and quickly losing interest. It is arguably the precursor of Ozu's Tokyo Story, in which the sappiness is more subdued but which also underwhelmed me.

A moving (and depressing) story of how we treat our aging parents, the perfect thing to guilt you up. You could call this an American version of Tokyo Story, and I'd be surprised if it wasn't an influence on Ozu. Other than the wonderful performances by Victor Moore and Beulah Bondi, there's nothing spectacular about the film, but it is very realistic, honest, and sensitive. The ending is one of the most touching scenes I've witnessed for some time, it certainly brought a tear to my eye.

the ending is sublime.

"Age and wisdom exit the stage, leaving youthful oblivion." - Keith Uhlich

Revisited (2)

286

The elderly, with their wandering, confused minds and putrid, pre-corpse smell, are stark reminders of our own mortality and of the meaninglessness of existence. Old age homes should not exist. Once their transformation from human being into symbol of decay is complete, they should be buried alive, as part of a community ritual, to purge and conquer this existential anxiety.

A masterpiece. Beginning as an exploration of the self-centered ways of modern society, the film then dramatically shifts into unabashed romance and magic. The turn is so effortless and skillful, the final half-hour stands as one of the most satisfying stretches of cinema in memory. Though it's tragedy of the highest degree, it reminds me that practicing love, kindness, and self-giving generosity are essential in the little time we have. I cannot recommend this film highly enough.

More than 70 years later, the themes are still relevant today and probably always will be. Doesn't get tóó sappy, and feels like an honest, bittersweet look at family life and drifting into old age.

Counters a depressing theme with a needed dash of sweetness. It has universal and timeless messages for young and old (and especially for those with retired parents) and it isn't too didactic about them. I wouldn't exactly call it a great film, though.