Spring Forward (Ws Sub Dol)

Starring:Ned Beatty, Liev Schreiber, Campbell Scott, Ian Hart, Peri Gilpin, Bill Raymond, Catherine Kellner, Hallee Hirsh, Justin Laboy, Kristin Laboy, David Roland Frank
Director: Tom Gilroy
Studio: MGM (Video & DVD)
Product Type: DVD

Amazon.com

This gentle story of friendship follows two city groundskeepers in a small town: a young ex-con named Paul (Liev Schreiber, The Daytrippers, A Walk on the Moon) with aspirations of holistic healing, and an old hand named Harold (Ned Beatty, Deliverance, Hear My Song) who's grappling with the illness of his son. There's no plot to speak of, just the slow rhythms of a developing friendship, captured with grace and nuance. In the wrong hands, Spring Forward could have been unbearably precious; but Beatty and Schreiber are both superb, giving their characters a wholeness that few movies take the time to allow. The supporting cast--including Campbell Scott (Big Night), Peri Gilpin (the TV series Frasier), and Ian Hart (Backbeat, The End of the Affair)--create deft character portraits that flesh out Paul and Harold's world. It's a sweet movie that deserves to find an audience. --Bret Fetzer

Description

The profound, unlikely friendship between two men of different generations delivers the fullest possible emotional impact (Los Angeles Times) in this powerful character-driven drama. Oscar® nominee* Ned Beatty (Network) and Liev Schreiber (The Manchurian Candidate,The Sum of All Fears) are simply great (Leonard Maltin) in this remarkable, deeply affecting (Variety) story. Ex-con Paul (Schreiber) hopes for a fresh start at his new job, but his personal demons threaten to sabotage his shot at a second chance. Fortunately, his co-worker Murph(Beatty) is a straightforward guy who believes in lending a helping handjust what Paul needs if he can find the presence of mind to accept it. *1976: Supporting Actor, Network

Customer Reviews:

Spring Forward.......2007-01-10

Spring Forward, January 9, 2007
Reviewer: David S. Jobrack "Seeker" (New York City) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)
For those who enjoy films about close relationships between friends, this film is a real sleeper and a true find. The focus is on a job relatonship between a young man who is just begining and an older man who is almost ready to retire. The acting is outstanding, the dialogue real and moving, and the overall impact is both sweet and melancholy at the same time. Definitely not for the action or romance movie types, it is a perfect fit for those who look for something deeper in a film.

Zen Buddhism in a nutshell.......2006-12-10

If you've ever studied Zen Buddhism, the parallels in this film are STAGGERING. Paul (played by Leiv Schreiber) is a very troubled figure in the start of the film. There is a moment early in the film, when Paul feels he has jeopardized his employment, his final chance at redemption in life; he runs into the woods in tears, hopelessly, furious at himself. This reminded me of the hopelessness that is experienced during the Great Doubt, the state a monk experiences when his concept of self and reality begin to unravel during the journey to enlightenment. In order to gain control of his life, Paul has turned to spiritual books, specifically that of the Dalai Lama ("the Pope of Buddhism"). Paul is the epitome of the novice Zen disciple; he has familiarity with many spiritual concepts but only at face value, lacking the understanding of their true meaning. He is dependent on scripture and is in need of an experienced master. Murph (Ned Beatty), by contrast, is easygoing and friendly. He enjoys his work, much in the way that Zen monks engage in samu. He is a Hakuin-like character, appreciating the beauty in the simple things of life. Murph is the Zen master that Paul needs to make his necessary transition into a content life.

Seriously, check out this movie. Then, read up on Zen Buddhism and watch it again.

Simply Human and Humane-- A thoughtful film with heart.......2006-01-23

I absolutely loved this film and applaud the mind who created it as well as the crew who brought it to life. It touched my heart on many levels making me laugh and cry repeatedly. It was personally important to me to be reminded of the value in male relationships and that men need the bonding of male friendships as much as women need their girlfriends. I found it to be stunning in its simplicity with a message that was clear and pure. Thank you for this experience.
Barbara Kantzabedian

Wonderful inquiry in the nature of life.......2005-07-23

Spring Forward is a wonderful inquiry in the nature of life, where two Parks and Forests employees, and older experienced man and a younger man fresh out of jail, exchange their perspectives while going through a fall and a winter. This is a very thoughtful movie which will appeal to people who prefer great dialogue to action. I have to say that the time passed faster here than when watching many other movies, even though not much actually happens. Most scenes are full of sensibility and intelligence, although some are more hit-and-miss. But the basic theme of the movie - that sometimes we are consumed by looking for things that we already have - is really deployed to the fullest. We truly make our lives complicated when there is really no need for it. Five stars.

brilliant.......2005-03-05

Brilliant soundtrack. Brilliant editing. Brilliant story and dialog. Brilliant acting. See it and see it again.

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