Morrie - Une leçon de vie

This is one of those rare television events that didn't dumb itself down in order to reach a wider audience. It stayed true to the book and the only complaint I could see were minor problems with pacing. All-in-all, I regard this work as what I hope television will become but am fearful these types of shows will remain the exception.

Even though Oprah funded / supported this film with the change she had in her left pocket, her involvement in making this film possible was worthy. Jack Lemmon gives another brilliant / unrecognized performance as Morrie, the old friend and teacher who is preparing himself to die. Hank Azaria is surprisingly good as well. For a change, Azaria moves away from his work in comedy and many of his character driven roles to play a heart-filled character. By the second half of the movie, you forget that he is the voice of many Simpson characters. The ending of this movie is worth watching this movie again and again and again. If you have ever had to say goodbye to a loved one, you will understand and be a fan of Tuesdays with Morrie.

One of a kind film that teaches us to enjoy each day and not take anything for granted. Also teaches us about amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and its devastating effects on even the most fun-loving of people (Jack Lemmon) and how someone's illness and imminent death can affect those closest to the victim (family as well as close friends) in both a sad and positive way. I thought this was a beautiful film and Jack Lemmon gave an excellent performance. When he was saying goodby to his "favorite pupil" on his deathbed and lectured him one last time "I'll be buried by a beautiful oak tree, you talk, I'll just listen." This movie has both a sad but beautiful ending in getting across the message that death is a part of living and shouldn't be feared. Maybe this message is too heavy for some of the other so called critics but we all have to face up to it eventually.

Tuesdays With Morrie aired on Tv3 last night here in New Zealand.

This film was truly worth the Emmy awards it received. Hank Azaria was excellent but Jack Lemmon was amazing, making his character believable and interesting.

A great film. ***1/2 out of ****

Tuesdays with Morrie was ideally suited for the format of a television movie. A series of vignettes with narration from Hank Azaria, a film based chiefly on dialogue and example, Tuesdays with Morrie is a heartwarming reminder to all of what is important in life--even for people who believe they have it all figured out. Hank Azaria delivers a rare and precise dramatic performance. Jack Lemmon, of course, is right on the money. If at all possible, view the movie without commercial interruption. Somehow corporate sponsorship doesn't fit.