Sunset Story

This unmissable documentary follows the lives of two elderly leftist women in the run down once-kinder section of Los Angeles, south of Wilshire near the heart of the old Downtown.

Founded in 1923, Sunset Hall is a retirement/care home for elderly "free-thinking" people (i.e. old Communists, labor organizers and "lefties") but the setting is simply the prism thru which we follow two amazing ladies, Irja and Lucille. To tell more would be to deprive the viewer of an amazing and touching journey , but this is a heartfelt, clever, hard-edged yet tender piece of film making. Laura Gabbert directs with an unusually disciplined and unsentimental approach. The slow and careful revealing of the relationship between these two women is perfectly balanced and beautifully executed. Shot on video, the technique is such that I was immediately and completely engaged with the people and in their surroundings. I laughed out loud several times and sat weeping as well. A truly exceptional 75 minutes.

The previous review does a good job summing up the plot points. What I want to impress upon you (regardless of ideology) is the magnitude by which this film celebrates friendship. These poor, elderly (but rather active and funny) women that find a reason to live in each others company. It was endearing to hear the old timers quick quips and loving smiles. Their genuine care for one another and minor bickering were all cushioned with an underlining deep love. The joy in the film is watching the comradely between the ladies as they make their journey through their last leg in life. A true testament to friendship and friendship as an invaluable asset to life. Obviously these women knew that they were rolling downhill, but rolling downhill doesn't mean you can't throw your hands in the air and have a little fun with the ride.

This story has two lovely elderly ladies that lead great lives and are passionate about their beliefs, yet it is one of the most boring stories ever. If you want to know this story really just go to an old folks home and become friends with elderly people. There really isn't a story and it really isn't a movie. It's a weird reality show about 2 women. At one point they have a conversation in the car about the lunch they had that day... There are some sad times but that happens in life. If you really want to be completely moved by a touching story that will legitimately change your life, watch "About Time" with Rachel McAdams. This is all I have to say and I need to write 10 lines so I will keep going and I know they could deactivate my account or whatever for filling this with junk but I don't care because I don't want someone to sit down for movie night with some popcorn and friends and be completely disappointed in their choice.

I have to be honest, at first I wasn't looking forward to watching this documentary. I thought it would be depressing because of its subject. But it was quite the opposite. These ladies made me feel good about growing old. They're bodies may not be as willing as they once were but their minds sure as heck are. They are more full of life than some people I know who are in their 20's. They are opinionated, active, and hilarious. Former activists, and well current activists as well, living in a retirement home called Sunset Hall, which is a retirement home for the "free-thinking" elderly. These two women share a friendship, that didn't start until they both moved into the home within weeks of each other, the likes that some people will never ever have. This is a great heartwarming story about being old, but having a spirit that never ages. A lot can be learned from this movie. I really enjoyed it a lot more than I ever thought I would and I think you will to. Lucille and Irja are funny, intriguing, and simply beautiful, and so is this film.

I stood and applauded along with the packed crowd in the theater. This is by far one of the most touching, heart-felt, nuanced looks at aging, death, life, and the friends we leave behind I've ever seen. What starts off seeming like it's going to be a sort of tongue-in-cheek comedic view of an old folk's home for aging activists, becomes instead a personal story between two elderly friends as they deal with the pains - both emotional and physical - of growing old.

And if that turns you off; if you have a picture in your mind that this is going to be a purely weepy, painfully arduous film about old people on the verge of death, you're wrong. There are moments of enlightened humor and brilliance that will make you guffaw out loud. There are inspirational moments that will make you leave the theater wanting to live a fuller life. There are deep moments that have you contemplating your own aging process, as well as your thoughts about what it might be like when you're 75, 85, 95. And yes, there are powerfully, potently sad moments that will have you bawling into your popcorn.

It is, in a nutshell (an overly simplified nutshell), sort of a documentary version of "On Golden Pond", full of the same sweet sadness and auld lang syne (sp?), but with a documentary's ability to sweep aside typical heartstring-pulling cinematic manipulation. Yes, Sunset Story uses a score - a deeply emotional piano score - but it serves the story, enhancing the natural drama playing out on the screen without dictating what emotions you should be feeling at what time.

This documentary should be seen, far and wide.