Sur la route du souvenir

I think the major theme of this movie revolves around the ubiquitous problem of the gap between two generations. Tom Gerrin, a 75 year old widower finds himself at the mercy of the decisions made for him by his sons after his wife expires. He moves into one of his son's house but is soon irritated with the way everyone treats him like an invalid over there. Their over-solicitude makes him do something they fear - go off without telling anyone, drive them nuts wondering what must have happened to him but also give his sons time to reflect on what went wrong in their relationship with their father. Meanwhile Tom comes close to getting run-down by a young collegiate who is driving across the country to meet her parents. This chance meeting culminates in Tom deciding to travel or literally hitch-hike across the country to California to meet an old sweetheart. Tom and Leann's friendship helps them to realise on what's important in their lives and mostly why do your own near and dear ones behave the way they do. Interspersed with witty dialogues and escapades with all the various people they meet along their way, with well-rounded characters, some beautiful scenery and music, this is a heartwarming feel-good movie that touches on the bitter-sweet relationship between parents and children..All is not lost..Tom couldn't get along with his middle-aged sons, but he does so strikingly with a collegiate in her early 20's and from this interaction decides to not let the rest of his life be ruled by the decisions made by others for him. The acting is commendable. I've not seen any other movies starring Jack Lemmon, but in this he is very convincing in his role and so is Sarah Paulson as Leann. She comes across as a friendly, intelligent girl with her head firmly on her shoulders. I look forward to seeing more performances by these two actors. This movie is worth watching for those who care for a nice leisurely movie which will not leave you disappointed..

"The Long Way Home" is a TV movie based on a previous made for TV film, the French movie "Thomas Guerin...retraité". I've never seen the French film...and I have no idea whether or not it's available.

Tom (Jack Lemmon) is an elderly man who hates what's become of his life. He's being forced to move in with his son and lose his independence and the worst part is, the son and his wife seem to be parenting him. So, it's not all that surprising that eventually he decides to leave! On the way, he meets a young woman, Leanne (Sarah Paulson) and they both decide to head to California....without Tom letting his family know. What's next for this unlikely pair?

The acting is the best part of the movie...period. As for the story itself, it brings up a lot of great points about the elderly and independence. But it also has an ending you'll either love or hate. If you like a film with a perfect ending where everything is wrapped up and clear, then you'll hate it! But, I don't mind the vagueness of the ending...mostly because life itself isn't always clear. Well worth seeing.

This movie is pure bliss to watch, Jack Lemmon makes it so. Such a shame we shall never see more of his films. I'm used to seeing Mr. Lemmon play old cranks, politicians, businessmen, etc but in this role he stands out as Tom Gerrin, a 75 year old retired carpenter. Mr. Lemmon not only looks like the retired carpenter you almost forget he is an actor.

The best part of this movie is it demonstrates how friendship knows no age limits. In fact friendship between two people from completely different generations can easily bridge the gap. I would know as one of my closest friends is an 82 year old former professor of mine. When I watch this movie I think of our times we meet and swap stories from out past.

What also contributes to the friendship and the bridging of the generational gaps is also the message of "the golden years should not mean a death sentence." This movie is about living one day at a time and enjoying life no matter what age you are.

In closing Jack Lemmon made this movie. Cheers to him and God rest his soul. Pick up this movie on DVD on amazon.com. It will make you glad for the friendships you will make with all sorts of people and give you and outlook for enjoying life.

At last a movie that deals sensitively with the relationship between a widower (recent) and his children and why those children choose a course of action which does not always include the widower (Jack Lemmon). The fact that he chooses, on the spur of the moment, to go to California to see someone he has not seen for 50 years is testimony to the fact that he believes his life is being led by others and not himself. Part of the self realisation comes from a young woman who nearly runs him over and it is through her that he gradually realises that he is not old, he does not have to retire and that he has a purpose after all. A touching movie with nice warm overtones. If you are a child with an aged parent, it is a movie which one should see so that you do not make the same assumptions!

Both Jack Lemmon and Sarah Paulson are excellent in this fresh movie. I absolutely loved the storyline, and wish that I had learned of and seen it years before my 76th year.