THE OLD MAN AND THE LAND

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from director Nicholas Parish and Reason 8 comes a powerful film about one family dealing with THE OLD MAN AND THE LAND.

Living on the land is a widowed elder farmer (Roger Marten) who spends his days tending the fields and the sheep. Daughter Laura (Emily Beechum) lives in Spain and son David (Rory Kinnear) is trying to get his life together. The siblings have very different ideas about what should happen to the farm and are constantly attempting to reach their dad for answers to that very question.

Instead, their dad continues with his chores on the farm and instead of answering his phone, tends to let it go to the machine where he listens later to what they have to say. Laura feels left out of the decision making and continually tries to tell her father that she has the experience necessary to maintain the farm and even diversify it to bring in much needed funds.

David, on the other hand, has serious issues with his father. Calling to complain, borrow money or go on a drunken tear, expect his father to take everything he has to say. When either doesn’t get the response they want from their father, they have a go at each other bringing up the past and accusations of who deserves more because of it all. Brother against sister, there will come a time when they both must decide for themselves what is actually important in life and it might just hurt a little when they get the answers.

Beechum as Laura feels she is being pitted against a generational patriarchy that sees her as nothing more than a female without a purpose. Her agitation with it is all consuming and, in a way, she sees her brother as part of that “man club” and it is like rubbing salt in the emotional wound. I enjoyed listening to Laura’s feelings because, although not new generally for women, she brings in her voice a sense of longing to show her worth and potential. I actually happened upon the Netflix series 1899 and Beechum as Maura kept me watching the series until the last.

Kinnear as David is a complete hot mess who can not even seem to get out of his own way. Blaming everything on his childhood, he almost refuses to grow up and stop acting like a child with his alcoholic tantrums. His reasoning for the entitlement he feels actually irritated me so I can see how it drives Laura to distraction. That being said, there is hope for him so prepare yourself with tissue for the last 10 minutes of the film. I have been a great admirer of Kinnear’s work and he totally hooked me in his role as John Clare in the PENNY DREADFUL cable series as a creature that took audiences by storm.

Now, Marten as the widowed farmer is just so lovely to watch. Yes, his character is the center of the mud-slinging between brother and sister and his character has a history, yet watching Marten go about his daily life is a bit of a reminder. As a parent who also can remember things I’d rather forget, Marten’s not answering the phone is his way feels a bit like saying, “how many times can you blame me before you grow up?” and I’m here for it. Marten gives us a look at this man’s life alone on the farm because this is the life that is known and has its own memories.

REASON8 Films is a London based international sales and production company. The company was formed in Autumn 2015 and took over most of the affairs of AV Pictures that stopped trading. REASON8 represents films from around the world with a focus on auteur-driven arthouse and genre films. REASON8's films regularly play and win awards at the major international film festivals and are released at multiple territories through the company's long-established distribution network. To learn more about REASON8 Films please visit www.reason8films.com.

THE OLD MAN AND THE LAND is an absolute stunner from beginning to end. Director Parish has taken a story written by Nico Mensinga and given it such originality that I literally couldn’t believe what I was seeing. One man says nothing and two siblings can’t stop talking yet all three truly do want the same thing (whether they know it or not). There is a family history here that has just bound them all up so tightly in a shared pain and grief that each’s inability to see it is understandable but also very sad indeed.

We all have these issues within the family somewhere which is what makes the story so relatable. The anger, secrets, entitlement, wants, blame, finger-pointing and guilt are all here and the story gives us all no place to hide from recognizing it. There were moments where I held my breath because there is such beauty in forgiveness but when is that forgiveness possible in the midst of the anger and isolation for these three people? You will have to find out for yourselves.

THE OLD MAN AND THE LAND is brilliant, absolutely brilliant in its telling, the way it is told and the cinematography playing a fourth character in a way. This is an emotional ride and should have a tissue-warning attached to it because there will be weeping involved. The film was a Nominee Critics' Pick for Best Film in Critics' Picks Competition for Director/Producer Nicholas Parish, Producer Josh Eve and Producer Anneli Flexman at the Tallin Black Nights Film Festival.

In the end – it is never too late to forgive!

 

UNCLE FRANK Gives Award Winning Performances

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Amazon Prime from writer/director Alan Ball is a tender and heart-wrenching story of a girl and UNCLE FRANK.

Beth (Sophia Lillis) is a young girl living in the south and that means everything that goes with it. Knowing that she does not quite fit into the Bledsoe family, she is thrilled when her college professor Uncle Frank (Paul Bettany) comes to visit from New York. Spending tie with him, Beth gets a chance to talk about what her family expects of her and what she wants for her life.

During that visit, Uncle Frank makes Beth promise that she will do and be anything she wants to be, no matter what the family says. Taking his advice, she applies for college in New York with the chance to spend more time with Uncle Frank. After Mom Kitty (Judy Greer) and Dad Mike (Steve Zahn) have dinner with Frank in New York to drop off Beth. They feel better knowing that she has family close by.

Jumping into the scene of her new home, Beth’s first moment is crashing a part at her Uncle Frank’s apartment. Opening the door is Wally (Peter Macdissi) who is so happy to see Beth and explains that he is Frank’s roommate. Almost immediately Beth ties one on that leads to a revelation about her Uncle that she had not even considered.

The next morning, Frank answers the phone to the news that his father Mac (Stephen Root) has passed. He must take the news in considering that there has been a distance between he and Mac through the years. Packing the car, Beth and Frank head back to southern waters. On the way he notices a car following them.

Well Wally is not about to be left out of the picture and joins the group home knowing that Frank has no intention of introducing him to the family. Accepting it, Wally is just happy to be going. On the way Beth notices that Uncle Frank is being sneaky about drinking and realizes that he has a problem. The closer they get to home the more he seems to be trying to numb himself.

Once home, Frank tries to comfort his mother Mammaw (Margo Martindale) along with other family members. As it sometimes is with families, there are secrets, lies, anger, turmoil and the need to come to terms with who they are in each other’s lives.

That is family.

Bettany as Frank Bledsoe is perfection! He takes us through the pain that keeps him away from his family and knowing that distance does not cure anything because it is only geography. The pain for Frank is so deep and he has carried it for so long that its starting to crack him once again. Bettany gives us every moment of that pain knowing that at some point his character is going to fall and never get back up again or rise with the help of those he loves to stand and face the past – we get both. What an amazing performance from a brilliant actor.

Lillis as Beth is equally stunning in her role. This is a young girl who knows that she does not fit into the southern thought or want to follow in the footsteps of the southern woman. Instead, she finds light in her path that Uncle Frank has put before her. Not realizing the pain that paved that road, she is thrilled to be set free. Once she learns the cost, there is nothing she would not do for Frank and Lillis gives us all the emotion that goes with it. Well done, so well done.

Macdissi as Wally is a dear to me because he reminds me of my brother. The garish, outlandish, outspoken and beloved man who also is a straight shooter. Keeping an eye on Frank isn’t an easy task which has caused Wally pain, yet he isn’t easily swayed from his goal – to keep love right where it belongs, with him. He is funny and absolutely adorable, thanks for reminding me of what I have been missing Macdissi – my brother would have loved you.

Zahn as Mike has issues that are ingrained in his southern upbringing. Closer to his Dad than Frank, he has been battling his own demons that have left a mark on his own family. Zahn is always present in his characters portrayal and I love that about his performances. Greer as Kitty wants what is best for her daughter and is a little more open minded than Mike. Martindale as Mammaw is everything and in this performance, although small, is so very important.

Root as Mac is, to me, the typical southern father who is set in his ways and if you try to go against that you will pay the price. He is a hard man filled with such hostility that it is absolutely gut wrenching to see the scene between the younger Frank and Mac. Root gives every drip of distain in this performance and yet, again, consider the upbringing and the source of it.

Other cast include Lois Smith as Aunt Butch, Cole Doman as young Frank, Jane McNeil as Neva, Caity Brewer as Marsha and Michael Perez as Sam Lassiter.

Amazon Prime offers television shows and original content included in its Amazon Prime subscription. Original programs such as CARNIVAL ROW, THE MAN IN THE HIGH CASTLE, and THE MARVELOUS MRS. MAISEL are hit shows. Coming soon is the next series with GOLIATH starring Billy Bob Thornton and it promises to another successful and intense series.

UNCLE FRANK is such a stunning film that unwraps family issues that are swimming in truths. Not to punish the south for being the south because I love the south for being quirky and just a tad different in thought. This film is the south that I did not understand as a kid but, as with many of the characters in the film, went along with because it was considered tradition.

The women were modest and discreet, the men were strong and ‘manly’ - both of these things couldn’t have been further from the truth. Behind the coiffed hair and the creased trousers were secrets that most would protect until death – and not always their own. That is what makes this film so important. Yes, it also deals with the pain of being unable to be who you know you are but it is so much more than that.

Bettany shows us the power of that pain and the life it creates hidden so perfectly that not only do people not notice, but if they do, they don’t - at least not openly. UNCLE FRANK is a story of everyone hiding, not just Frank, everyone lying, not just Frank and everyone being untrue to who they are – just like Frank.

Writer/director Alan Ball knows this all too well, “When I was thirteen years old, my beloved older sister was killed in a car accident; I was inside the car she was driving when it happened. In one horrible instant, my life was irrevocably separated into Before and After. I have spent a lot of time and energy trying to run away from that event – all of it wasted, as I can now see. There are some things that happen to us in life from where there is truly no escape”.

In the end – no home comes without baggage!

You Can’t Change a BLACKBIRD on Bluray

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray and DVD from director Roger Michell, Millenium Media and Screen Media Films is one family's story of frustration, secrets, togetherness, love and the flight of the BLACKBIRD.

Lily (Susan Sarandon) and husband Paul (Sam Neill) love their house nestled away from the world. This day they are waiting for their family to arrive consisting of daughter Jennifer (Kate Winslet), husband Michael and their son Jonathan (Anson Boon). Also, the elusive daughter Anna (Mia Wasikowska) and friend Chris (Bex Taylor-Klaus). Rounding off the group is family friend Liz (Lindsay Duncan).

Having made the decision to end her life due to ALS, Lily wants to spend time with her family enjoying each other's company. Paul, Jennifer, Liz and Michael understand and have accepted that these are her wishes but when Anna arrives, she makes it clear that there is no agreement from her.

The family has their first dinner together and it is uneasy filled with sarcasm hidden in humor. It is up to Jennifer to set Anna straight on what the plan is, and Paul informs Jonathan of what is going to happen. Thinking everything is in place, it starts to unravel when Jennifer does not understand what she has seen, Anna is full of revelations, Jonathan thinks it’s about time he has a say and Michael has a moment.

This was never going to be simple.

Sarandon as Lily is funny, quick, makes no excuses for what she wants and certainly is not going to let anyone stand in her way - not even the family. This is not the first time she has had to go up against family with a terminal illness. In 1998, she portrayed Jackie Harrison, a mother who discovers she is ill and prepare her two young children for that fact. In BLACKBIRD, it is the older kids with mommy issues as well as sibling rivalry that Sarandon's character must deal with.

Neill as Paul is heartbroken as Lily's decision but also knows it is just that - her decision. As a doctor he knows how to make her plan work and only wants her final days with the family to be filled with love. When Jennifer forces family issues, it is Neill that feels the pinch. Duncan as Liz is Lily's longest friend and cannot imagine her life or death without her. They have a chance to reminisce about their crazy life and it brings them both joy.

Winslet as Jennifer is the daughter who wants to control everything and everyone one. Keeping her husband and son in line is just the beginning and from the moment of their arrival, she wants to take over Lily and sister Anna. For someone who wants control, she seems out of it herself. Wasikowska as Anna has plenty of secrets of her own and built up resentment is kicking in. Wasikowska continues to prove that she is a talented actress but then again, so is everyone in this cast.

Wilson as Michael is pretty much the 'yes' man and Trivial Pursuit person of the crowd and Taylor Klaus wants to help Anna the best way possible and that might mean going against her wishes. Boon as Jonathan learns what the weekend is really all about and takes moments to get to know his grandparents on different levels and shares a secret with Lily.

Screen Media is an international distributor and in 2017 Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment, Inc. acquired Screen Media which is in its 23rd year as a leading global independent distribution company. With one of the largest independently-owned libraries of filmed entertainment in the world and license agreements across all forms of media, Screen Media’s distribution capability enables direct distribution of all rights in all countries, thus enhancing the profitability of Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment productions. The company is continually looking to add films and television series to its content library.

The film is a retelling of the 2014 Danish film STILLE HJERTE (Silent Heart) with director Bille August and writer Christian Torpe.

BLACKBIRD is such a stunning story of a family because it does not hold back any punches. Beginning with Lily's decision to call the shots and I whole heartedly believed in her right to choose. Having the backing of Paul and Jennifer made it seem like it was all taken care of. Of course, when you add more people to the mix, you add more emotions, resentments, conflicts and those who think they know better.

That is where the film takes off like a rocket. The mixture becomes the focus instead of Lily's wishes as everyone seems to want to avoid what is going to take place whether they like it or not. The cast is exceptional in their performances touching on personal issues of life and death as well as how kids perceive their parents. Here are three generations that have an opinion on that.

The film takes place in the house with a few outside exceptions and that in itself is like a tinderbox of emotions so buckle up, it’s going to get loud, accusational and a curves in a life that isn't a straight road by any stretch.

In the end - every family has its story!

A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD is from the Heart

A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD is from the Heart

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres to delight and remind us all of our potential from director Marielle Heller and Sony Pictures with A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD.

Lloyd Vogel (Matthew Rhys) is a writer who is making a name for himself and it's not a good one.  As no one else will work with him, Esquire editor Ellen (Christine Lahti) gives him the only assignment left which is interviewing Mr. Fred Rogers (Tom Hanks). Unhappy with it, wife Andrea (Susan Watson) reminds him that Mr. Rogers is an icon and to "please don't ruin my childhood".

Grumpy about all of it, he meets with Mr. Rogers at the studio where he makes his children's television show. Watching his interaction with others makes Lloyd uncomfortable but for more reasons than he is ready to grasp. When it only lasts a few moments, Lloyd packs up his wife and young newborn son and its off to sister Lorraine's (Tammy Blanchard) wedding. Also at the wedding his Jerry Vogel (Chris Cooper), Lloyd's estranged father.

An outburst at the wedding leaves both Lloyd and Jerry roughed up and at the next interview with Mr. Rogers, he notices. Talking it out makes Lloyd even more uncomfortable and can't seem to get away fast enough. That's when Lloyd realizes that things from his past are interfering with his present life. When Jerry tries to reach out but he just can't get past his anger.

Throwing himself into the article, Lloyd watches Mr. Rogers and how he speaks to people, the life topics he covers and his outlook on life. Trying to grasp it all, a family issue means that Lloyd might have the opportunity to see firsthand what Mr. Rogers has been trying to tell and show him about kindness and forgiveness.

Sometimes we all just need one person to believe in us!

Hanks as Mr. Rogers is completely stunning and leaves an imprint in the heart. Because I come from a generation that knew about Mr. Rogers, I cannot think of one actor besides Hanks that could have done this film. I believe so much in what Lloyd's wife says about not ruining our childhood and that could have easily happened. Instead, Hanks reminds us so much of why we embraced Mr. Rogers and why we hold his and our memories so dear. The calmness in the midst of so much sadness in Lloyd's life allows us to open our hearts even further to the story we see on the screen. But do we really expect anything different from Hanks? He gives us all something to think about through his performances and in being Mr. Rogers, we owe him that much.

Rhys as Lloyd is a man who is just living life one moment at a time and it all comes from a childhood anger that he carries like a bag of bricks. Everyone seems to give him a pass with the anger he carries for his father but, as with anyone who lives for anger, the pass is about to expire. He can't fathom how Mr. Rogers can keep his heart so open to others and feels that "Mr. Rogers" is a television persona. It's when he puts the bag of bricks down does Lloyd have a chance to truly connect with those who continue, through it all, to love him. Of course, Mr. Rogers isn't about to leave Lloyd to do all of it on his own.

Watson as wife Andrea accepts Lloyd for the emotional roller coaster he always seems to be on. With a new baby to tend to, she wants more for her family in the way of connection and love. It is easy to believe Watson's performance since it is very similar to Beth from the television drama series This Is Us. Blanchard as sister Lorraine understands Lloyds anger but in her own life is trying to make different choices. She may have made her own mistakes (such as marriages) but Blanchard shows a forgiving nature in the midst of it all.

Cooper as dad Jerry is rough around the edges and not very good at showing remorse or affection. Lloyd can't even look at him without remembering pain and Cooper plays a man who is not only dealing with issues but trying to find a way of saying 'I'm sorry'. Cooper has the amazing ability of playing roles that have so much depth to them once you get past the gruffness as with Jerry.

Other cast include: Maryann Plunkett as Joanne Rogers, Enrico Colantoni as Bill Isler, Wendy Makkena as Dorothy, Noah Harpster as Todd, Carmen Cusack as Margy, Maddie Corman as Lady Aberlin and Daniel Krell as Mr. McFeely.

A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD is not exactly what I expected. Yes, it's about Mr. Rogers and yet it isn't. It is Lloyd Vogel's story about Mr. Rogers and how spending time with him changes everything. Then again most of us already know that it can happen because, as with my own experiences, it has before.

Mr. Rogers embraces Lloyd, whether he likes it or not, to try and show that we need one another. Being patient isn't something Lloyd seems to have but it is something Mr. Rogers seems to have in abundance. The two most unlikely people to come together happens slowly throughout the film - and mainly due to the persistence and belief from Mr. Rogers.

Watching Rhy's Lloyd go through his struggle is at times heartbreaking and Hanks as Mr. Rogers almost encourages us to feel that heartbreak. There is acceptance and forgiveness in each frame of the film and, to be honest, it also felt as if we didn't we would let down Mr. Rogers!

It is the perfect time of year for A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD and for reasons that are plain but I'll go ahead and mention them anyway. This is a film about listening to one another, offering help in any way that would ease pain, be there for those we love, forgive just as easily as we hold grudges and always embrace a couple of seconds longer just so the people we care about know that they are not alone.

In the end - we could all use a little kindness!

BREAKING BROOKLYN Brings the Word Family to the Forefront on DVD

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to DVD from writer/director Paul Becker and Lionsgate is a film about the meaning of family and music when you are BREAKING BROOKLYN.

Aaron (Colin Critchley) is a twelve-year-old boy with a penchant for dance. Unfortunately his father doesn’t see it the same way because he’s to busy breaking the law. Older brother Albee (Nathan Kress) also has dreams but a little different from his brother.

Teacher Miles Bryant (Louis Gossett Jr.) sees something in the young man inviting Aaron into his tap class. It doesn’t quite go as planned when Aaron and Albee’s father ends up arrested and the car they have been living in is towed away. Not knowing what to do, Miles steps in and offers the boys a home while things get straightened out.

Unsure at first, the boys know it is better than living on the streets. Aaron immediately sees the stage where they will be living and feels the urge to dance become even stronger. Albee just notices Miles daughter Faith (Madeleine Mantock) who is a no-nonsense girl who slowly begins to understand the young man.

Aaron, on the other hand, wants to be part of a showcase that has a huge prize. He also meets Miles brother Greg (Vondie Curtis-Hall) and comes to realize that theirs isn’t the only family with hurt in the past and a chip on the shoulders.

Yet, when the music plays and the feet move – they all find their center!

Critchley as Aaron is a talented young man! As a boy who just wants to dance, he also supports his family the best he can, even if that means living in a car with his dad and brother. It is his safe place and when it turns on him, he finds faith in the most unlikely place and people.

Gossett Jr. as Miles loves dance and loves teaching it. When he meets Aaron, he sees something special in the young boy who comes from a place that is unsure and uncertain. Helping Aaron’s family eventually helps him come to terms with his own.

Kress as Albee is keeping an eye on his brother while Dad is in jail but also feels there is something special about Mile’s daughter. It is probably the first time in his life he is not trying to make a move for all the wrong reasons. Mantock as Faith is a young woman who has been raised to be strong and know what she wants out of life. That rubs off on Albee as the two become closer.

Curtis-Hall as Greg is an angry man because of one past mistake. Instead of forgiveness and finding his place in life, he instead chooses to be closed off and unforgiving but also sees something in the young Aaron.

Other cast include Jack Noseworthy as Christian, Chris Petrovski as Corey, Gabriel Sloyer as Castro, Brian Tarantina as Randy, Liza Colon-Zayas as Ms. Cruz, Deidre Goodwin as Lisa, Lorrie Odom as Ms. Loretta, and Catherine Curtin as Principal Carver.

Lionsgate is a global leader in motion picture production and distribution for theatres, television, home entertainment and more. Theatre franchises include THE HUNGER GAMES, and DIVERGENT along with JOHN WICK. Now, adding this film to it’s 16,000 motion picture and television titles you can see everything coming soon as well as available now at http://www.lionsgate.com.

BREAKING BROOKLYN is an amazing family film that teaches us that our circumstance doesn’t always dictate our outcome in life. The young Aaron is living in a situation that plagues our country today and that is homelessness. There are many families that live in their cars but in this boys case he is also dealing with a father who isn’t on the right side of the law.

When he is given the chance to show what he is capable of, the young Aaron stumbles but it is Miles who sees that one stumble isn’t the end of everything. That’s what this film has to offer families who are looking for films that are worthy of sharing with the entire family.

The cast is heartwarming in a simple story that dances its way into your soul and if you are going to dance, go all in.

In the end – on the streets of Brooklyn a star is born!

HOSTILES is the first epic in 2018

Jeri Jacquin

On the vast plains of the 1800s from writer/director Scott Cooper and Entertainment Studios Motion Pictures comes a story of redemption between HOSTILES.

Capt. Joseph Blocker (Christian Bale) has spent his military career fighting both wars and himself. Making it clear he has no compassion for Native Americans, he is shocked when the outpost Colonel instructs him by Presidental order to take Chief Yellow Hawk (Wes Studi) and his family home to Montana after serving seven years in prison. Being defiant, Blocker tells his superior that he refuses the order but is forced to realize that a court martial is possible.

Along with a detail including Lt. Kidder (Jesse Plemons), Wilks (Bill Camp), Corp. Molinor (Stafford Douglas), and Corp. Woodsen (Jonathan Majors), they lead Chief Yellow Hawk and his family Black Hawk (Adam Beach), Elk Woman (O'orianka Kilcher), Little Bear (Xavier Horsechief) and Living Woman (Tanaya Beatty) across the plains to Montana.

Preparing to stop for the night they come across a burned out home and while investigation discover Rosalie Quaid (Rosamund Pike) who is in shock over the death of her family. Capt. Blocker and the men are immediately struck to the bone by what they see and what she has been through knowing they must accompany her fragile self to the next town.

Chief Yellow Hawk knows that the men who caused the chaos are not far away and tries to get the Captain to understand that they want to help but the mistrust is intense. Continuing on their way, the group is attacked by renegade Comanche's who don't care who is in the group. Trying to reach Montana safely the group is now unsure of how they will survive the attacks from all sides.

In the next town, Capt. Blocker asks that the post Lieutenant see that Mrs. Quaid is taken care of but that's not what she wants. Feeling safer with Blocker, she makes it clear that the journey to Montana is something she needs to see to the end. The Lieutenant asks Blocker to escort another prisoner to the next town to be turned over for a murder trial.

He agrees but is equally surprised at who the prisoner turns out to be. Getting closer to their destination, the two sides begin to see the pain and sadness each has experienced and in one moment Capt. Blocker sees his own world shift in the most unexpected way.

That's what happens when you walk a mile in real life.

Bale as Captain Blocker is an angry man who lived his military life surrounded by heinous acts. When those acts begin to reflect back onto his life, watching Bale slowly take in every bit of it is something to experience. There is not a lot of dialogue for his character but instead being continually riveted by the duality of how he handles each step towards Montana.

Studi as Chief Yellow Hawk is the calm in the middle of the storm. I adore when Studi shines on the screen in this way and having spent more than his fair share of time portraying Native Americans, this portrayal is stunningly beautiful. He also has a little dialogue but when he does speak it is from the heart of a wounded people. There is something to be said for quiet strength but don't get me wrong; Chief Yellow Hawk still has fight left in him.

Pike as Rosalie is a pioneer woman who has every reason to be broken, fearful and angry. Finding a sense of security with Capt. Blocker, she also begins to understand the people considered the enemy because of an honorable gesture. Pike grows with each mile they put behind them and doesn't hesitate to pick up a weapon and make her feelings known.

Beach as Black Hawk follows the wisdom and ways of his father Chief Yellow Hawk wanting to do what's best for his family. It is good to see Beach once again in a film that does him justice. Kilcher as Elk Woman takes in everything going on around her making sure to protect her son. Horsechief as Little Bear is thoughtful, smart and embraces everyone with a gentle smile and my heart just melted ever scene he is in.

Plemmons as Lt. Kidder turns in a performance that keeps me believing that he is such an under utilized actor. Here his character experiences events that jolt him but it doesn't change the part of him that wants to do what's right. Camp as Wilks is at the end of his career and throwing unexpected events toward Captain Blocker. Camp's performance is stoic and heartbreaking at the same time.

Other cast also include Rory Cochrane as Master Sgt. Metz, Timothee Chalamet as Pvt. DeJardin, John Hickey as Capt. Tolan, Robyn Malcolm as Minnie McCowan, Peter Mullan as Lt. McCowan, Stephen Lang as Col. Biggs, Paul Anderson as Corp. Thomas, David Midthunder as Buffalo Man, Ryan Bingham as Sgt. Malloy and Ben Foster as Sgt. Wills.

HOSTILES will give audiences an experience with a story that I believe offers up the question of 'who really are the hostiles?' The cinematography is stunning with a wide open view of the elements giving the characters space to truly bring the story and the wide spectrum of human emotions.

Bale carries the load of a man fighting between the hostile man he's become towards Native Americans and now being confronted with that hostility. Studi's character of Chief Yellow Hawk sees the pain Capt. Blocker is in and understands it more than the military man realizes. These are two men who have seen and done things towards one another and it is fitting that they must stand face to face, accept and forgive.

HOSTILES has already received attention from the Central Ohio Film Critics Association with a nomination for Breakthrough Film Artist for Timothee Chalamet and has won the Capri Photoplay Award for Masanobu Takayanagi by Capri, Hollywood.

In the end - we are all hostiles.