Morrie - Une leçon de vie

I admit I was cynical in finding and watching this movie. Beforehand, I felt Oprah's influence would veer the film in a certain direction and it would represent the worst aspects of the TV movie: being treacly, and unrealistic. But Jack Lemmon's presence ensured my interest. (This, after all, was the illustrious actor's last performance.) I was rewarded by a clear-eyed, stirring, and often moving depiction of one man's dignity and the gift of living he bestows on a younger man. Both Lemmon and Azaria lock on to their parts with conviction, and I felt a real loving friendship existed between the men. I learned from this movie: lessons about communication and ideaology. It is a rare gem, honestly portrayed, and further proof (as if we needed any!) of Jack Lemmon's unique and breathtaking talent.

His performance. His admirable performance . And the balance with beautiful work of Hank Azaria. This is the "seed" for a loving adaptation of Mitch Albom novel. Sure, it is not the book. But it is the great kick for each viewer to read it. Off course, it could be better. But not only the noble message is the axis in this case . The heart of movie is one of the last gifts from extraordinary, magnificent Jack Lemmon. Who offers more than a character but, for me, in few scenes, he offers himself. Traits of life and careeer, having the art and courage to propose new nuances to the story of Morrie Schwartz. The result - a film who must see.

Even though Oprah funded / supported this film with the change she had in her left pocket, her involvement in making this film possible was worthy. Jack Lemmon gives another brilliant / unrecognized performance as Morrie, the old friend and teacher who is preparing himself to die. Hank Azaria is surprisingly good as well. For a change, Azaria moves away from his work in comedy and many of his character driven roles to play a heart-filled character. By the second half of the movie, you forget that he is the voice of many Simpson characters. The ending of this movie is worth watching this movie again and again and again. If you have ever had to say goodbye to a loved one, you will understand and be a fan of Tuesdays with Morrie.

One of a kind film that teaches us to enjoy each day and not take anything for granted. Also teaches us about amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and its devastating effects on even the most fun-loving of people (Jack Lemmon) and how someone's illness and imminent death can affect those closest to the victim (family as well as close friends) in both a sad and positive way. I thought this was a beautiful film and Jack Lemmon gave an excellent performance. When he was saying goodby to his "favorite pupil" on his deathbed and lectured him one last time "I'll be buried by a beautiful oak tree, you talk, I'll just listen." This movie has both a sad but beautiful ending in getting across the message that death is a part of living and shouldn't be feared. Maybe this message is too heavy for some of the other so called critics but we all have to face up to it eventually.

Based on a quick summary, a movie about a man slowly dying of a terminal illness, I would expect to hate the movie. Most such stories are painful to watch, as if a movie maker thought that making viewers suffer to watch the movie would give them sympathy for the suffering of those stricken with the featured disease. But this one is an exception. It's not about the dying man's disease, it's about the man himself, and about the former student who visits him every week.

Morrie is dying of ALS, Lou Gehrig's disease. He is a retired teacher, and was Mitch's revered favorite teacher. Mitch visits him once a week, and reawakens their friendship. He finds Morrie's words so wise that he asks to tape their conversations so he might remember them better. Well, I appreciate Mitch's efforts, because I was happy to hear Morrie's words of wisdom also. Some of his advice is sappy, particularly taken out of context, but as a whole he presents very positive messages. Part of it is the idea that although he's sick, dying, and often in pain, he's not afraid of death, but rather interested in getting as much as possible out of the life he has left. There's much more to it than that, but that's the biggest part of his message.

But there's more to the movie than the message -- a movie with nothing more than a message (even one worth presenting) is bound to be boring. The real pleasure in watching this is that the characters are interesting along the way. The two stars' acting is first class. A regular "disease movie" would just make me feel guilty about not caring about its sick main character. This movie made me care about Morrie and Mitch.