Manchester By The Sea reviewed by Mark Kermode

Mark Kermode reviews Manchester By The Sea. Following a family emergency, loner Lee Chandler must return to his home town to take care of his nephew.
Please tell us what you think of the film -- or Mark’s review of the film - below. We love to include your views on the show every Friday.
www.bbc.co.uk/5...
Fridays at 2pm on BBC 5 live.

[@roquefortaddict]

Affleck's portrayal of a broken man devoid of emotion has got him nailed on for the Oscar, and rightly so.

[@tomstocken2754]

roquefortaddict he’s so much better than Ben affleck

[@snowman01]

@@tomstocken2754 ben's a star, casey's an artist

[@farhanahmad6316]

Ben is a world class director thou. Very underrated. Gone baby gone, The town, Argo. Air.

[@westerling8436]

真假的

[@unclvinny]

This movie laid me out, I was devastated afterwards. And yet, the flashes of humor were spot-on. That normal world just bubbled along like nothing was wrong, contrasted strongly with the self-imprisonment of Lee.

[@Glenuig]

That scene between Casey and his ex wife in the thumbnail of this video is heartbreaking. Michelle williams completely blew it out the water with her portrayal of grief and things that go unsaid. In less than 5 minutes of this scene I felt all the years of suffering these two have been through. Really hope they get the oscars for it.

[@ryanlucey1196]

Shocking piece of acting

[@the_katman2181]

We didn't see more of Michelle Williams because from that fateful moment he shut her out, along with everyone else. This story is told from his point of view. The only reason we saw others (like his nephew) is because this little tale of fate threw him in the mix. Not seeing Williams until he bumps into her and her new baby in the street is absolutely deliberate.

[@bbcactus3860]

I found this film phenomenal. 2 days later I am still shook up by it. It was a privilege to watch and I would watch again. The adagio music did not detract for me - it added to the tragedy and solemnity for me. I also did not feel we needed to see more of Michelle, but the scenes with her added to the layers of unresolved pain, grief and regret. So pleased Casey got an Oscar for this

[@JakeG-gp4qt]

It's a masterpiece. I honestly think Casey Affleck's character is the most relatable character for me personally, of any character I've ever seen. Yeah, I have some issues. Lol But in all sincerity, this film depicted grief in such a perfect way. I related with the film on such a personal level. A true masterwork. In my Top 3 from 2016.

[@Huifen9990]

Jake G 2187 I haven't seen it yet but I feel like it's one of those films that I will adore. Couldn't wait!

[@andygalloway3282]

Jake G 2187 it's not a masterpiece

[@JakeG-gp4qt]

Andy Galloway It is

[@andygalloway3282]

Jake G 2187 I can see why it would appeal to certain people, too much wrong with it to be a masterpiece. it's not bad

[@acouelfoly]

Have you watched Blue Ruin? TYou may like the main character! I can't compare as I have just stopped watching MBTS before the end of Adagio in G minor. I haven't felt any connection with the movie and no emotion which is strange as I am a real cinephile and on paper there is no reason so I would dislike this movie. On top of that I have spent 2 years during which all my family and friends were wondering if I was still alive, jumping on any occasion to fight etc. So I don't know : have you felt the same at this point of the movie? Is it useless for me to try again? The past days I have rewatched Lake Mungo, Roma and Tangerine feeling more or less emotional during the full lenght of those movies. I also watched Metropolis and shed a tear at some point just because it was so strong. But MBTS : nothing. I got angry and stopped watching because of the music choice was indeed terrible although Affleck was giving an amazing performance in the scene with the 2 cops!

[@Ringperfect]

Interesting that he wanted more background from Lee’s ex wife. I think it was intentional that she was a stranger to Lee and had started a new life that he couldn’t have possibly known anything about or it would have destroyed him. In there most powerful interaction Lee says to her “you wouldn’t understand” and she replies “of course I understand” and I think that encapsulates the relationship perfectly. Lee has blamed himself so much and dug himself into such despair and isolation that he views her more of a victim to his mistake than his partner that went through the same emotional anguish that he faced. When she is loaded onto the ambulance he tries to hug her and she visibly fights it, perfectly expressing what the tragedy did to their relationship and her being such a minimal part of Lee’s life from then on only makes sense with the battle we see Lee facing completely on his own.

[@TheKamikazenaz]

Yes, that's correct. Mark has called it wrong here. Michelle Williams has to pop up at that time.

[@Secretname807]

This is one of my favorite movies of all time. It's nearly perfect. However, I have one gripe that people who aren't from Eastern Massachusetts might not get. The town "Manchester by the Sea" is actually a very, very wealthy seaside community. These people are more working class, which is why so much of the movie was filmed in neighboring (and still somewhat working class) Gloucester. This film could have also worked in Beverly or Lynn, but Manchester itself just doesn't seem possible.

[@ridleysotheby]

and that's the point. The juxtaposition between his character and his surroundings.

[@taliaprice1909]

Casey Affleck is a really good actor.

[@PauLtus_B]

A lot better than "really good" I'd say.

[@Huifen9990]

PauLtus B He's underrated all these years

[@rjq8273]

No one cares right now, MC K. The thread is about his work, not some murky old irrelevant accusations from his personal life years ago. Relax.

[@taliaprice1909]

MC K so do you see him the same way as you see Nate Parker? Woody Allen....Roman Polanski....etc...

[@rjq8273]

***** Behind the scenes is behind the scenes. It's not the finished work itself, so once again I have to say it's irrelevant. The allegations went away, they settled out of court and got their millions for "feeling uncomfortable" and no other issues have surfaced before or since, as far as I know, so your persistence seems really, really strange. We're not talking about chris brown here, for crying out loud. I mean, I understand to a degree--I have a similar resistance to sean penn but for much stronger and more justifiable reasons, I think.

[@lesblues1203]

I must say Mark, I do disagree about the choice of using adagio in G minor, personally, possibly because I'm relatively young as a cinema-goer, that actually I find the opposite, that, that sequence is what truly engages and sets up the rest of the film and that the music actually adds to it.

[@notabot835]

Agreed. It enhances the scene rather than distracts.

[@paulgrieve5383]

spot on

[@gravelor78]

It distracted me for how many times I've heard that piece in many films.

[@hfwwf]

A criticism born out of the opportunity to show off his knowledge of the other times it's been used. It is probably the best music choice for that sequence and for anyone who isn't a film music buff it'll hit very hard. It would be crazy to use a less appropriate piece of music just to avoid the temporary distraction of those who know the piece or its uses inside out.

[@G-B31]

You are the second movie reviewer who said you wanted maybe a half hour more movie to flesh out the story more. It's not that we don't have enough story, it is that the acting is so superb that we can't take our eyes off the performances and are not ready to let go.

[@asharerin]

Just saw this movie. It really hit home for me. I do not think sidelining Michelle's character was a misstep. As a husband and father who went through a traumatic end to a marriage I can say it was incredibly realistic how Casey and Michelle interact in the years afterward and how Casey intentionally kept her and her memory out of his life because he was not able to heal the unbearable pain.

[@blakeharrison545]

I agree, it was my favorite performance so far by Ben Affleck!

[@taurinserotonin9994]

Lol

[@andreww5574]

lmao

[@mattwhite7249]

Yeah even better than The Town and Chasing Amy

[@DChappelle27]

Who would have thought a couple dudes from Boston would be so good in movies acting as dudes from Boston... wait a minute...

[@Icecreamforcrowtoo]

Nah, Gigli.

[@mustsilm]

I think Kermode is kind of missing the point with the lack of Michelle Williams character. Because of what happens in the middle of movie, its obvious why there isnt more of her in the movie. That thing just affected the relationship between the two characters way too much.

[@notabot835]

Exactly. Lonergan trusts the audience enough to let them fill in the gaps.

[@joq4399]

.....doesnt explain why there wasnt more of her.... cud have show more than 2 scenes of them by themselves the last scene was most useful in whole film dunno how she got nominated for oscar for 2 scenes and wtf boy got 1 too how??

[@joq4399]

cud have shown how angry or what she said to him to say sorry, wud have made this film not boring, boring film imo didnt connect with any characters part from last scene with exwife, boring film simple plot acting was portraying numb char and watching it felt nothing and bored, waiting for something to happen nothing much did,

[@tarikhk2]

My thoughts exactly man. The gaps are obvious to fill and it's a film where what isn't spelt out is as important as what is.

[@purplepidge]

Wasn't the whole point is that we are estranged from her like he is? Wasn't that the point of not having much of her in it?

[@maddyatkinson9895]

Spot on about the Adagio in G Minor. But my God, what a film. So beautifully written, acted, directed. Heart rending. Watch it and prepare to be devastated .

[@sonsofbiscuits1]

"There's nothing there." "I can't beat it." Two heart breaking lines 😭😭 Beautiful but tragic film.

[@judysocket8283]

The one line that simply define a. Tragic loss

[@123rockfan]

I dot get why in the Golden Globes Jimmy Fallon kept making jokes at how depressing and humorless this movie is, when in fact it actually has a lot of broad humor. And they even made fun of the fact that The Martian was up for best comedy, when that movie had about 10 laugh out loud jokes

[@spaceboy2095]

Don't try to understand him, that's the secret! I think drugs has dried his brains out...

[@Huifen9990]

spaceboy2095 ha-ha, that guy has the weirdest fake smile, ever.

[@spaceboy2095]

Stella1902 He has! I've never really liked him... Tina Fey was the real talent in SNL!

[@123rockfan]

+ADC20032996 why did you think it was awful?

[@spaceboy2095]

ADC20032996 Well, we haven't seen the same movie then, except for the music in that scene, it really is 2016 best American movie

[@BrandonGiordano]

This movie really powerfully portrayed the awkwardness, pain, and reality of grief. There's no big sigh of releif after time, it sticks with you. It doesn't always hit you how or when you think it will. I thought the ending really beautifully balanced the heartbreaking reality that Lee will always carry that grief with a little bit of hope. He acknowledges "I can't beat it" but just that shot of him and his nephew fishing and smiling shows that he might be able to find some fulfillment through what remains of his family.

[@chrishiggins7166]

Director Kenneth Lonergan delivers one of his best films & A nomination for one of 2016’s best films in this heart breaking, very well acted, stylish, well written & well directed drama film. (98%) (5/5 stars) (positive)

[@michaelz9892]

An American masterpiece - they do not come along that often.

[@d.b.levitt]

I dont know. It was alright.

[@zekedimblebee]

@@d.b.levitt just alright?

[@jala1081]

Just watched it a second time and i liked it alot more the second time. Casey Affleck does a great acting job.

[@ryanlucey1196]

The most overrated film I’ve ever seen

[@jala1081]

@@ryanlucey1196 i related to it. So that probably increased my enjoyment of it.

[@ReligionOfSacrifice]

For me there were two very powerful scenes. One he is working his same job, but now someone is talking about his brother and being silent about him (the other brother) and nothing is said, but it shows the power his past has on him in that he does not want the person talking to him and yet they talk. It shows how much work is different for him in Manchester. HE DOESN'T RESPOND TO THE MAN AT ALL. Then there is the scene where his ex-wife is talking to him and she is speaking on the subject the man before would not, and now the man must talk. HE IS BEGGING HER TO STOP TALKING. Both showed the power of his past and why he cannot remain where he is located during the movie.

[@lancegoodthrust546]

This movie was perfect as prefect comes. I think Mark is being too picky, even by critic standards. I can agree the Adagio piece might be a cliched song that has been used a lot in past films. But in this one, it works and god only knows what would of went in it's place. It still works. Everything about this film was perfect INCLUDING the length. Michelle Williams did a fantastic job but it's really the story of Lee,(Casey Affleck). And to really analyze it, this is an ensemble piece. So much great talent of actors in this movie and all their characters equally focused.

[@highwind1991]

I wonder of you've seen the directors cut of Margaret Mark. because the directors cut of Margaret is one of my favorite films

[@CinemaGreat]

It is *almost*, at this point, an irresponsible act to judge Margaret by the theatrical cut. It clearly *was* unfiinshed, and no longer is. The finished cut is remarkable, and it accomplished what Mark said this one did about Lonergan's abilities.

[@CinemaGreat]

Oh weird. He just said, "I wish this film was a half an hour longer" about Manchester.

[@spaceboy2095]

Adriano Vazquez Can a movie featuring Jean Reno be any good? This guy literally cannot act!

[@film79]

oh I didn't know there were two cuts. Whatever version I saw was great, I guess maybe it's the directors cause it was really long.

[@remsan03]

As a classical music fan, I always welcome a piece of good music being used in a film. Albinoni's music really made that scene for me. The director obviously wants to wring some tears out. But, I swear, if I hear one more Blue Danube Walt anywhere... I'm gonna lose it. Talk about clichés

[@lpr5269]

na na na na na na na na na na na na na na na na

[@TheKamikazenaz]

And I was sure it was a waltz...

[@BunnyMan456]

Maybe I'm a philistine, but I don't recall Adagio in G Minor being oversaturated in pop culture. Maybe in UK pop culture, but in the US, not so much.

[@bbcactus3860]

Mark forgets that the general public don't watch as many movies as he does. The music worked for me in those scenes.

[@benminhanh5926]

it touched me so well

[@aarond9563]

Really good analysis. I do agreed with the Michelle Williams part but it didn't take away from the experience for me. However, when one of the two missteps in a film is a music selection in one sequence you know it's a fantastic film. This is my favorite movie for sure. Incredibly relatable to my personal life.

[@jordcadwell]

This movie blew me away. My only issue with it was the on the nose score. It felt like the movie was trying to tell me "Feel this way!" when the story and acting was already getting me there emotionally and I didn't need a super sad sappy score. That's it. This movie is almost perfect.

[@Alvaro-fh5dd]

Agree with you, you have to know how and when to use incidental music, i notice that too. And I think it would have been a little bit better if the sadness surrounding the movie had been exploited more, although I really liked the touch of humor that had the film, I think the drama could have been more heartbreaking. A 9.5 for me

[@richardlj13]

Powerful film. Afleck masterful in his portrayal of loss.

[@TallinnTadgh]

I disagree with Mark re the music, I thought it worked well. Just because other people have used Albinoni's piece too much doesn't mean it can't work in the appropriate place. I certainly wasn't thinking of (the excellent) Butterflies when it came on- at least not consciously- and certainly not about SM's confessions slot haha. I also didn't feel there was too much difference in Lee from the before the 'event' and after, maybe i'll have to watch it again...though of course now i'll be thinking of bored housewives unable to cook having affairs with rich businessmen when Albinoni rears his strings!

[@erawa2740]

I totally agree with this review. Kermode's description of the film's qualities and little missteps are completely accurate in my opinion. When the end credits started to roll, I wanted the film to go on...

[@Dancing-Spirits]

I didn't think Randi was sidelined. Those scenes with her and Lee are great and for one in particular-is one of the best scenes of the decade.

[@ZeppelinBigFan]

I'm still looking forward to La La Land and Moonlight, but so far this is my second favorite film of the year behind Toni Erdmann. This film is extraordinary.

[@andygalloway3282]

ZeppelinBigFan it's really not

[@mrdupeep]

Howd you wind up liking those?

[@VanDeVenDerVaart]

Casey Afflecks performance is one of my all time favourites. Stunning.

[@Pitmirk_]

Don't listen to Mark! he said the serbian film is about the best film of the century and its only problem is that there aren't enough centipedes in it. (not kermode, my mate mark).

[@jenhasken]

I was transfixed every moment of this movie.

[@reelred13]

The score in that scene is also the only thing in the movie that didn't work. It's funny that mark is the only other person who I've heard say that.

[@brotherbrod]

this is one of my favorite films. it’s what made me want to someday direct lucas hedges

[@georgelewis6103]

The acting in this is incredible, but I definitely agree with Kermode about the music. Most of the emotional bits was just purely focused on the actors, but the big reveal is not as powerful due to the music

[@charliepanayiotou4305]

This film was far more brutal than I expected. I felt a bit guilty for laughing during the funny bits (of which there are surprisingly many). I agree with those who say the music choices didn't really work, though I liked the end credits music.

[@barbarakirk1451]

The same choice of music is heard on Genesis's 'Archive 1969-74', after the Shrine Auditorium version of Supper's Ready ends! And I DID think of Wendy Craig in Butterflies.

[@DAOSullivan]

Great film, wouldn't be surprised it if gets a lot of Oscar nominations. Also one of my favourite films of 2016, it made my top 10 best of the year: 1. La La Land 2. Arrival 3. Hell or High Water 4. Your Name 5. Manchester by the Sea 6. Kubo and the Two Strings 7. Swiss Army Man 8. A Monster Calls 9. Captain America: Civil War 10. The Jungle Book

[@spaceboy2095]

David O'Sullivan Watch the Handmaiden and Neruda, though those are not English-speaking movies, they are magnificent in both their forms and contents and might make you change your list... ;-)

[@spaceboy2095]

bathasleftthecave You've got to be joking! There's NOTHING soapy about The Handmaiden! It simply is one of the most beautiful love story ever! How can you even say such a thing!? I've never seen all the stages in a love story being described so truly and beautifully! Now, Embrace of the Serpent is just kind of a boring highbrow movie and The Witch simply is silly and underwhelming... I had to say that partly because you criticised negatively my favourite movie of last year!

[@AlkoWasAlreadyTaken]

David O'Sullivan Mine: 10. Everybody Wants Some!! 9. The Nice Guys 8. Other People 7. Moonlight 6. Deadpool 5. Nocturnal Animals 4. 10 Cloverfield Lane 3. Hacksaw Ridge 2. La La Land 1. Manchester by the Sea

[@megamoviez]

David O'Sullivan Yes La La Land is the best of the year! Arrival is also my 2nd! However Hell or High Water is my #4!

[@AlkoWasAlreadyTaken]

What's 3?

[@XYouVandal]

I actually disagree with Mark's take on how Michelle Williams was sidelined too much. I felt that really created a feeling of discomfort whenever she was on screen in the present time line. We recognized her as someone who used to mean everything, but was now almost a stranger

[@jhuan0]

Great film. It still clings to me. I didnt know the music Mark speaks about. That scene was more harrowing than almost every horror film ive seen.

[@OldBluesChapterandVerse]

I had precisely the same reaction to the use of that piece of music. It took me right out of the film in a moment when it intended to plug me more into than it yet had. Wild to hear a critic I respect so much say exactly the same thing I told my wife on the drive home from the cinema.

[@deniseg812]

I loved the music, I haven't heard it used before. Or I don't remember, because it really didn't fit the scene, it fits here. It's place here is brilliant. Did you catch the red lights outside the window as Lee is telling his nephew, he can't beat it? Did you catch the look on Randi's face, when Lee says the baby is handsome. He used the same words for their baby boy. It's heart wrenching. I have a problem with the funeral scene, did she have to bring her baby and new husband?

[@saxbend]

But Manchester isn't by the sea.

[@lebroy1196]

saxbend Nor is it just down the road from Essex

[@andygalloway3282]

lebroy or Gloucester

[@su9erhans]

harsh to focus on the use of Albinoni.. I had no problem with it.. to potentially "derail the film" is a ridiculous statement

[@bazzoman510]

Very good movie,very sad though,how choices can change your life drastically.What can we forgive,what can we forget,how much will people change for the ones they love,or won't they.

[@boxingmonkey2450]

a beautifully made film . . . . it stayed with me long after I originally saw it 8/10

[@kanarykev]

Brilliant film,superbly acted by the whole cast,heart wrenching and delivered in style,Casey Affleck should be going home with an Oscar.

[@DChappelle27]

Mark "I cried when Apollo Creed died" Kermode

[@txmoney]

I went to see the film in the theater without knowing anything about the story. I was devastated by the end. Fantastic film. I feel bad for people that ruin the film for themselves by watching full reviews and trailers before seeing it.

[@ezekielyu4294]

It's a very focused movie, for sure. Unrelenting in its grief - the funny moments make you feel bad for laughing, almost. The music was obvious, it really doesn't rise above its singular concern (which doesn't make it terrible, just limited), but Affleck nails the character - that police dep. scene, good god - with skilled subtleties, and Hedges does a pretty good job. Williams did her thing, but it wasn't an amazing performance. I haven't seen a lot of 2016 films, so I can't confidently rate it, although I'd put it below La La Land. It does make me interested to see Lonergan's other films, though!

[@spaceboy2095]

This movies has some weaknesses, especially with its cliché music, but daily life is so well observed and recreated, the situation is so grounded and realistic and the actors so perfect that it is one of the greatest movies of 2016/2017 with Neruda and, as N° 1, The Handmaiden ( I haven't seen La La Land :-( ). I have seen it three times and have cried three times, and I normally never cry! Last times I cried were for Room and Me Before You. The latter being a very average movie.

[@efrensanchez9614]

didn’t hear that piece of music never so it worked for me 😎

[@millertj27]

What did Lee mean by "I can't beat it"?

[@podnboo]

I just watched this and can only assume he meant he can’t get past / move on from (beat) the all consuming guilt / anger / pain / anguish / depression he still feels years later caused by what happened to his kids and the way his ex treated him in the immediate aftermath (which you only learn in their final encounter late in the movie when they bump into each other in the street etc)

[@chuckyboy6977]

A part of the thing he can’t beat is the towns opinion towards him. When he’s at the dock looking for work ( the lady in the office), the kids on the ice, him getting resistance when looking for work, and his ex-wife friend giving him the evil eye when they meet when she is pushing the buggy. The female friend looks at hi as if he would physically hurt his ex-wife. The towns opinion comes from the things his ex wife said in her angered and distraught state after the fire, for which she try’s to I apologise for. He forgot to put a fire guard in place, a tiny missed thing if the logs had stayed on the fire, but in his case they rolled off and ended 3 life’s and destroyed 2 more.

[@belindaallen7361]

Duh

[@wsjustice]

I agree with everything he said. I also want to point out that Kyle Chandler's performance, as little as it is, should be talked about more.

[@frankf7392]

Hes not wrong. The music could have been better and i was wondering about michelle williams as well. Other than that it was Still an amazing movie. Casey affleck was amazing as was lucas hedges. He was also great in mid 90s movie 👍

[@The3rdGunman]

This performance by Affleck was on like no one's best of the decade list. SMH

[@yamabushi170]

The blooper reel is a riot

[@BluRayMan12]

This is a film I admire immensely for its raw, emotional power and a GREAT performance from Casey Affleck. I have to say that other than that the "film" looked a lot like a TV movie to me.

[@spaceboy2095]

BluRayMan12 I thought so at first but the last scene shows how great the photography is. It is a movie you need to watch on a very big screen and close to the screen and you'll then FEEL like you're sitting... by the sea!

[@Huifen9990]

spaceboy2095 I couldn't wait for this to be released in my city.

[@spaceboy2095]

Stella1902 I wasn't that excited for it, not like I am now for La La Land or Loving, but I've seen it three times since it was released in my country a few weeks ago.

[@Huifen9990]

spaceboy2095 The critics love it and I'm a fan of Casey Affleck and I love Michelle Williams' work. I'm sure she's good in it even for a 15-minute screen time. LALA Land is a huge hit, I'm so looking forward to seeing both films.

[@spaceboy2095]

Stella1902 All the actors are great in it, but her even more so, though her role is not as big as it could have been. My favourite performance, however, is the one of Kyle Chandler. I always think is great in everything he does ever since I've discovered him in Friday Night Lights...

[@robertturner1308]

Loved your review.

[@dogbadger]

Yeah, Rollerball to an extent but when I hear Adagio in G minor I think 'Dragon's Domain' - the greatest SciFi Episode i've ever seen.

[@shannonmaire]

Beautiful cinematography, fantastic acting but the music would overpower the scenes, particularly during very dramatic moments.

[@dirty06maggot]

i wish it was longer too. i also wanted to see more of michelle' s character. other than that it was a great film with a great leading performance, very sad and yet funny.

[@Supersonicfan23744]

Casey Affleck has to be nominated for Best Actor in this year's Academy Awards.

[@Fredwilson45]

still think about this one. 10/10

[@cad4246]

How about those interest rates?

[@PompeyBoy66]

Wonderful movie.

[@bltr2507]

Couldn't agree more with what he said on the soundtrack.

[@vodkatonyq]

Manchester by the Sea is a great film, but Margaret, in its extended 3-hour form, is THE masterpiece of Lonergan's.

[@meisterlymanu5214]

my only criticism is that the fire scene was shot with too little drama and didn't capture Afflecks initial shock. Missed opportunity. A more visual horror moment would have stayed with the viewer through the whole movie, and given us a glimpse of the demons Afflecks character had to live with his whole life. It was filmed with a kind of indifference.

[@bbcactus3860]

Disagree. I think it was filled with a sense of quiet horror fuelled by helplessness and being frozen, like it is happening but you are in a dream. Casey breaking down with his brother as day breaks and Michelle flinching at his touch provides all the devastation and emotion u need.

[@notabot835]

I think You Can Count on Me is alright, hated Margaret, but Mark is right- this is definitely "the one". I think it's a masterpiece.

[@CinemaGreat]

If you get the chance, give the director's cut of Margaret a go. I'm presuming that you saw the other, which may be foolish on my part. It's night and day, not just more is better. The best writing I found on the impact the differences make is in David Edelstein's review (here: www.vulture.com/2012/07/edelstein-dont-miss-margaret-directors-cut.html) He ends it this way: "In the event that doesn’t happen, you should buy the movie, a two-disc set containing the Blu-ray of the theatrical cut and the DVD of the extended version, and throw the Blu-ray away. I’m serious. It’s a shambles unworthy of its director and cast. It does, however, contain enough astonishing moments to make me regret having given it short shrift. My thanks to those who didn’t and who paved the way for this momentous event in American cinema." If you're not so colored by your initial experience, you may have a great movie redemption ahead of you.

[@andygalloway3282]

doody magoob you think this is a masterpiece? it's ok

[@notabot835]

okay andy

[@andygalloway3282]

look up what masterpiece means. this reasonable film doesn't apply

[@notabot835]

okay andy

[@pp312]

Have to agree about Albinoni's Adagio. This annoyed me so much I had to turn the sound off while watching it on TV. It wasn't just an unnecessary comment on emotions that were already obvious, it was simply too loud, as so much music is in films these days. One rule a good director must always follow---never overstate. This was an overstatement and blot on an otherwise very fine film.

[@amanforalltheseasons]

Both thumbs up for this great work

[@Msnando09]

I think Mark got his review here spot on. I left the cinema loving the film but wanting more of the Michelle Williams character

[@bbcactus3860]

It is a sign of success to leave wanting more.

[@ewanssoman6321]

It's not about Michelle

[@walkingalive189]

Yup, a fair review of the movie.

[@thePANDEMlC]

Luckily for me I've never heard that song before, lucky me I guess. I feel that way with Adagio in d minor, so I can relate. Definitely a pivotal moment of the film, to be taken out of it and annoyed by it would definitely sour a lot of it.

[@grantmck9659]

I really enjoyed this but at the time, oooft its a heart breaker. I hoped for a turn around for Affleck's character everyone wanted to help him, give him another chance. He just couldn't give himself the forgiveness and the thought that he cast off all the opportunities only to return to the isolated grief he feels he deserves is brutal.

[@aadityabhattacharya]

in 2011 if someone said u in 6 year ben affleck will play batman Casey Affleck will win an oscar. I would have said it impossible and look were we r

[@BHCha-]

Another film im looking forward to

[@andygalloway3282]

Ben1001 D don't

[@ceeeemdeedees7496]

Your distraction on the score is a weird movie reviewer thing. So out on a limb… I may have heard that score in 1000 other places, but I am focused completely on the people in front of me I didn’t notice.

[@bijibadness]

his biggest complaints are that it isn't long enough and it uses good music...?

[@niamhm4109]

Very surprised mark doesn't like margaret that much!

[@Theoriginalramjammer]

Agreed, the adagio in G minor felt obvious, out of place and jarring. Absolutely wonderful film otherwise.

[@kennytolbert1354]

I agree about the music, ruined the impact for me

[@spaceboy2095]

Borszwa Zeee Yeah! However, the second time I've watched the movie, except for the religious music in the middle, I thought the music gave me the feeling that this movie was actually a symphony, if you see what I mean...

[@lebroy1196]

Borszwa Zeee Such was the intensity of the scene, I barely even re,ember the music

[@XiyuYang]

The only thing I didn’t like about this movie is its soundtrack. There are too much music, and in many scenes music actually worked against the scripts and performance. The music felt forced.

[@simonboccanegra3811]

I thought those Lesley Barber original choral pieces, and the Massenet aria over the very last scene, were beautiful. The one music choice I disliked was "I'm Beginning to See the Light" for that montage in which they get the boat running and things are looking up (before the street scene with Randi). I like that song, and I'm always happy to hear Ella and the Ink Spots, but it was a case of a song working too much *with* the script. Like, we get it. Our eyes work. Lonergan has a weakness for that. You Can Count on Me had all those country songs with lyrics that were right on the nose for whatever was going on. The woman is driving to the motel to meet a married man, and someone on the radio is singing about being "the other woman."

[@ChrisJohnson-ld3wq]

I love how nit picky he is.. if i was a professional film critic then i would have picked up on the music too.. but i'm not

[@gilazych5460]

*

[@tipoftheiceberg7034]

I found the movie went literally NOWHERE and by the end I felt like crap that I rented it

[@adamjimenez]

Going to stick my neck out as the only person it seems to dislike this movie. I found it to be pedestrian and uninspiring. Casey Affleck can act but there is no real range to his performance. He's the same sulky git from beginning to end. I was thrown by the non-linear timeline as his character doesn't change much over the years. I appreciate the directors attention to the mundane which is often over-looked in movies. There is some similarity with Boyhood in that respect, except Boyhood had a lot more heart to it. I don't see the point to the story other than to prove that Hollywood actors can pretend to be everyday schmoes if they want. It's like a penance for when they portray interesting characters. Another instance when "Oscar nominated" can serve as a warning to a potential bore-fest.

[@andygalloway3282]

Adam Jimenez can I add that Michelle Williams acting was cringe worthy

[@r.pneumo7337]

To me, the movie was simply emotional terrorism. No idea why people don't realise that.

[@andygalloway3282]

the only other thing I can honestly say I've seen her in is Dawson's creek, I don't think that was renowned for acting ability

[@bbcactus3860]

The point of the movie is to show the depth of how grief can change a person and all they live for. Why does it have to have a big redemption of some sort or amazing personal recovery to be worth telling the story? He does change a bit anyway. There is a small glimmer of hope in him commiting to a relationship with his nephew and 'allowing him in'. That is a start to his healing

[@jimjacobs2817]

Adagio in G minor - Albinoni: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jn7Fp5amaZ1jj5Y

[@0306babylove]

Nonsense. The music was perfect for the scene.

[@aadityabhattacharya]

I have two problem with film 1) Background score 2) the teenage boy how the hell he got an oscar nom

[@slomas8863]

Near flawless review, I'm with the Kerm but would say dreadfull music 'choice's' & how this & la-land are getting overbuzz #MOONLIGHT #jc4pm

[@seanmcglynn3638]

Really enjoyed Moonlight but his performance just was a bit better both great movies my 2 favorites that year

[@shahjmir]

casey affleck was a really great actor but that doesn't justify this shitty movie. sorry

[@bbkingzor]

I don't think it's perfect, either, but it's damn near close to being just that!

[@mahbuburrahman2770]

sadistic movie!!!i don't wanted to watch it again.

[@KieranIsWriting]

Why?

[@tomastorrens7972]

@@KieranIsWriting - some people don't enjoy films about tragedy and suffering

[@KieranIsWriting]

@@tomastorrens7972 it's so good tho

[@tomastorrens7972]

@@KieranIsWriting - Yeah. And not sadistic. Tragic, but deeply compassionate.

[@Nophotofound]

This is such a egoistic review. The two faults he gives the movie are not about the movie but about this reviewers specific wants and memory bank.

[@123rockfan]

Laugh out loud scenes*

[@mikecolitti8741]

Nice try

[@rhook88]

I wanted to love this film but ultimately I found it boring. I just could not connect with Afflecks performance. Just couldn’t connect with any of the characters. An extremely overrated film.