Still Mine

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.

Still Mine is an example of why sometimes laws and rules can mean a lost of freedom.

The good. Compelling and touching story. Well built scenario. Nice photography. All together, a solid film.

The actors. The whole cast gave a spot on performance, but James Cromwell shows himself as a true star here with a very attaching character.

The bad. Most of the plot elements have been seen many times in different forms over the years. Even though the mix is unique, you get an overall sense of déjà vu.

The ugly. Nothing.

The result. A simple tale that can resonate with anybody. Don't expect action or great drama, and you'll be pleasantly entertained.

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.

Agree with other reviews here, there must be a ratings error. I see a lot of films for work and for pleasure and Still Mine is one of the best I've seen in the last couple of years.

No, you won't get CGI, explosions and budding romance from this film. It's from an emerging genre - films for oldies - think Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (which I loved), Quartet (which I didn't) and Amour, to which it has been compared.

Except to say, it's a compelling story, tightly written, with exceptional performances, which should interest most people, of any age, as long as you don't solely crave superhero sequels.

On one hand, this is a tale, based on a true story, of the short-sightedness of bureaucracy. Who hasn't fought red tape, at some point in their lives? On another, it's about trusting each other and allowing those with fading powers to live the life they want to live for as long as possible.

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.