Manchester by the Sea [Includes Digital Copy] [Blu-ray/DVD] [2016]

The film features the finest ensemble acting of 2016. At first I did not like this film at all because I found the characters so unlikable. But my mind changed upon second viewing after getting reactions from others who were drawn by its misleading title, which suggests a romantic melodrama in a picturesque setting. It is not that at all. While many people continue to find Manchester by the Sea depressing, it actually concludes with a scene (that has no dialogue) of hope - and overall the film is a great study of what happens to your sense of self-worth - after you commit a mistake of all-consuming horror. You might ask yourself what would you do if you were in the same situation as the main character (played by Oscar winner Casey Affleck), that is, how would you continue? Would you stick it out or off yourself - would you prefer to move away and isolate yourself forever? The script and acting are so vivid that it does not feel like acting at all; it feels like you are witnessing a real-life tragedy affecting working class people who are often overlooked by people who live in big urban or suburban areas. This is a first rate movie that will not be appreciated by most viewers - but it does feel genuine. It is a film everyone should see at least once. Very raw but very real.

Manchester by the Sea is a simple film made from a rather simple story. Meaning that the narrative is straight-forward and wholly based in the everyday lives the majority of us tend to lead. While these factors certainly make it more relatable than say, something along the lines of Allied, which is technically based in reality, but from which we are so far removed at this point it almost feels not of this world. All of this is to say that in our current plane of existence, Manchester by the Sea feels personal. It is a movie that creates an authentic environment from the world in which it exists. It feels lived-in and to that point we are not necessarily welcomed as much into this halfhearted existence that comes to be the subject of the film as we are wedged into the ongoing bad luck that literally and figuratively seems to make up Lee Chandler's (Casey Affleck) life. I find it best to go into most films without much of an idea as to what exactly one might be getting themselves into and while it may be difficult to do that in terms of major blockbusters when living in a world that offers teasers for teaser trailers it is with movies such as Manchester by the Sea where this practice can be exercised to its full effect. And so, I went in more or less blind to what Manchester by the Sea carried in terms of narrative and with only the buzz it garnered out of its Sundance premiere earlier this year to signify that it was one worth watching. No matter if one knows the basic premise or not though, one thing is for certain: one cannot know the whole of the story the film is telling and it is in how director Kenneth Lonergan (Margaret) sets up the present scenario for our characters to operate in and then how he slowly peels back the layers of each of their pasts helping us to understand not only why and how these people have become who they are, but also giving us a glimpse of how far they can go and what the future might hold for them that makes the experience so simultaneously simple yet equally involving. It's a powerful piece of human drama to say the least with bare bones emotions bleeding through on the face of Affleck and every other actor in any significant portion of the movie. Lonergan, as a writer, is clearly interested in digging into the psyches of those who have dealt in tragedy and analyzing the different ways in which we as human beings deal with such surreal, life-altering events. With Manchester by the Sea the writer/director tackles permanent heartbreak to grandly moving results.

Was planning to wait on this one but a recent sale got me to buy this early. Oscar winner for both Best Actor and Screenplay, it is a brutal story of tragedy and an attempt at redemption. The story unfolds slowly, more like a foreign film than the usual Hollywood fare and this may be tough for some viewers to get through. It's also told in very subtle flashbacks that is also unconventional. My suggestion is to give it at least an hour before you make up your mind (my usual suggestion is a 1/2 hour) and I think you will be re-warded. I would have liked more special features, but this set is packed with the big three blu ray, dvd and digital copy. Recommended (especially if it's on sale).

I walked into theaters to see this film without little to no expectations. Perhaps that colored the way I saw it. Regardless, this film produced one of the most emotional experiences I've ever had at a theater, let alone with a movie. Many will complain that little happens or that the film ends in an unsatisfying manner. I think this argument holds little water and, instead, shows that the viewer went in expecting something else. And with that, avoid the trailers, avoid the criticism, avoid the awards talk and all that. Just let the film wash over you. Embrace the grief and let it define the you, the characters, and all you know for two hours. You won't regret it.

This was such a moving film. Casey really captured the tortured soul and the supporting cast (Michelle, especially the scene where they run into each other years later) is also just a great. This is a gray, dreary setting and there is really no redeeming reason to visit Manchester by the looks of it. The end was touching. I highly recommend this film to those who appreciate good acting and film-making.

A heart breaking story about a man who has lost everything, much to his own fault. He is trying to cope with his loss by disassociating himself from his town and family. Every time he tries to get past his grief, someone or something always brings him back into it. Not even the second chance of raising his nephew works, but he is taking steps to recover.

Writer/director Kenneth Lonergan has made a searing, emotionally devastating (but often hilarious) film about living with, if not completely overcoming, tragedy. His marvelous script is crammed with his usual brilliantly realistic dialogue, and the sublime cast includes Casey Affleck, Lucas Hedges, Michelle Williams, Kyle Chandler,and veteran stage performers Stephen McKinley Henderson, Missy Yager, Quincy Tyler Bernstine, Heather Burns and even Matthew Broderick. Lonergan also gives himself one of the best (and funniest) director cameos since Hitchcock.

Saw this at the movies. Definitely not a summer blockbuster type movie. Walked out feeling a little depressed but then talked about the movie with my wife and realized how good the acting and story was. Knew I wanted to re watch and was picked up on Black Friday. Good movie. Just bring box tissues along for the ride.