An Unfinished Life (DVD, 2006)

~ Years before, Gill Gilkyson and her husband flip a quarter to see who will drive through the night in order to avoid a much needed rest stop. Tragedy strikes and Gill [Jennifer Lopez] is left alone and pregnant, and disowned by her father-in-law, Einar Gilkyson [Robert Redford]. Life for Gill has since been spent living with abusive husbands until one day she finds the courage to leave the latest, Gary Wilson [Damian Lewis] and return to Wyoming and Einar's ranch. Einer has been looking after his life-long friend Mitch [Morgan Freeman], who was mauled by a bear and is now left crippled for life. Here begins the troubled story of three characters, each attempting to deal with their troubled pasts. Can Einar forgive his daughter-in-law for an accident that occured so long ago, accept that life is not always fair and, most importantly, accept Gill and his new-found grandaughter into his life? Can Gill face her own demons and become a responsible mother? And, after years of healing, will Mitch once more confront and forgive the animal who crippled him? ~

Based on the terrific novel by Mark Spragg and set in the backdrop of rural Wyoming, director Lasse Hallstrom [What's Eating Gilbert Grape; Chocolat] has hit the mark once again with this tense and heartbreaking drama. There are outstanding performances from all the cast, most notably the bitter and ill-tempered Redford and the world-weary Freeman, who share a simultaneously tragic and amusing relationship --- and the scenery is stunning. The film maintains an optimistic feel despite the tragedies that have occured and the viewer is kept secretly hoping that a happy conclusion is achievable.

Matthew J Lee-Williams, Salisbury, United Kingdom, Review.

I really enjoyed this movie! Redford's acting was great! His character was true to life and well-portrayed.

I LOVE THE MOVIE! I SAW IT AT MY GRANDDAUGHTER'S HOME AND WANTED TO BUY IT SO THAT MY HUSBAND COULD SEE IT TOO. ITS SUCH A GREAT MOVIES AND DEFINARELY ONE THAT WE'LL WATCH OVER & OVER. I LOVE EBAY AND I ALWAYS BUY MY MOVIES HERE. EBAY SELLERS ARE THE BEST PEOPLE IN THE WORLD & THE SERVICE WAS OUTSTANDING! THANKYOU AND GOD BLESS, KAREN

I wanted this movie in my collection because it hit so close to my heart. I learned about forgiveness some years ago. Forgiveness isn't for the other person it's for me. It allows me to move on without the power of the other person, place, or thing causing me pain. I don't have to ever be OK with what happened but I do have to let it go. Only by forgiving can I move on with my life comfortably. I have watched this movie so many times and loved every minute of it. Of course Robert Redford was a plus. As was Morgan Freeman and Jennifer Lopez. Then last summer I lost a son. So I really had one more thing to identify with. This movie touched me in so many ways I can't mention them all.

The whole movie just sucks you in and makes you fall in love with every actor! You can not go wrong watching this! CLASSIC!!

great drama , has everything you need in it! loved this movie, with these actors how can it go wrong, this movie did not get much advertising.. but well worth the watch, should have been a blockbuster in my book, worth taking a look at much deserved, The bear is awesome!!! If you are looking for a Excellent movie to watch this is the ONE.

Overall a great movie. i'm not one for chick-flick, however this one is great. I am not sure why it was not as popular or reviewed as much as over movies. It is a must see and also makes a great gift.

Great movie. Have watched it a couple of times already. Will view it again and will be adding it to my longtime library of films.

In the "wholesome, good-story" category this is superior material. I'm an ardent advocate of "happy endings", and confirmed this before purchasing it, from the person who recommended this fine family movie. It contains all the qualities of emotion and action required, yet the tragedy aspects are presented in brief sections in a non-stressful format to the viewer. The focus is on the Solution, not the Tragedy, unlike the norm which emphasises suffering and bloodshed. The positive handling of this story and its outcome mades the difference in whether I watched it through or not.
To my surprise and pleasure, the fine story and the beautiful backdrop of scenery coupled with the fine cast of actors, I found An Unfinished Life neither heart-wrenching nor sad; it was captivating and upbeat, and healthy entertainment fare - a rarity these days. It left me feeling very good inside. Its what good entertainment should be.

An Unfinished Life is a great movie with an All-Star cast including Morgan Freeman and Robert Redford. A simple plot line but nevertheless shows how displaced families can form a cohesive bond over time. The music selections within the movie are wonderful and the essence of the movie gives you a warm feeling thereafter.

I absolutely LOVE this movie! Becca Gardner played her role to perfection. Robert Redford, Jennifer Lopez and Morgan Freeman also gave award winning performances. However, as a new buyer I was not aware of the different DVD regions. So the disc (Asian import) will play on my DVD recorder, but not in my DVD player.

I think it is an excellent story if it wasn't for the foul language it would be a great family movie. Morgan Freeman's character (Mitch) shows great compassion for everyone and even for the bear that mauled him. Robert Redford's character (Einer) learns to forgive and the importance of family.

this is lopez at her best.movie shows how two people who do not get a long can mead the hurts of the past.redford shines. this is a must see for the whole family.

I really enjoyed this movie, I found it very heartbreaking, but also heartmeneing. If giving the chance to watch it. I say, Please do
julia

This was an awesome movie. The cast is made up of great actors. There is quite a story line to this movie. I bought it from Ebay becuase of theprice. I had checked all over and it was quite an expensive movie. I have shopped on Ebay a lot and this was another great experience!!

A sparkling jewel of a movie. Well written, well acted, well directed, beautiful cinematography. A story of hurt, shame, anger, healing and forgiveness. Don't miss it.

excellent actors, great story, fantastic scenery. this movie keeps your interest all the way through and you can't believe it's over so fast. it's a clean movie, great for the whole family. The older generation will love this.
Redford, Lopez, Freeman, and the kid were all fantastic as usual.

The only reason to watch this movie is because of the young actress, Becca Gardner. She is picture perfect!!

EXCELLENT MOVIE SHOWING FAMILY AND FRIENDS A WAY OF FORGIVENESS AND TRUST MOVIE WORTH BUYING OR SELLING RECOMEND HIGHLEY.

I bought two of these DVD's.......
The dvd came new a stated,and made excellent Birthday gifts for
the men in my family,who are sometimes hard to buy for !
Thank You.......GOOD JOB !

This movie rocks!!! This movie rocks!!! This movie rocks!!! This movie rocks!!! This movie rocks!!!

I bought it for my mother-in-law who said she caught the show on t.v. but never got to see the beginning. When I saw the classic actors in the film (i.e. Robert Redford and Morgan Freeman) I knew I wanted to watch it too. It was a deep, moving film about forgiveness. The emphasis here is on "deep". There is a relationship between Morgan Freeman's character and a bear that had attacked him in the past that needs to be mended. Morgan needs to forgive the bear...and he does. Ultimately, even making an effort to help the bear. There's also an obvious forgiveness that needs to take place between Robert Redford's character and Jennifer Lopez. He blames her for killing his son in a car accident years before. You will cry at times. I did.

The acting was outstanding - the story line entriging - wonderful scenery - ended with you wanting to see more of the continuing story - well worth the time to watch