Blackbird

This film is really really powerful. I watched it for the stellar cast, not knowing what it was about. I was already in tears half way through the film. It is very well made as well.

'Blackbird' flies high on the strength of his actors to deliver the emotional clout the movie promises. From Susan Sarandon to Kate Winslet to Mia Wasikowska to Sam Neill, there's no denying the cast all deliver on what they are given. Unfortunately, the blandness of the story and the lack of interesting (or the overly-familar tropes of) characters cause a detachment to what should have been an emotionally compelling story. It isn't terrible, it's simply very average to its benefit.

Do you remember Susan Sarandon in the movie Stepmom with Julia Roberts? After all these years I still tear up during certain scenes. That never happened here. Not even almost! I actually think I dosed off for a minute somewhere in the middle of it. It felt like they just had to fill in some open space just to finally get to the departure. I wouldn't watch it again and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone else.

A film full of emotion and resolution.

This film does a really solid job in capturing family, the arguments, the emotion but also how in the end a bit of understanding is all that it takes to keep everyone stable and happy. The movie is filed with heartwarming and heartbreaking moments which creates an interest contrast much like life itself. The movie adds drama but it's not over exaggerated or overwhelming like in a lot of other similar dramas. The ending is the highlight of the movie, it really shows how acceptance, meaning and happiness are some of the most beautiful moments of life and without them living can be quite challenging. Overall a good drama. Keeps you engaged.

Having lived through a similar experience myself, this film does a wonderful job of representing the various facets of a family as the beloved mother comes to the end of her terminal illness. Intensely painfully real. A must see.