Tender Mercies
Robert Duvall stars as Mac Sledge, an alcoholic drifter who comes into the life of a lonely widow (Tess Harper) and her young son in the barren flatlands of Texas. But when Mac is revealed to be a once- famous country singer, he must confront a painful past that includes his bitter superstar ex- wife (Betty Buckley) and troubled daughter (Ellen Barkin) while facing an uncertain future that may only be redeemed by the simple power of love.
Tender Mercies is a movie experience of uncommon grace and dignity, directed by Bruce Beresford (Breaker Morant, Driving Miss Daisy) from an Oscar- winning screenplay by Horton Foote (To Kill A Mockingbird, The Trip To Bountiful) and featuring a once- in- a- lifetime performance by Robert Duvall. Nominated for 5 Oscars including Best Picture, this modern masterpiece is now presented in a stunning new widescreen transfer from original vault materials.
Member Reviews
Simple and quiet, but effective. - estefan
A simple and quiet, yet effective film that succeeds mainly on the strength of the performances. Robert Duvall is very good here, creating an interesting personality for what could have been a typical, cliched character. Tess Harper is also excellent as his new wife and the two actors work very well together. The story is nicely involving and heartfelt and overall, it's a well-made piece of work.Please watch it. - tetedepierre
This is a charming little film. No violence, no sex, no swearing it's just a simple story of love and redemtion. I think I can safely say "they don't make them like this anymore". All of the acting is good and the cinematography excellent.
Rent it. Enjoy it.Life-Affirming Simplicity - Stitch
A simple but not simplistic story of redemption through love. This is one of my all-time favorite morality tales that merits at least an annual viewing, with quietly understated and very sympathetic performances from the entire cast led by Robert Duvall who won a 1984 Oscar for his efforts. One of his finest performances (since his Tomorrow) with outstanding support from Tess Harper. And Ellen Barkin as the daughter deserves special mention for a letter perfect portrayal of a child adrift...a fine cameo. The screenplay and the direction were equally acclaimed.
Set in the mid-west, it concerns a country generation and life style considerably removed from modern urban existence. So I might question its appeal to younger viewers weaned on action and immediacy. The issues are basic to life and personal relationships, exploring the humble pleasures together with the inevitable losses and heartaches. And if you have children or plan them, there are implications you will find both challenging and rewarding.
The events and settings effectively evoke a time and place; this country boy could not detect a false note. Filmed in big sky country, the landscape reminds me a little of the Grand Canyon metaphor in the movie of the same name, clumsily implying the distances between us. But here distance is used much more effectively as a metaphor of separation, with sustaining havens scattered along the way.
The plot evolves slowly. There are no villains, no violence. No heavenly violins. No grand resolutions. Just observance. And like life, no answers. Yet the concluding scenes have more relevance than any counselor’s couch.
Pick a night when you are in a reflective mood and receptive to some quiet sustenance. Highly recommended for all ages.
Member Reviews
Read All...
Simple and quiet, but effective. - estefan
A simple and quiet, yet effective film that succeeds mainly on the strength of the performances. Robert Duvall is very good here, creating an interesting personality for what could have been a typical, cliched character. Tess Harper is also excellent as his ...Please watch it. - tetedepierre
This is a charming little film. No violence, no sex, no swearing it's just a simple story of love and redemtion. I think I can safely say "they don't make them like this anymore". All of the acting is good and the cinematography excellent.
Rent it. Enjoy ...Life-Affirming Simplicity - Stitch
A simple but not simplistic story of redemption through love. This is one of my all-time favorite morality tales that merits at least an annual viewing, with quietly understated and very sympathetic performances from the entire cast led by Robert Duvall who ...