Customer Reviews:
"Show me a happy man..." (4.5 stars).......2003-12-30
If you were asked what the words "happiness" or "fate" meant to you, chances are your answer would be very different from everybody else. Not all the answers to simple or complex questions are the same, as this movie illustrates in a very creative and effective manner. "13 Conversations About One Thing" is a film that examines the daily life of human beings, and just how something so subtle or small can cause a chain reaction of events.
The movie revolves around five New Yorkers that end up getting involved in one another's life in some way. There's the public defender who in a chain of events ends up walking the path of a criminal by covering his tracks. And then there is the bitter business man who can't stand the fact that one of his workers is always happy no matter what. There's the confused college professor who fears of not living life to the fullest after being mugged. There's the happy and enthusiastic cleaning woman who believes miracles happens everyday, but has her worldview drastically changed when she is hospitalized after being hit by a car. And finally, there's the woman who has to deal with the fact that her husband is cheating on her after having his stolen wallet returned. All of this is a setup for a sad, and yet moving film about the everyday events that we overlook from time to time. And how we never really notice even the smallest chain reactions that occur everywhere.
This was a great movie to watch and kept my attention throughout. I do admit that I was confused the first time, being that the movie really isn't told in chronological order, but more set up as little separate stories. After seeing it a second time it really did help me understand more of what was transpiring. It always makes me happy to see a film like this that actually makes you think and want to re-evaluate the things you see in life.
The cast was sensational. Alan Arkin was really a joy to watch and I'm sad that he didn't get more recognition. As he is always good in what he does, this is one of his best roles in recent memory. Matthew McChonaughey is also terrific and deserves mention. John Turturro never fails to impress me and I believe he was perfect for his role. Clea Duvall really makes you sympathize with what has happened to her and you really do hope that her worldview can go back to the way it was. And last, but not least, Amy Irving really delivers an exceptional performance. The writing and directing is also very impressive as well.
The DVD has a few things to offer; not a lot, but enough to keep me content. There's a couple of trailers (including the one for the movie itself), and commentary (which I have yet to hear but am anxious to listen to). The picture and sound quality is really good and does the movie justice.
"13 Conversations About One Thing" is a highly interesting movie that can actually speak to you if you allow it to. Although it may be confusing at times, it still does more than just simply getting the job done. It makes us think, it makes us wonder, and it makes us pause in silence. Of course, this is one not everyone is going to like, but I think the movies that don't appeal to everybody are the ones worth examining. You'll never know where and when you'll find a gem. This was a very deep and emotionally charged film, and I am glad I gave it a chance. It was not time wasted, I can tell you that much.
DVD Review:
- The Memory of Beautiful Days [2006] (REGION 1) (NTSC)
- The Mummy Returns [2001] (REGION 1) (NTSC)
- The President's Last Bang [2005] (REGION 1) (NTSC)
- The Prodigal Son [1982] (REGION 1) (NTSC)
- The Simpsons Christmas 2 [1990] (REGION 1) (NTSC)
- The Story of India : Complete BBC Series
- The Terrorist [2001] (REGION 1) (NTSC)
- The Two of Us [1968] (REGION 1) (NTSC)
- The Vatican Television Center presents: BENEDICT XVI The Keys of the Kingdom
- Throne of Blood - Criterion Collection [1957] (REGION 1) (NTSC)
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