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Cast: Terence Stamp, Gemma Arterton, Christopher Eccleston, Vanessa Redgrave, Barry Martin
Arthur (Terence Stamp), a curmudgeonly old soul, is perfectly content with his reliable daily routine until his beloved wife (Vanessa Redgrave) introduces him to a spirited local singing group led by the youthful and charming Elizabeth (Gemma Arterton). Despite his initial resistance, this unexpected friendship leads to Arthur’s discovery of music that revitalizes his passion for new adventures and reconnects him with the people who matter most.
"Unfinished Song" tells the story of Arthur and his wife Marion who spends most her time a wheelchair. Arthur is an older man that seems set in his ways, sure he is cranky and he obviously doesn't like to have his routines messed with but he is a good man loves and cares for his wife with all his heart. When Marion introduces him to a group of older folks from a choir she joined Arthur doesn't really want to be bothered. He things what they are doing is silly and only takes his wife because she insists he does so. When Marion receives bad news regarding her health it hits Arthur very hard, not able to truly accept what is happening he takes his frustrations out on the group and on his son. Marion does her best to get Arthur ready for when she is no longer around by getting him involved in the choir and insisting that he makes sure their son is fine after she is gone.
As a Critic you get to see a lot of movies in every genre possible. Like anyone else I love a horror action film or horror but every once in a while you get to see a film that reminds you of why you fell in love with cinema in the first place and "Unfinished Song" is one of those films. I am not going to sit here and go into major plot details because that would only ruin the film for those waiting to see it but I will tell you this is a triumph in cinema in every sense of the word. The story will make you laugh and cry, it is touching and sad but in the end the story for me was not so much about dying as it was about living. I loved the story of unconditional love.
With a story like this you need a cast that is going to deliver on the characters and they could not have picked a better group of actors. Terence Stamp and Vanessa Redgrave are brilliant as Arthur and Marion, its performances like these that should be winning the major awards. Gemma Arterton is also terrific as Elizabeth, the young lady that not only runs the choir but also befriends Arthur when he needs it the most. The rest of the supporting cast all did a fantastic job as well.
Sad, I do not think this will be a film for everyone. If you like only like movies that are filled with action and explosions then it is best to stay clear of this. "Unfinished Song" is a sentimental film that sports an incredible cast and it tells a very personal story of losing someone you love but it is also about living and loving with everything you have. I loved it and highly recommend it to everyone.
Available now, the DVD comes with Special Features that include:
Outtakes
Deleted Scenes
You can order it HERE.
Released by Anchor Bay Entertainment
***** Out Of *****