Resurrection

I'd just like to comment on one aspect of this movie: the ending. I've seen a ton of films in my life (37 years at this point), and I have to say that hands down the ending of this film is one of the best I have ever seen. It is SO subtle and non-pretentious that it's almost staggering. I have no doubt that in this day and age (2007) the ending would have been trashed in favor of something much BIGGER. I applaud EVERYONE involved for creating a bookend that has haunted me to this day (I am emotional just thinking about it). If there is ever a well publicized list of the best movie endings ever, I certainly hope this film is on it. It is definitely on mine.

Ellen Burstyn delivered one of the all-time best performance by an American actress in a motion picture. 1980 was one of the most difficult year in the Oscars in terms of best actress - all five were great. I deeply loved this movie, it made me cry quite often. The only thing that was bad was the relationship with Sam Shepard, it should have been cut from the movie. The ending is absolutely unforgettable. Do not miss it!!!

After so many years (last saw it in 1980) and thousands of films later, I still recall scenes - usually triggered by some circumstance - and wish I could see the film again. Because of my background in film and television, I can say I have seen an above average amount of films and I can state that this is one of those films that stay engraved in your memory in a very specific way, like very few films do or ever will.

This movie has been a favorite of mine since it came out. I find it very moving, and inspirational, and I am such a SUCKER for movies that have an ending where the last two minutes hit you right in the heart, or the head, or both. (RE: Shawshank Redemption and Working Girl as two examples) See this movie! I am sure it will hold different pleasures and bring different insights for different people, but no one will NOT feel something. Wonderful performances by all, and sadly this is truly an underrated and little known film. I hope this will come out on DVD someday. I think I am going to go hunt up my nearly worn out VHS version and watch it again today. Oh, and when you do get a chance to see it, make sure you share it with a friend. This is a great movie for discussion after. I think you, like me, will want to see it again.

I remember seeing this film in the theatre - a wonderfully mind altering experience! Burstyn's acting is Oscar quality, and her transformation throughout the film is truly remarkable. If you have seen and enjoyed "Brainstorm" with Natalie Wood, this makes one of the best companion pieces to it. I guess you know you've seen a great film when it makes you suspend your disbelief while the lights are out in the theatre, and then changes your beliefs forever after it is over. We have all seen movies that featured psychic experiences that have ranged from the weird to the simply unbelievable. Ellen Burstyn starts out a non-believer, but is converted by her experiences. The film also neatly plays upon the elements of faith-healing and the role of the believer in any mental experience. A finely nuanced and rewarding film - I hope someone wakes up and issues this GEM on DVD sometime soon!

It is the lead trait of this profound beautiful film. The delicacy of a story about love and life and healing in deep sense. About hope. And about the other as part from yourself. The delicacy of performances. The delicacy of dialogues. It is a spiritual film but not in the sense you expects. It is support for reflection. And one of that small cinematographic gems with the status of gift.