[net.movies] Tender Mercies

alexisp@ihuxk.UUCP (07/14/83)

Tender Mercies (1982?): (Mini-Review: Tender Movie)
This movie was just given a wide release in the Chicago area. I saw it last
friday, and can't resist reviewing it. 

	The movie stars Robert Duvall, as Mac Sledge,
ex-country and western singer (and no, you don't have to be a C&W fan
to enjoy the movie! I certainly am not.) who tries to start a new life,
ditching his drinking problem, and regaining self-respect. He meets a young
woman (played beautifully by Tess Harper) who runs the "Mariposa Motel",
and a romance develops. (end of mini-synopsis).

The movie has an even, easy, slow pace about it that gives each scene
time to develop, time for us to feel the emotions of each character, time
for us to share in the happiness and the pain. This is not an action movie,
it is a people movie. It is not restricted to the two main characters; we
are given scenes that show the complex questions of a little boy who never
knew his real father, does not really know about the war (Vietnam) his
father died in, and is not sure of how to feel about a new man in the
family.

There is also Mac Sledge's bitter ex-wife, his very confused daughter...
Although little action is shown on the screen, the story does move along,
because a lot of the more classic scenes are not there (for example, we
are spared a wedding ceremony). I was impressed over and over again by the
tender feelings that were captured on film. It's one of those movies where
you're sad the movie ends because you've grown to love the characters.

Rating: 4 stars, for making an american movie that is about people, not
things. 

					Alexis Porras
					ihuxk!alexisp

cbf@allegra.UUCP (07/14/83)

     Rating: 4 stars, for making an american movie that is 
     about people, not things. 

I saw the movie a while ago, and I do think as highly of it.  Yet,
I cannot resist pointing out that this "american" movie was made
by Bruce ("Breaker Morant") Beresford, an Australian director.

Note:  Current must-see movies include "Fanny and Alexander",
       "The Draugthman's Contract" and "La Nuit de Varennes".

--allegra!cbf