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michaelgnat
Reviews
Personal Sergeant (2004)
Nice Ensemble Acting
Saw this at a private screening in NYC.
A Korean War vet comes to live with his son, daughter-in-law, and granddaughter -- yes, there are four main characters, not two per the present IMDb site -- and manages to forge a surprisingly (because non-Hollywood) strong bond with the young soccer- playing girl.
The script avoids stereotypical goings-on; everything seems pretty darn real and nicely balanced. No mushy gushy, no 100% cures, no neatly tied ends. Just a really interesting shift and flow among the relationships, some unexpected but believable twists and turns.
The husband and wife each get their moments two, and the relationship between them -- and between them and the older/younger generation -- is partly what gives this film such a nice ensemble feeling.
The rest of the cast includes other vets, who we meet in a wonderful little scene at their 'club'.
The Reader (2005)
See if it you can!
Saw this last night at the 7th Annual NYC Home Film Festival -- a rather tumultuous venue that quieted down for this sweet and touching two-woman film.
The relationship between the two -- one, older and blind, the other, a twenty- something who helps her with her mail -- is established deftly, and its depth is readily apparent.
There are no car chases, explosions, or mind-boggling special effects -- just the sometimes difficult but rewarding task of humans reaching out toward each other to help and be helped.
See if it you can!