Robert Redford, Jennifer Lopez, Morgan Freeman

Still in shock from his only son's death a decade ago, Einar has let his ranch fall into ruin along with his marriage. Now, Einar spends his days caring only for his hired handyman and last trusted fr...( read more  read more... )iend, Mitch, who was gravely injured in an encounter with a grizzly bear. Einar intends to live out his days in this heartbroken solitude...until the very person he blames for his son's accident comes to town: his daughter-in-law Jean. Jean shows up broke, on the run with a girl named Griff, who she swears is the granddaughter Einar never knew he had. Suddenly, Einar's quiet life is turned upside down as anger and accusations resurface. But slowly, miraculously, 11 year-old Griff's curiosity about Western life, and her longing for a family and a father figure, begin to chip away at the stone that has become Einar's heart - opening up the way for unexpected connection, adventure, mercy and true reunion.

Flixster Users

65% liked it

10,516 ratings

Critics

53% liked it

129 critics

PG-13, 1 hr. 40 min.

Directed by: Lasse Hallström

Release Date: September 9, 2005

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DVD Release Date: April 11, 2006

Stats: 1,718 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (1,718)


  • July 24, 2008
    A magnificent film. It's powerful, heartfelt and completely excellent. Director, Lasse Halstorm has crafted another remarkable and compelling drama. Robert Redford is astonishing, his best performance yet. Morgan Freeman is amazing as always. One of his finest performances. Redfo...( read more)rd and Freeman together in a film is beyond great, they're chemistry shines in every scene they are in. Jennifer Lopez is teriffic, she gives a performance to be proud of. Giving her character heart and emotion. A truly outstanding, remarkable, deeply moving and unforgettable piece of work. A movie that grabs you and dosent let go. Absolutely superb and breathtaking. A masterpiece.
  • March 14, 2008
    A carefully but not brilliantly crafted kind of western that draws the viewer in and shows him exactly what it promises. It succeeds on that level but does not demonstrate any ingenuity or flourish with any profound cinematic moments.
  • February 3, 2008
    Pending Review...

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  • August 27, 2007
    An emotional storyline though the outcome is pretty obvious.

    My favourite line was probably: "Einar, would you bury me next to Griffin?" "Don't you think you ought to die first!"

    A very enjoyable watch and possibly one that I would watch again.
  • August 22, 2007
    This movie was actually pretty interesting. Mitch (Morgan Freeman's character) had the most positive attitude after all he had been through, and it was very inspiring.
  • November 6, 2009
    Buonismo americano + finale scontato + Jennifer Lopez.
    Sticazzi, mi è piaciuto lo stesso.
  • October 22, 2009
    En väldigt känslosam film och vacker historia som verkligen berör.
  • September 23, 2009
    This movie is is so impressive. It makes us see how the lost of a child feels like. Morgan Freeman was great in An Unfinished Life, just like Robert Redford. Even Jennifer Lopez did an incredible job, something I didn't expect at all. And Becca Gardner (Griff), wow! She's an extr...( read more)emely talented girl.
    I love this movie, and I can recommend it everybody!
  • August 8, 2009
    A movie with a life lesion.
  • July 25, 2009
    I did like the movie. Of course Morgan Freeman had a good performance and also the other actors were acceptable. The make-up artist could have done better on Lopez though ;) Well but I have to admit that after the movie I had the impression of "that's it? That's not so much". But...( read more) still worth a look although not extraordinary.

Critic Reviews


September 23, 2005
Liam Lacey, Globe and Mail

By the conclusion, the movie turns into the ursine answer to Free Willy, veering dangerously close to New Age parody. full review

September 9, 2005
Stephanie Zacharek, Salon.com

The picture is outrageously predictable and somewhat poky, but there's also something admirably bold about the way it so adamantly demands we swallow its hokum. full review

September 9, 2005
Peter Travers, Rolling Stone

Redford and Freeman have a relaxed rapport -- watch their expressions when Griff asks them if they're gay -- but the script keeps giving them unspeakable lines to utter. full review

September 9, 2005
Mick LaSalle, San Francisco Chronicle

The grizzly may have mauled Mitch, but by the end, that metaphor has mauled us. full review

September 8, 2005
Claudia Puig, USA Today

An Unfinished Life doesn't succumb to the emotional dumbing-down that has become the norm in movies. full review

September 8, 2005
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

[The film] is modest and heartfelt, dealing directly with straightforward material. full review

September 5, 2005
Nick Schager, Slant Magazine

A prototypical WE channel mushfest. full review

View more An Unfinished Life reviews at RottenTomatoes.com

Comments


  • michellefortuin
    September 23, 2009
    This movie is is so impressive. It makes us see how the lost of a child feels like. Morgan Freeman was great in An Unfinished Life, just like Robert Redford. Even Jennifer Lopez did an incredible job, something I didn't expect at all. And Becca Gardner (Griff), wow! She's an extremely talented girl.
    I love this movie, and I can recommend it everybody!

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

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An Unfinished Life Trivia


  • in what movie does j. lo have a daughter named griff?  Answer »
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  • "An Unfinished Life"" is starred by Robert Redford, Jennifer Lopez and Morgan Freeman... also starring...  Answer »
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