43 commentaires
This film moved me... or rather made me look at things a little differently I suppose. I normally give money to panhandlers, buy them a hot meal whenever I can. Where I live, homelessness is an issue that people don't concern themselves with as much as New York because the climate is warmer, and people generally survive easier I suppose. But this movie made me think about those individuals who are struggling in a deeper way.
Shelter takes place over the course of a few seasons in New York city. A tough place to be, and even tougher if you're homeless. It's hard to get by, and there is no shortage of people who are willing to take advantage of you. We are introduced to two such individuals played aptly by Jennifer Connelly and Anthony Mackie. Two different lives that simply interact one day, and forever changes their paths. Both are on the street for different reasons, and both have their own demons to deal with. Their paths intertwine and they begin to show real promise, as a couple just down on their luck, just looking for and hoping for any real opportunity to dig themselves out of the hole they are in.
What really sticks with you is how utterly believable the situations are. Most movies about homelessness, usually with a huge celebrity attached to it are much harder for me to believe, but with this cast and story it was so easy to fall into. Times are tough all over the world, and New York is probably more susceptible than most cities to find yourself in hard times and taken advantage of. I feel very grateful to not have been in any of the situations you witness in this film, but I promise you, it will make you think about those who are.
An excellent first story from writer/director Paul Bettany.
7/10
Shelter takes place over the course of a few seasons in New York city. A tough place to be, and even tougher if you're homeless. It's hard to get by, and there is no shortage of people who are willing to take advantage of you. We are introduced to two such individuals played aptly by Jennifer Connelly and Anthony Mackie. Two different lives that simply interact one day, and forever changes their paths. Both are on the street for different reasons, and both have their own demons to deal with. Their paths intertwine and they begin to show real promise, as a couple just down on their luck, just looking for and hoping for any real opportunity to dig themselves out of the hole they are in.
What really sticks with you is how utterly believable the situations are. Most movies about homelessness, usually with a huge celebrity attached to it are much harder for me to believe, but with this cast and story it was so easy to fall into. Times are tough all over the world, and New York is probably more susceptible than most cities to find yourself in hard times and taken advantage of. I feel very grateful to not have been in any of the situations you witness in this film, but I promise you, it will make you think about those who are.
An excellent first story from writer/director Paul Bettany.
7/10
- kdavies-69347
- 3 févr. 2016
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I decided to sit down and watch "Shelter" solely because I noticed that Jennifer Connelly was in it, and I had no idea what the movie was about and had not heard about it prior to finding it on Netflix.
The story was a rather beautiful and heartfelt story, albeit a somewhat predictable one for sure.
What made the movie work was the acting performances by both Anthony Mackie and Jennifer Connelly. Man, was I impressed with the performance that Jennifer Connelly put on in this movie, and I dare say that this was actually one of her best performances in a long time easily matching the performance of "Requiem for a Dream".
"Shelter" is definitely well worth taking the time and effort to sit down and watch. And I will say that it actually does shed some light onto a world that I assume most of us just walk straight past without even throwing a second glance. So a big thumbs up to director and writer Paul Bettany for his achievement with this movie.
If you haven't already seen "Shelter", then I can only strongly recommend that you take the time to do so, if you have the chance. Because this is definitely a movie that will stick with you.
The story was a rather beautiful and heartfelt story, albeit a somewhat predictable one for sure.
What made the movie work was the acting performances by both Anthony Mackie and Jennifer Connelly. Man, was I impressed with the performance that Jennifer Connelly put on in this movie, and I dare say that this was actually one of her best performances in a long time easily matching the performance of "Requiem for a Dream".
"Shelter" is definitely well worth taking the time and effort to sit down and watch. And I will say that it actually does shed some light onto a world that I assume most of us just walk straight past without even throwing a second glance. So a big thumbs up to director and writer Paul Bettany for his achievement with this movie.
If you haven't already seen "Shelter", then I can only strongly recommend that you take the time to do so, if you have the chance. Because this is definitely a movie that will stick with you.
- paul_m_haakonsen
- 8 juin 2018
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- LloydBayer
- 11 déc. 2014
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"Shelter" is remarkable piece of work that stared two great actors that performed brilliantly. I like Anthony Mackie and I love Jennifer Connelly. Both of them were great in this film. This is a heart breaking story of two homeless people that cross paths and fall in love and try to survive homeless in the streets. Their lives and their stories of how they got there are brought out dramatically in this film. This film does start out a little slow but then it picks up and goes on a dramatically intense journey. The way the plot unfolds in this film is simple but in a good story like this that's all that's needed. I learned that this is Paul Bettany's directorial debut. If this is, all I can say is wow! This film is set up perfectly and the writing is great. I wanted to see this film from the time I saw the trailer because I knew with Anthony Mackie and Jennifer Connelly that this film was going to be a good one. This film is a must see and I think anyone who loves drama and good chemistry between two wonderful actors should see this film.
- freshclean-66-318608
- 13 nov. 2016
- Permalien
If you can't handle the truth about his life, just avoid this movie. It's pretty hard to watch.
Want a happy ending? Hallmark has plenty of them. This may be taking place at Christmas but it has more in common with the stories of the Grinch and Scrooge (before their redemption) than what you might hope for.
As the main characters pretend they really live in a luxurious house they broke into, and wear the clothes and use the fine glassware and other items, we see most of the film's few humorous moments, and we learn more about these characters.
On the subject of humor, Hannah has fun with a helium balloon while things are still desperate.
If this were a foreign language film or had somehow been condensed into a short film, I think we would be talking Oscar. As it is, it's just not the type of film that is popular enough to get nominations,
But I think this film has the quality writing and acting to be noticed by the Oscar people, or at least the Golden Globe people. It doesn't shy away from reality and teaches us a lot about what is like on the streets. The characters are not stereotypes and you wonder how they couldn't make it in life.
If you have the courage to put your self through this, and get out of your comfort zone, it is worth it.
Want a happy ending? Hallmark has plenty of them. This may be taking place at Christmas but it has more in common with the stories of the Grinch and Scrooge (before their redemption) than what you might hope for.
As the main characters pretend they really live in a luxurious house they broke into, and wear the clothes and use the fine glassware and other items, we see most of the film's few humorous moments, and we learn more about these characters.
On the subject of humor, Hannah has fun with a helium balloon while things are still desperate.
If this were a foreign language film or had somehow been condensed into a short film, I think we would be talking Oscar. As it is, it's just not the type of film that is popular enough to get nominations,
But I think this film has the quality writing and acting to be noticed by the Oscar people, or at least the Golden Globe people. It doesn't shy away from reality and teaches us a lot about what is like on the streets. The characters are not stereotypes and you wonder how they couldn't make it in life.
If you have the courage to put your self through this, and get out of your comfort zone, it is worth it.
- vchimpanzee
- 19 juil. 2020
- Permalien
For his debut as a writer/director Paul Bettany did a good job with this drama. Shelter, where Jennifer Connelly as one of the two main characters is also the wife of Paul Bettany, tells the two different stories of a couple of homeless people. Jennifer Connelly (as Hannah) and Anthony Mackie (Tahir) are both living on the streets and that because of different reasons and they both cope differently with their unfortunate position. They both try to help the other getting away from the street life. It's a nice story, with alot of emotions and images that reflect perfectly how some homeless people are living daily. The acting and filming are both good, with an interesting and sometimes sad story.
- deloudelouvain
- 25 août 2018
- Permalien
Review: What an emotional movie! The acting from Jennifer Connelly, who plays Hannah and Anthony Mackie, Tahir, is superb and the deep story, about 2 homeless, lost souls who fall in love and struggle to live on the streets of New York, is brilliant. When Tahir becomes ill during a brutal winter, Hannah tries her hardest to find accommodation for them both, and she goes to the extreme to buy medication for Tahir. These 2 characters, really came from 2 different world's but when they join forces to find money, food and accommodation, there emotional journey goes from one extreme to another. The chemistry between Tahir and Hannah is excellent and very believable and the ending did bring a tear to my eye. Hannah is a heroin addict, who sadly lost her husband to a terrorist attack and she left her little boy with her father while she lives on the streets, finding ways to fund her habit. Tahir is a African immigrant who lives in America illegally and lost his wife and young boy, in a brutal way, in Africa. There are some different elements to the plot, which made this film quite enjoyable and the fact that many people are losing there houses and have to use food banks and shelter to live nowadays, gives this movie a truthful look into the extent that the homeless have to go to, just to make it through one day to the next. Anyway, I enjoyed this emotional drama but it's a shame that it didn't get the big distribution treatment that it deserved. Enjoyable!
Round-Up: This is the first movie, written and directed by Paul Bettany, 44, whose known for acting in some top class movies. He was brilliant in A Knights Tale and A Beautiful Mind in 2001 and quite scary as Silas in the Da Vinci Code. His voice became worldwide known when he starred in Iron Man as Jarvis and when he changed into human form in Avengers: Age of Ultron, it set a path for yet another superhero. For his directional debut, he really did pick a deep subject, which will touch many hearts and he done a great job by getting the most out of the top class actors.
I recommend this movie to people who are into their dramas starring Jennifer Connelly, Anthony Mackie and Bruce Altman. 7/10
Round-Up: This is the first movie, written and directed by Paul Bettany, 44, whose known for acting in some top class movies. He was brilliant in A Knights Tale and A Beautiful Mind in 2001 and quite scary as Silas in the Da Vinci Code. His voice became worldwide known when he starred in Iron Man as Jarvis and when he changed into human form in Avengers: Age of Ultron, it set a path for yet another superhero. For his directional debut, he really did pick a deep subject, which will touch many hearts and he done a great job by getting the most out of the top class actors.
I recommend this movie to people who are into their dramas starring Jennifer Connelly, Anthony Mackie and Bruce Altman. 7/10
- leonblackwood
- 20 févr. 2016
- Permalien
Bettany doesn't pull any punches with this film, so don't expect some feel-good love story, and expect to feel really good about yourself when the final credits roll. This is a really nice piece of work, that speaks to how people end-up on the street, and why they stay; even if they decide to leave.
This piece is intended to make you re-think your views on homeless street people, and in my book does a really nice job. The film doesn't try to place the blame on anyone, which I really think brings the authenticity through.
I personally have not seen another motion picture that brought such resolution in my mind about street addicts; why they do it, how they got there, and what really our their choices once they partake.
This piece is intended to make you re-think your views on homeless street people, and in my book does a really nice job. The film doesn't try to place the blame on anyone, which I really think brings the authenticity through.
I personally have not seen another motion picture that brought such resolution in my mind about street addicts; why they do it, how they got there, and what really our their choices once they partake.
- WWJDWITHCA
- 27 mars 2016
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- aceofspeeds
- 28 févr. 2021
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- thebogofeternalstench
- 14 nov. 2015
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I have no words for this beautiful and unexpected piece of gem...i watched it and not sure what is all about ...but after watching it i was speechless....great topic and sure an eye opening subject ...Jennifer Connelly and Anthony Mackie did a well job with their role...and i am surprised why its not well rated.i don't know why the junk movies are well rated that the producers are making and remaking it again and again...Paul Bettany is clearly sending a message with his debut direction and writing ..that he can do something with a topic that no other famous directors even bother to see.. its a powerful drama and worth watching... i think it deserve more than the average stars ...Go see it with your heart ...i am sure you will not regret it..
- eleventh-warrior
- 15 nov. 2015
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- GingeryPsychNP
- 2 oct. 2020
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I'm sorry but Mackie and Connor have absolutely no chemistry in this movie and for what it's supposed to be - an expose on homelessness and human redemption - it turns out to be a rushed loved story set against a depressing back drop of homelessness in New York. If that sounds interesting to you then watch it - otherwise just watch a documentary on homelessness.
- deanocware
- 15 mai 2021
- Permalien
Well this movie just had its moments here and there. Jennifer Connelly is pretty good in the movie.There are various sacrifices she makes for her boyfriend, which gets conveyed mostly through her facial expressions and still makes you feel the pain. Anthony mackie is equally good too, but I felt his character was a little under developed and makes you question why Jennifer Connelly would go to that extent to protect him. Paul bettany has a good debut in my opinion and I am interested to see his directorial venture. Movie hits you with reality of life and how we don't appreciate the things we have.
- vijaychandrank
- 20 juin 2018
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- rapid_randy
- 23 févr. 2016
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So much good stuff here. Jennifer Connelly is superb as the addict who meets Anthony Mackie, the reformed terrorist.
The script handles their addicted, pain and homelessness very well and Paul Bettany directs his wife with assurity.
The movie looks good, is well lit and edited and is a credit to all involved.
There are some issues with some of the scenes. I think the asthma attack was strangely edited and toward the end there were too many scenes that were a little too on the money with no context shots in between. This may have been a budget thing though.
Very good movie and recommended although it does ramp the sadness and degradation factor up to eleven.
The script handles their addicted, pain and homelessness very well and Paul Bettany directs his wife with assurity.
The movie looks good, is well lit and edited and is a credit to all involved.
There are some issues with some of the scenes. I think the asthma attack was strangely edited and toward the end there were too many scenes that were a little too on the money with no context shots in between. This may have been a budget thing though.
Very good movie and recommended although it does ramp the sadness and degradation factor up to eleven.
- stevelivesey-37183
- 9 août 2025
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- nogodnomasters
- 18 avr. 2018
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I have to question a "writer/director" (if you can call Paul Bettany that) who writes porn as an excuse to see his wife in films like this and try to pass it off as art.
- arclinecreative
- 23 janv. 2020
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This is Paul Bettany's debut as a director and a writer and what a debut. This movie captures one's attention from the very beginning. The movie has many twists and turns while telling a story about an ignored group of people in today's society. It plays on the emotions of the audience from high to low. Jennifer Connelly and Anthony Mackie display good screen chemistry and play off each other really well throughout the movie. Jennifer Connelly was really believable and this is perhaps her best role to date. Anthony Mackie is equally mesmerizing in his performance. This is a well written and directed movie with wonderful acting. I would recommend this as a must see.
When a mixed couple of this variation didn't get this treatment. It seems to be Hollywood distributors' minimum daily requirement. And that's sad. The strong story is tainted by this consistency. They are hard to find and only one percent end different. The actor has to have considerable clout for that one percent.
- ballouvince
- 22 avr. 2021
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Sometimes you watch a movie and the material presented is so realistic, so filled with gravity and so sad that you almost walk away. You exclaim, 'What a movie!' but it's so real that you are disturbed and it crosses the line, no longer interest and entertainment but something you find too graphic to watch. This, for me, usually happens with 'better' horror movies. But it happened with this one. Recently I saw Incendies. The experience here is almost the same. At its heart it is a beautiful love story, but when it showed how vulnerable the protagonists were it was shocking on several levels, not least because previously one imagined these were two of the strongest people in the world and more than capable to deal with contingencies. I say on several levels, for example, the efforts of the State also come into focus, and it's odd because actually the State here is seen in a positive light. Shelter is beautifully filmed, directed, edited and acted. I got through to the end, but I was deeply moved, and just a tad unsettled.
- robertemerald
- 11 avr. 2019
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- leplatypus
- 10 nov. 2016
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