HARD TRUTHS Movie Review **SPOILER ALERT**

[@TechnicJunglist]

Some people (cough* a family member of mine) are just unaware of their own mental issues and go through life unapologetic. Then, the rest of us seek help trying to navigate and heal from the situation.

[@maevemaiden]

I so wish I had friends like you two to have i intellectual conversations about films with it’s so refreshing. Great job fellas once again. I may check this one out ❤

[@AnnaLeusing]

“Why can’t you enjoy life ?” “ I don’t know” - in the context of the movie that hit hard. Wouldn’t have known of this movie if it weren’t for you two and will definitely watch 💛

[@danavixen6274]

Marianne Jean-Baptiste is a LEGEND. Loved her in Takers and The Cell. ❤

[@ariesunicorn8225]

I remember seeing Marianne casually riding her bike in Camberwell, London not long after “Secrets and Lies” came out. She’s one of many reasons I love UK actors, and Mike Leigh films: raw acting and relatable stories.

[@bangbangmario]

This is one of my favorite movies of the year because I found myself oddly relating to Pansy and how her depression feeds her anger towards everyone and being completely obliviously (or purposefully) to the kindness someone is trying to show her that she so desperately wants to be perfect.

[@taya12020]

I hope MJB(not Mary J lol) gets a nomination for this. She's so good. I'm probably the only person who thinks of In Fabric first when I think of her. I love that weird little movie.

[@sandythemaster6898]

I feel like the title refers to us all watching the movie and realizing that either we know someone like Pansy... Or WE are like her! Thanks for the review, makes my commute a lot better 😂 As for this movie, I think I'll stick with Christmas movies with my kids for now 😂

[@eja9539]

This sounds like a really complex movie! Although the character of Pansy seems exaggerated, most people have encountered a person like this or similar enough that they can relate to.

[@jhohadli]

When I saw the trailer, I assumed menopause or dementia...it's 'just' miserableness? Loved Secrets and Lies and Marianne's people come from my country, glad to see her in awards conversation, and your review gave me a better sense of the film. I may check it out.

[@js7dragon]

The thing is more people are probably suffering from "just miserableness" than menopause or dementia. We seem them everyday despite their age.

[@lockhimup-ub2tz]

This channel has good vibes *AND* great film reviews

[@LynneJordan11]

I saw this at chicago International film festival and it triggered me. I have a cousin JUST LIKE PANSY. She functions thanks to her daily meds. I mean she is just like her. I wanted to know what made Pansy that way. And my cuz has a downtrodden lovely hubby who just ignores her. And did you notice her OCD about cleaning? Just like my cousin. Ooh chile! And her siblings are all full of joy and one sister loves her to death despite her poisonous personality. Y’all know I told her to go see this movie. Loved hearing your opinion of the film. Chile, it was an interesting study of a fool. And that hysterical crying at the gathering at Chantelle’s table…my cousin does that too. Ooh chile! Pansy is living well. That kitchen! She ain’t throwing that man out. But she will make him suffer. And then rinse & repeat. Is it a cautionary tale?

[@wanya_telborn]

Yay! Perfect timing cooking I’m cooking supper Chicken and dumplings turnip greens cornbread ❤and now Yall perfect night!

[@t.walker8641]

I'm going to need a plate! ❤

[@christophercobb249]

The protagonist of this movie sounds like some people I know well - damn. I had a co-worker like that in my first job and she really was like a tornado of anger, I'll will, and resentment. One time she stopped talking to all of us for a month or so, and no one ever knew why. Damn, she was a miserable person. I came to realize that she was fed by this anger and self-pity. She really was that miserable a person.

[@michellelindsay-baharierob475]

A profound review. I'm ready to watch this. Loved early Leigh. This feels like a throwback to his earlier stuff. Xxx

[@CreateYourNarrative]

46 years old WHERE?! Need the skin care routine!! 🔥🔥🔥

[@Bexinnamon]

Sadly we all have someone in our family like this 😢 Its also good for younger people to see the effect on unresolved trauma with age. Seems that it only comes iut in April here but I will go see it

[@taylormade9748]

Man I love my mom so much. Both of the women resemble my mother and she shares both characteristics of the sisters. My mom really fights to be happy and deals with a lot, and she always told me to keep fighting. Keep fighting anxiety, keep fighting depression, “you have to fight” she says. I can see the battle within her but she continues to try and wants me my sisters to try. This sounds like such a beautiful sad real movie. Thank you guys for discussing this movie. 🤎🤎

[@js7dragon]

***internet hug***

[@taylormade9748]

@ **internet hug back**

[@puspavelai8353]

This positive review gives a big boost of curiosity to watch! Non communication, a symptom - so, we're offered two families to compare. There's hope to changes without fretting obsessively - a good message movie.

[@Mslexus134]

I literally just watched Mahogany last night staring Diana Ross. And, you are wearing a T-Shirt with her beautiful face taken of her as a model in the movie 🎥….thanks for your commentary….!!

[@macebluemoon369]

Thanks for this review per usual you guys. I have been an enormous fan of Marianne Jean-Baptiste ever since "Secrets and Lies." That movie is one of my all time favorites. It would be lovely to see her nominated for an Oscar again after 28 years. Oh and Joseph you are so right that people get a strange joy out if being miserable. It happens and unfortunately I've been there mysrlf a few times.

[@LandoHendrix444]

Marianne Jean-Baptiste just won the NYFCC Awards and LAFCA. I'm hearing Cate Blanchett in Blue Jasmine level of performance from MJB.

[@js7dragon]

I literally press pause on this bc I'm about to watch this today in NYC. I'll comment again in a few hours to see if we agree.

[@js7dragon]

Thank you, Nick, for bringing up the theme of power... or, how I interpreted her struggle, powerlessness. The ending, which displays an opportunity to overcome powerlessness from the protagonist and her husband left me audibly astonished. I thought it was interesting that neither of you mentioned the flower food packet metaphor during the final kitchen scene where she places the flowers in water to temporarily sustain them, but discards the food packet to help them thrive. That is a possibly foreshadowing button well hidden and well shot. Like Joseph, I thought a more disturbing fate was oncoming, but not in the form of homicide (those characters don't seem like the type to possess the ability forthright). Instead there were moments where anyone in the protagonist's family could have committed suicide. But, I don't like that ending for this film because that would eliminate the hardest of truths: sometimes people don't get better and decide to live that way.

[@js7dragon]

Also, I think Jean-Baptiste's comedic timing with her performance aided the film because without it, the film would have failed the test of a being a character study. The comedy is needed to entertain the audience, thus elevating it out of character study. Lastly, I do want to caution about considering mental health issues to explain the son's behavior. I think a lot of his behavior could be explained by the family's economic status and lack of confidence screwed into him by his parents, which is why he gets an ending (that I find cliche', but fitting) that is more hopeful via the kindness of a stranger.

[@LexisReadz]

I suck & the name of the podcast is escaping me right now, but the two gals where they dissect mental health and things like that in movies. I feel like you collaborated with them in a past podcast, this movie sounds PERFECT for another collab with them!!

[@fishjellyfilmreviews]

‪@DiagnosingSitcomsandMovies‬ Yes, agreed!

[@msrefined1]

Another fantastic review

[@CrookedShoeTales]

The main character of this movie sounds like a family member of mine. There’s actually a physical resemblance. I actually want to see this now for therapeutic reasons.😂 but really though

[@tigerlilly9038]

*SAME* ❤

[@corriemayo2715]

Be careful, it my be traumatic

[@jwheeler1106]

Yeah it’s interesting the friend I saw it with said she reminded him exactly of his mom.

[@ashleybankscoaching]

Great review

[@tamelacarroll9862]

The main character probably felt jaded that she always had to be the responsible one and never was able to just be a kid growing up. Unfortunately, instead of looking into treatment to unpack her emotions, she developed a nasty attitude that she spits out on to other people.

[@rmjmoviereviews6876]

Nick and Joseph trust me! Ive met women this crazy. To see it in teal life is crazy. Facts! Yall were speaking real truth here. Life is short and you got to save yourself and spend time with those who appreciate and value you.

[@jinxminxks]

I grew up with a couple aunts who were kinda like this

[@mildredpierce7728]

I Love Sir Michael’s films. Thank You So Much For Your Review!!! 💕💕💕

[@IsaiahTB0]

Finally got to this film and really really enjoyed it. Wanna watch more Mike Leigh films now!

[@dariasmeh]

Start the video with sarcastic hilarious jokey contempt - 😂😂

[@kevcoder]

I haven't seen this movie, yet, but I know someone who behaves just as you describe Pansy. This person is wracked by self doubt and responds to the world with aggression and chaos. I know Pansy. It's sad but unfortunately true.

[@BrownsBacker]

Secrets and Lies is one of my favorite films from the 90's...and when i first saw Marianne Jean-Baptiste in her Oscar nominated role. To see her as the mother now is interesting and not anything like her Secrets and Lies character.

[@merandasomnolentgamer8323]

I'm curious to see this movie. Everything you've described with regards to Pansy sounds like OCPD to me, but I also wonder what a professional would say.

[@jminor318]

This film sound like it is really good and thought provoking.

[@christophercobb249]

Y'all watch more movies in two weeks than I watch in two years!! Where do you find the time?

[@fishjellyfilmreviews]

I ask myself the same question.

[@lightuponlight6727]

Probably helps that they get paid to do this too.

[@AlansNewMutant]

Seems like this one did you both a world of good, in that it took you to places of introspection and reflection! Maybe that was Mike Leigh's aim? Leave the audience asking questions about themselves and if there's a wall THEY need to break through like Pansy needed.

[@patriciaarodriguez6641]

Looking forward to this one and really like that main actress.

[@tigerlilly9038]

liiiiiiiiiiisssssen this sounds like one of my 11 Aunts. Yes. 11 direct blood not by marriage law or marriage *SO YEAH *"ALLADIS"* 🙄😬. I am going to need a whiskey and Xanax to watch this one, lol. 😂

[@vikery555]

This movie was so triggering. I felt abused by the presence on screen. But I also saw so much of her in so many foirent people I know including myself. It was unsettling that there was no story arch of resolve. The lack of context left me feeling so empty.

[@JacobCorenthose]

Best film of the year.

[@jinxminxks]

Isn’t wild tha😢pansy raised her sister but her household is miserable

[@eja9539]

This sounds like a really complex movie!

[@keptbygrace6221]

Where to watch?

[@untouchable360x]

Hard truths cut both ways.

[@tigerlilly9038]

Well 3 of the 11, always felt like the cheated children....and maybe they were..the oldest....😬😟. The responsibility and expectations are different for the eldest, this is a truth [in my upbringing atleast]..so yeah ..she stayed WOUND TIGHT AS DICKS HATBAND!! Children would scatter when she came to visit

[@soumentalukder4750]

How does this movie have 96% on Rotten 🍅 ? Ok, the performances are great, the lead actress is a genius, it’s competently filmed & directed, feels like a realistic story.. but here’s the subjectivity of movies: for me the film became tiresome and felt pointless by the end 😆🤷🏽‍♂️

[@lodger9]

This film sounds like the ugliness of online comments and message board culture.

[@captainmoky]

I love that mustache I hope you grow it and grow it