tlavideo.com

Amos Lassen wrote on 02/09/2011:

“A HOME AT THE END OF THE WORLD”
The Realities of Love and Life
Amos Lassen
“A Home at the End of the World” is a surprise of a movie. It was so much more than what I expected to be. I was sure that it was going to be one of those slick Hollywoodish films that would probably be just blah but it turns out to be a stunner. It is realistic and unfolds with beauty. The biggest surprise of all is pretty boy Colin Farrell who showed us that he can really act. His power is phenomenal as he plays a man who wears his heart on his sleeve with compelling innocence. Robin Wright Penn also delivers a performance not easily forgotten and Sissy Spacek is her usual great self.
Based on a novel by Michael Cunningham (who wrote “The Hours”), the movie relays the cultural complexities of reaching adulthood. Set in the 1970’s and 80’s the movie is not about AIDS, ho0mosexuality or an era of history. What it is about is time and place and how to make sense of a world that seems to have lost its sense of direction and about loving another person. As it looks into family and gender it does so with grace and tenderness. As the characters attempt to escape the rules of the world that they live in, they seek a place where they can be themselves. They are not stereotypes, they are individuals and we never know how the film ends –it is left open.
Beautifully touchy, those who feel they need a narrative plot may think the movie is not finished. It is not so much about redefining riles in society but about the need to belong—to find a place in the world and to live there. It is about the struggle to find equilibrium in life. You learn to trust your intelligence and intuition while watching the movie as you watch the emotional build up presented in this glorious film.
Sexuality is in the theme but labeling it detracts from the movie as a whole. Sexuality seems irrelevant here, especially since we are not dealing with sex but with love. Our gay central character just happens to be gay but he has no inhibitions about it. He shows love and affection freely.
When I finished watching the film I was a bit torn and melancholy as I reflected on the fragile nature and complexities of the movie. What does it take to live in this world as we are faced with a plethora of choices everyday of our lives? We make choices based on our own value systems and not out of love. The movie seems to be off-center but then so are our lives. We make choices and deal with the consequences. In the film, making a choice is something that is built upon slowly and as we take that journey with the characters we understand why they make the choices that they do.
The screenplay is far from perfect but I think that is what made me enjoy the movie so much as it made me think about all of the possibilities that go behind making a choice that may affect my entire life.
What is the most pleasing aspect of “A Home” is how wonderfully the relationships are crafted. They draw the audience into them and the viewer feels that he is actually interacting with the people he sees on the screen. I felt as if I had actually become part of their lives.
There have been many questions about the acting ability of Colin Farrell. Lay your doubts aside. Not only can he act but he can really act. His performance is shaded with classical nuances and a sincere vulnerability. It is sad that that this movie did not get the audience it deserves. Along with the fine performances and excellent direction, “A Home” raises serious questions and for that alone this movie could be prized. But it has so much more going for it. This is not a Hollywood film in which everything fits. It allows room for the audience to make u its own mind.
Perhaps the relationships are unconventional and that is why it did receive wide theatrical release and in some cases it became a festival film. But do not let the relationships fool you. What makes the movie so good is the humanity of the characters and not their sexuality. “A Home” is one of the most beautifully sincere films I have ever seen. What it does is to ask us to accept reality. By doing so we accept the entire rainbow of our population and diversity becomes the reality of the world we live in.

JANORM wrote on 10/09/2009:

I just don't know which was so emotional: The time frame in which this film takes place, or The love expressed between these two men. Both of these events take the audience on a whirlwind experience of a lifetime-their combined lives. Colin Farrell is one of the most under-rated actors of our lifetimes. He and the other two characters give a golden glimpse into a microcosim of the lives that were so very prevelant during that era in our history. This is a snapshot that will be remembered both nostalgically and regretfully, by many of us, I am but one. This film will become a classic becuase of its portrayals, and is a very definite must for your collection! LOVE, TRUE LOVE CAN SURVIVE ALL!!!!!! NJMJr!

peterp88 wrote on 02/25/2008:

A long time friend loaned this movie to me. I had no idea who Colin Farrell was. His characture as Bobby was played by several youngsters and they all had resemblances through growing up. Kudos to the casting directors. Dallas Roberts had the same semblances of growing up. I did not expect to see this movie in a farorble light. I have watched it twice and hope to watch it many times before returning it this weekend.

I thoughly enjoyed the story line and the love that Bobby and Jonathon had for each other.

If you have not viewed the gem, do so.

Not-Disappointed in NH wrote on 06/08/2005:

This movie is not to be missed. A must have for any movie collection. It is a wonderfully caring and romantic movie.
Colin farrel plays a wonderful role, with great passion. The entire cast is great.
A fantastic story.
Two thumbs up!!!

EasleySC (GuyInEasley@aol.com) wrote on 11/29/2004:

This is a movie that I picked up with some trepidation, but was truly surprised by how good it was! I was not a fan of Collin Farrell before, but I have to say that I am now, very much so! The acting was dynamic and very well done, the characters were realistic and very moving in their humanity. If you're looking for a moving, emotional, and very sound filme (with some good kissing) then get this film today!