Sunset Story (2003)

Good movie, but best of all time? Hardly . . .

Good concept, poorly executed.

Absolutely Fantastic

Funny, strange, confrontational and subversive, this is one of the most interesting experiences you'll have at the cinema this year.

This enchanting and somewhat melancholy documentary chronicling the last stages of life for two elderly women named Irja(81) and Lucille (95 who have become best friends after being placed in a retirement home for aging left wing radicals. Though just as a backdrop, Sunset Hall (the retirement home) provides a unique stage to see how the last years of life for the two women is played out. Sometimes sad, other times so full of joy that you pause while watching considering your own mortality, and the dignity that our elders deserve. Such a stark and real look at our humanity in its last stages that for anyone I think this film is a must see. For me, the funniest portions were watching Irja's upbeat optimism constantly coming in contact with Lucille's dry, cynical eye. Hee larious! Check it out, it's worth watching.

The previous review does a good job summing up the plot points. What I want to impress upon you (regardless of ideology) is the magnitude by which this film celebrates friendship. These poor, elderly (but rather active and funny) women that find a reason to live in each others company. It was endearing to hear the old timers quick quips and loving smiles. Their genuine care for one another and minor bickering were all cushioned with an underlining deep love. The joy in the film is watching the comradely between the ladies as they make their journey through their last leg in life. A true testament to friendship and friendship as an invaluable asset to life. Obviously these women knew that they were rolling downhill, but rolling downhill doesn't mean you can't throw your hands in the air and have a little fun with the ride.

I stood and applauded along with the packed crowd in the theater. This is by far one of the most touching, heart-felt, nuanced looks at aging, death, life, and the friends we leave behind I've ever seen. What starts off seeming like it's going to be a sort of tongue-in-cheek comedic view of an old folk's home for aging activists, becomes instead a personal story between two elderly friends as they deal with the pains - both emotional and physical - of growing old.And if that turns you off; if you have a picture in your mind that this is going to be a purely weepy, painfully arduous film about old people on the verge of death, you're wrong. There are moments of enlightened humor and brilliance that will make you guffaw out loud. There are inspirational moments that will make you leave the theater wanting to live a fuller life. There are deep moments that have you contemplating your own aging process, as well as your thoughts about what it might be like when you're 75, 85, 95. And yes, there are powerfully, potently sad moments that will have you bawling into your popcorn.It is, in a nutshell (an overly simplified nutshell), sort of a documentary version of "On Golden Pond", full of the same sweet sadness and auld lang syne (sp?), but with a documentary's ability to sweep aside typical heartstring-pulling cinematic manipulation. Yes, Sunset Story uses a score - a deeply emotional piano score - but it serves the story, enhancing the natural drama playing out on the screen without dictating what emotions you should be feeling at what time.This documentary should be seen, far and wide.

This unmissable documentary follows the lives of two elderly leftist women in the run down once-kinder section of Los Angeles, south of Wilshire near the heart of the old Downtown.Founded in 1923, Sunset Hall is a retirement/care home for elderly "free-thinking" people (i.e. old Communists, labor organizers and "lefties") but the setting is simply the prism thru which we follow two amazing ladies, Irja and Lucille. To tell more would be to deprive the viewer of an amazing and touching journey , but this is a heartfelt, clever, hard-edged yet tender piece of film making. Laura Gabbert directs with an unusually disciplined and unsentimental approach. The slow and careful revealing of the relationship between these two women is perfectly balanced and beautifully executed. Shot on video, the technique is such that I was immediately and completely engaged with the people and in their surroundings. I laughed out loud several times and sat weeping as well. A truly exceptional 75 minutes.