Empire Falls
Adapted by author Richard Russo from his 2001 Pulitzer Prize winning novel, Empire Falls is a portrait of the gritty drama and human comedy that make up everyday life in blue-collar America. On a daily basis, goodhearted restaurant manager Miles Roby (Ed Harris, Glengarry Glen Ross) tries to keep his Empire Grill going, even as the wealthy and powerful Mrs. Whiting (Joanne Woodward, Philadelphia), makes life difficult for him. If that wasn’t enough, Miles has to keep tabs on his scoundrel of a dad, Max (Paul Newman The Color of Money) who is always looking for trouble. But, Miles has something much bigger than just restaurant receipts and a cantankerous father on his mind-he can’t shake the ghosts of his past that keep his fate inevitably connected to Empire Falls.
Member Reviews
Excellent Dramatic Mini-Series. - 1writer
I read the book by Richard Russo and thought it was an excellent book and was happy to find that the movie/series follows the book very well (which is so hard to find). It is a interesting study of a small town and the human dynamics of all those in the town. The cast of actors reads like a Hollywood awards ceremony. Including Paul Newman, Joanne Woodward, Aidan Quinn, Ed Harris, Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Robin Wright, Theresa Russell, and Helen Hunt!An excellent cast of actors! - Cricri7
I have just started watching Empire falls. It may not be the best miniseries ever written or filmed but it has one of the best cast of actors I have ever seen! Paul Newman as Ed Harris' father, Helen Hunt marrying Dennis Farina, Joanne Woodward as the town's tough lady, Philip Seymour Hoffman in flashbacks and other actors whose name we never know but without them, the movies would never be as good.
The storyline gradually takes you in. You have to be patient and not turn it off. It is slow paced and sometimes it is a good thing!Great mini series - gregm
Realistic characters and rich storyline mostly about human relationships: romantic, familial, friendships, rivalry etc.
I enjoyed it very much particularly the fine performances all round.
It's important to note that this was produced as an 8 part miniseries not a 3 1/4 hr movie. Taken in that context it's not slow and excessive in my opinion.
Member Reviews
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Excellent Dramatic Mini-Series. - 1writer
I read the book by Richard Russo and thought it was an excellent book and was happy to find that the movie/series follows the book very well (which is so hard to find). It is a interesting study of a small town and the human dynamics of all those in the ...An excellent cast of actors! - Cricri7
I have just started watching Empire falls. It may not be the best miniseries ever written or filmed but it has one of the best cast of actors I have ever seen! Paul Newman as Ed Harris' father, Helen Hunt marrying Dennis Farina, Joanne Woodward as the town's ...Great mini series - gregm
Realistic characters and rich storyline mostly about human relationships: romantic, familial, friendships, rivalry etc.
I enjoyed it very much particularly the fine performances all round.
It's important to note that this was produced as an 8 part ...