Für immer dein

I was shocked to see the low rating this film has received here. It is a brilliant flick that left everyone in the packed audience on the verge of tears. The film, based on a true story, is a about a man who sets to building a home that is suitable for his wife with early signs of dementia. An independent sort, he mills his own lumber and builds the home to the exacting standards he learned from his father. He soon runs afoul of the county building inspector. The sterling performance of James Cromwell is one that will echo with you for weeks after viewing. Bujold's disjointed performance perfectly captures the supreme loss of dementia, a silent invader that steals the self. Not in any way smarmy but perhaps suited to an older viewer.

Watch this and find out! The lead actors playing the elderly couple are extraordinary. Not only about what marriage used to mean, commitment and deep intimacy and complimentary gender roles, And how well so many men and women used to work together on their own for survival. But also a profound and clear picture of what we are losing in society, independence, personal responsibility, self growth, creativity and the satisfaction of knowing yourself and doing things on your own. And how it is nearly impossible or even illegal to live that way today. A journey back when D.I.Y a necessity not a luxury. And all of it without some need to believe some hocus pocus Love commitment and personal self security based on your ability to actually do things for yourself. Almost lost nowadays.

How could 43 out of 57 reviewers rate this movie 8 or higher and yet produce a cumulative score of only 4.8? Still Mine was the SF Cinema Club's selection yesterday. Not a dry eye in the theater (though I swear mine was allergies). It's Amour with feeling, and a Canadian sensibility, i.e., more like Away from Her, the other Canadian film that deals with aging and dementia, than the steely, unsentimental Amour. Cromwell is gigantic. Is there any other male actor of his age who says more with less? And Campbell Scott proves what they say about no small roles, only small actors. His is minor--but flawless in its understatement. This movie may not crack the big time, but that in no way should diminish its beauty, power, and lasting impact on those who seek it out.

I remember reading in the Globe & Mail in the fall of 2010 about the people and events on which the screenplay of STILL was written by Michael McGowan and was delighted to see the story come to the screen less than two years later. It is so refreshing to see an honest film with no gimmicks. Produced with a budget of just $3M, filmed in northern Ontario and New Brunswick, it is a delight. It isn't easy to deal with the topic of dementia but McGowan handles it gracefully, with gentle humour and respect. Geneviève Bujold and James Cromwell give outstanding performances. It is a heartwarming story for sure, and garnered much applause from the audience.

what a pleasure it was to view this movie. i picked it as the best of a bad bunch to go and see on a rainy day. what a great and pleasant surprise to sit through such a thoughtful and well made movie. a brilliant script delivered by two great lead actors who were supported by a very strong cast. it is such a long time that i have been moved to tears by a performance and an even longer time that i have found a movie to be totally believable due to the actors work.

the simple plot was well developed and allowed for some unexpected twists and pleasant surprises along with some intense moments of personal angst.

well done to the actors and makers of this hidden gem.