Guitar Lessons

There is a lot of content packed into 90 minutes and we were so into it that the time flew by and we didn't want it to end. Loved the humor and really enjoyed the message in the scenes where Bruiser is helping Ray see that he is the one to help Leland and where he is imparting wisdom to his nephew. Well done Aaron James and crew.

Having grown up in the Peace region I was happy to see all the gorgeous scenery and the shots of actual businesses. The differences between Leland and Ray's socioeconomic positions were quite accurate from my experience and I like that this movie showcases that as well as the message that humans are all flawed and needed other humans to help them no matter how much money they have.

I don't watch movies often, as I find that there are very few releases that are thoughtful and relevant enough to warrant my time. Earlier this year, when I heard that a movie was being filmed in the very area/towns in which I grew up, I was intrigued and put it on my "must watch" list.

This film did not disappoint. It is not only quirky and funny, but truly heartwarming, and really, honestly, *stunning*. The storyline of Guitar Lessons weaves a tapestry of several characters working through their personal demons. A wonderful movie that breaks barriers of age, race, language and socioeconomic status, putting us all on a level field. It speaks to the fact that we are all interconnected and have something we can learn from oneanother. One very moving scene in the film imparts a lesson that facing our pain head on is where the healing begins.

The cinematography in this movie is stunning, nuanced and truly showcases the raw beauty that is Northern Alberta. It also accurately depicts and juxtaposes the harsh reality of poverty in some rural communities with the joy and humour that can still be found within the roughness of life. Having lived in this area, I can attest to the accuracy of the portrayals.

Overall, what I love most about the film is that it is real; it is raw; it is uniquely "us." In a world full of hurt, we don't need more fancy, more fake, or more fluff. We need stories like these to bring us home; home to what really matters.

This is a slow moving but sweet and funny film that makes a virtue of its limitations. The budget was clearly small, but the director makes great use of the unknown cast and the stunning scenery of northern Alberta. Conway Kootenay is a standout and steals every scene he is in. The plot may be cliched, but the clever script and stylized direction make it feel fresh. I loved the indigenous characters and the glimpses into their culture added a lot to the story. While there is some drama, it never gets too heavy, and the resolution to the various plot lines is very satisfying. This would be a great date movie.

I was kind of expecting a very low budget looking movie with a not so great story line as with the previews that I saw were all hilarious without revealing too much of the storyline. What I got when I sat in the theatre was the exact opposite!! I was excited to see if they revealed all of the comedy in the previews, but they did not! I loved this movie from start to finish! I laughed & I literally cried in the theatre at moments. The storyline was fantastic, the actors were great and the overall visuals were waaay better than what I thought they would be! MUST SEE MOVIE!!! I would love to know if there is going to be a second part or if that's it?

Guitar Lessons is a great watch! Very realistic portrayal of life in northern Alberta. At times funny, at other times emotional, sad and heart warming. Corb Lund does a very nice job as a gruff northern oil entrepreneur and I was so very impressed with the job done by all the actors - particularly young Kaden. The story starts out with what seems to be just a collection of remotely unconnected events and as the movie progresses they are woven into a very moving story that at times is all too true! Throughout realistic, funny and moving aspects of living north of Peace River are recreated! It also portrays some of the beautiful scenery that our province has to offer !