The Savages

source: The Savages

Father got dementia and had to be removed out because his girlfriend died. Because of this, a brother and a sister, who used to compete with each other and do not have a taste for each other, reunited to take care of their father. Both of them were brought up by their abusive father so both has some twists in their mind. The sister is not calming, over lust, while the brother is bad tempered too. They found more about each other's life when taking care of his father. They mocked each other at first and do not understand, make fun of the weakness of the other when they find their real life, but both of them are trying their best to take care of their father, and at the end they learned to appreciate each other. The brother appreciates the sister's play, despite that she was rejected. The sister hopes the best of the brothers conference at Poland, where his girlfriend lives. although at the end their father died, and 'this is it', their relationship revives.

The Savages yet another underrated film, is arguably one of 2007's fine films. Everything in it is perfect, the direction by Tamara Jenkins is gold. The acting is just wow. Laura Linney deserved her Oscar nom but Marion Cotillard deserved it better. She plays Wendy Savage, a girl who has an affair with an older guy to have a healthy sexual life. Philip Seymour Hoffman on the other hand is just as good. He plays Jon Savage, a college professor who is reluctant in taking care of his ailing father. His performance is in top shape and I haven't had the slightest idea why he didn't get the much praise he deserved in this film. He was darn good. The script was also excellent. It was dark, moody, grim and it shows you the reality of taking responsibility for one thing. Like it or not, your family stays with you until the end. The film was genuine, honest and not too Hollywood-ish. 9.

With Laura Linney and Philip Seymour Hoffman leading, a movie is guaranteed to have some real exceptional acting in it. Such is the case with "The Savages," a quiet drama about two siblings who have to face their father's rapidly deteriorating health. The movie handles various themes, the foremost being human fragility at different parts of one's life. Fragility is also present in both the main characters' struggle to be writers and create a legacy. "The Savages" has a well maintained story that has an easily accessible thematic fabric to it, even if it can be called gloomy, even hopeless at times. The film did feel a tad too safe and familiar though, not really taking the kinds of risks that could have made it something truly special.

I will say nothing about the plot, as I'm not sure there is one Firstly, it's deceiving to title this "the savages", AND I don't care what their name is. Perhaps it's supposed to be a "tongue in cheek" reference, if so, it failed. This movie is watchable, assuming there's not much on cable, or you have house cleaning to do. All the actors/actresses gave great performances for their characters. Their characters however, were : mundane, unexciting, and quite "un" funny for a film called a "comedy?" Methinks not, just another story of everyday stuff, not unlike what you can hear about at almost any Hardee's or McDonald's morning breakfast crowd

I wanted to like this movie, and hoped for some interesting comedy drama. But it was incredibly disappointing. Interestingly, the plot is quite similar to the book "The Corrections," where siblings (one of whom is a professor), have to deal with a father with dementia. But where that book has all sorts of drama, morbid humor, and heart-tugging emotion, this movie flat-lines. The trailer indicates there's some droll humor and an intriguing relationship between the siblings. But other than those excerpts, there's not much here to respond to. There are no twists or complications to speak of, and the relationships grow tiring after a while. A self- congratulatory ending doesn't help either. What could have been a compelling story ends up being just another nail in the coffin of Hollywood releasing adult dramas. Skip this.

THE SAVAGES is one of the most brilliant and well written films that 2007 has seen on the silver screen with performances that are rich in character and so well developed by Tamara Jenkins in the roles played by the immensely talented Laura Linney and Philip Seymour Hoffman. What also is so important in THE SAVAGES is the film is a story of a brother and sister in handling the health issues of their father, and this scene is being played out today all across America, with families having to make sacrifices for their parents. THE SAVAGES captures the journey of a brother and sister and their own life issues on the screen with compassion, humor and a bit of pathos thrown into the story. I will only hope this marvelous film will win many nominations this upcoming Awards Season. And yes, THE SAVAGES is not a Sam Shepard play, but has a beating heart of its very own.

If there was a 7.5 rating available I'd give it. But I round up instead. I saw this at a screening in the Fall of '06, and had a good time, it is a well done, hearty family story. The opening scene-should it remain-in the convalescent home is poignant and funny. Philip Bosco is fantastic here. In fact, all of the acting is terrific. PS Hoffman and Linney are comfortable together as siblings, and their relationship is exciting to view. From the time when they live together and write together, there is a warmth to the humor of the picture. As a statement on the American family Tamara Jenkins has wonderfully covered the landscape, from Arizona to Buffalo, and layered that with the complexities of parents/kids, intimate relationships and careers. But Philip Bosco stands out as their aged father. Truly. In fact, Philip Bosco may deserve an Osco.

What a disappointment this movie is. Nothing about it is believable. None of the angst the characters are supposed to be experiencing rings true at all, nor does their sudden concern for their father's welfare after a lifetime of abuse and estrangement. The only thing that is at all believable is the bickering between the two siblings, and that does not make for a meaningful or entertaining movie-watching experience. I come from a dysfunctional family myself, also with dying or recently dead parents, and I resent the cavalier way Tamara Jenkins turns the situation into a cheesy soap opera with a happy ending. There can be no happy endings in families like that. The Savages is cheap (and I don't mean low-budget), pretentious, and annoying.

I thoroughly enjoyed this film. It hit a bit close at times,but manages to touch on several issues that most will face or have faced,be us the parent or the offspring. It does so with humor,dignity and grace. It never overwhelms with any one particular aspect,and could be seen by some as a glossing over. This would be too harsh of an evaluation. It simply conveys an overall feeling of the despair and regret while making clear all things are of the natural order,and it is simply what must pass.For all of us. Enjoy the movie. It is well acted.Thoughtfully written.If laughing at times makes it funny,then it is funny. If crying at times makes it sad,then it is sad.