Beginners

Having garnered such positive reviews, this movie shot at the top of my list.

Synopsis: Oliver Fields seems to live a rather sad, lonely, and emotionally deprived life, partially due to his upbringing.  After the death of his mother, his father Hal came out to Oliver and later broke the news that he has cancer.  During Hal’s final year of life, Oliver meets a French girl who will force him to face his inability to open himself up to share his life with someone else.

Ewan McGregor plays Oliver with enough acquiescence and devotion to his father’s happiness that one’s heart swells for him.  Meanwhile, Christopher Plummer plays Hal with such naturalness, panache, and satisfaction that his is easily one of the best portrayals of a gay man to ever come to life.  An Oscar nomination is a certainty and he seems to be the front runner to win his first statuette ever.  Bravo!!

The Bottom Line: don’t let yourself be put off by the gay theme, because it’s only part of this wonderfully sweet and warm story of love for others and for oneself.

Grade: 8