Boardwalk

"Boardwalk" is a movie that seems like it's not sure WHICH type of movie it should be. On one hand, most of the film is about elderly people coming to terms with their final years and this makes up about 80% of the movie. But on the other, it is about a gang called 'The Satans' and their terrifying and harassing these elderly folk. In hindsight, I wish the film had chosen one plot or the other...not both.

David and Beck Rosen (Lee Strasberg and Ruth Gordon) are quite elderly and are looking forward to their 50th anniversary, which is soon approaching. But in the meantime, a variety of problems come their way and instead of enjoying their final years, the couple have to hold on and weather a lot of storms to come.

Gordon and Strasberg are really good in these roles. That is why all the destractions are a bit annoying. I just wish the film had spent more time on their story instead of on the gang....especially since watching hoods beat the snot out of the elderly isn't a lot of fun. In fact, it's a depressing and awful film to watch at times.

By the way, if you want a much better film about the elderly and gangs, try SIEGE (1978) starring Martin Balsam.

"Boardwalk" is what I would call a blessed movie. It is blessed with a cast that simply excels. Ruth Gordon and Lee Strasberg as David and Becky Rosen work together like they have been married fifty years, even though it's just in the movie. This is Lee Strasberg's opportunity to make an acting statement and he does so with a huge exclamation point. I also must mention that "Boardwalk" is one of the most effectively edited films I have ever seen. What may seem abrupt to some is in reality moving things along, otherwise you would have a story that might be too long. The Coney Island locations are another plus, remembering in this wonderful film a bygone era. All I can say is see this movie, and don't forget to bring plenty of tissues. - MERK

Well paced and well acted story of old couple living in Coney Island in a decaying neighborhood with hoodlums. A portrait of NYC in the 1970s. Also very heavy on Jewish content, this movie would be worth of inclusion in a Jewish film festival. A surprise! Worth a watch, especially if you like the gritty 70s feel.

Saw this on cable back in 81. And it was about an old couple who live in a bad neighborhood and are being picked on by a youth gang. It was rated PG, but had some pretty disrupting scenes. The ending was definitely a shock. As far as i know this has never been on video or at least i never seen it anywhere. IF you can find it check it out. Iam sure it looks pretty dated now.. Its a movie that will stick with . I haven't seen it since 1981 and still remember all the stuff that happened in it..Iam sure a lot of the people in it are gone now. It shows how bad neighborhoods in new york were back in the late 70's.. It reminded me of another movie that came out in 80 called defiance

The acting was great, one of the best films I've seen, and a true emotional roller coaster of a ride...a neat little twist at the end. The film can be very shocking in places, but what's so good is that it contains no special effects, just purely great acting and direction.