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So-so Based on 1,085 reviews
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Must Go!
Written August 28, 2008
Must see if you are over 40

by starrlost

When I see a movie in limited release, especially with acclaimed and award winning actors, I wonder why it's limited.
After viewing this film I realize that it is not intended for general audience of 20 and 30 something's.
If you are vintage I'm sure you will relate to one or more of these highly defined characters. The acting is brilliant and the camera work is lovely. (The camera loves Penelope Cruz). My husband and I both shed tears during the movie and we discussed this movie throughout our drive home. I will search for the novel because I want to dig deeper into the characters.
- 11 out of 12 found this review helpful.
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Must Go!
Written August 21, 2008
PROFOUND. CONTEMPLATIVE. EVOCATIVE. GRADE: A

by MOVIES REVIEWER

Elegy unabashedly explored lust/love/affairs, fear/commitment, beauty/art, and mortality. The underlying message that nothing stays the same nor lasts forever - expertly communicated by director Isabel Coixet in this beautiful movie adaptation of Pulitzer Prize-winning author Philip Roth's novel, The Dying Animal.

The characters - fully-fleshed - had depth.
The STELLAR cast comprised - the Academy award-winner Ben Kingsley masterfully portrayed emotionally-distant lustful possessive David Kepesh; Penelope Cruz enchanting as the austere well-mannered Consuela Castillo; the remarkable Dennis Hopper played George - David's friend/confidant; singer Deborah Harry(Blondie), Peter Sarsgaard and Patricia Clarkson delivered SUPERB supporting performances.

The intelligent directing/screen-writing, skillful editing, gorgeous cinematography set the PERFECT mood for this MUST-SEE thought-provoking contemplative meditative profound movie - perfect for intelligent upscale audience.
- 20 out of 31 found this review helpful.
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Must Go!
Written August 24, 2008
ELEGY

by ROBRACK

A truly great movie. All the performances were memorable. Kingsley was so on target with the melancholy of growing old and still having that sexual lust while recognizing his flaws and short comings. For Ms. Cruz, it was easily for me her best perfomance and it didn't hurt that her body is still smoking hot. Deborah Harry was good in her all too brief appearance. Dennis Hopper was a little over the top, but most of us with a few miles on us have known someone like that. Patricia Clarkson was excellent. Peter Sarsgard put in a fine performance as well. This was a fine adult movie. Leave the kiddies at home, and contemplate an intelligent thought provoking film. The ending was a surprise and leaves you wondering about the future of the two main characters. While there were a couple of spots that were a little slow, that only seemed so because we have gotten so used to today's action movies and instant resolution. That is not life. This film is best not viewed by the mentally challenged.
- 7 out of 7 found this review helpful.
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Must Go!
Written August 24, 2008
What a GREAT Movie!!

by danny_de50

Just got back from seeing this. I like all the actors in this flick, and heard Ben Kingsley talk about this on NPR. It sounded good from the interview he did and I was not disappointed. This is an adult movie that approaches the reality of aging and relationships. This is a great movie because it is not shoving morals down your throat and is not a "cookie cutter" happy ending movie. If your under 40 you may not appreciate this but see it any way. You won't be disappointed.
- 7 out of 7 found this review helpful.
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Must Go!
Written August 11, 2008
Elegy

by filmsareforever

Excellent film!
I didn't know but "elegy" is a contemplation of sorrow or death, in form of poetry or song - in this case, a film. And it's almost not a sad movie - but a closer look at the automatic behaviors that prevent people to actually let themselves be close to others - and the utter paralysis that can happen in case they don't practice the martial art of keep opening, regardless. This movie is a great reminder of what can happen to a person who is more committed to "being right" then to "being alive" !
- 6 out of 6 found this review helpful.
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Must Go!
Written August 23, 2008
Voluptuous insight into human relationships

by movies4less

Penelope Cruz is simply a stunning beauty. Ben Kingsley provides the backcloth to the beauty within Penelope's character when life happens as one is trying to make plans for (or avoid) something else. Sexual nudity and rather a serious themed movie - not for youngish moviegoers. The director has taken a common occurrrence (old guy with young gal) and portrayed its subtleties majestically. Very Vicky Cristina Barcelona.
- 15 out of 25 found this review helpful.
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Must Go!
Written August 27, 2008
Absolutely Amazing

by Allison_In_Brooklyn

The acting in this movie is absolutely amazing. You can really feel for each of the characters and crawl underneath their skins. I admit that I thought it was a bit slow at first but then I became completely engrossed. The dynamic that exists between Ben Kingsley's character and Penelope Cruz's character AND the dynamic that exists between Ben Kingsley's character and Dennis Hopper's character evoke so many thoughts and emotions within you. Great cameo role by the flawless Patricia Clarkson. This movie will break your heart.
- 6 out of 8 found this review helpful.
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Go
Written September 8, 2008
Work of art

by curlysunset

This movie is a work of art stating that life is ever evolving due to death. The death of Ben Kingsly and his former self when Penelope comes back is terrific to watch on the big screen. This movie also delves into the philosophical meaning of growing old and growing up. I think it was fantasic, but Penelope Cruz has starred in better movies. I wondered why this was in limited release, but some of these movies are the best I've seen.
- 8 out of 12 found this review helpful.
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Must Go!
Written September 18, 2008
Wonderfully expressive film

by MEPAustin

I loved this film. Both characters are wonderfully developed as the movie progresses. If you are over 40, I think this movie will especially touch you regarding the areas of aging and relationships.
- 7 out of 10 found this review helpful.
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Must Go!
Written September 16, 2008
Elegy rocks

by allyholly

I loved Elegy. Not only was it funny but also very touching and true. It deals with human nature as we deal with our own insecurities, emotions, life and death. Its a thinking persons movie!!!
- 4 out of 5 found this review helpful.
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Must Go!
Written September 21, 2008
Elegy

by bjlowy419

A " must see " for those who enjoy an intellectual movie that is psychologic ally challenging.
- 6 out of 10 found this review helpful.
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So-so
Written August 31, 2008
A dark little tale

by Iseeeverymovie

It seems as if SIr Ben has decided to only attempt dark tales these day, whether comedy or tragedy. This entry is dark, sad, and alienating in many ways. That does not mean it was not a good movie, but rather a very acquired taste. It might have been an arresting existential story if the final "act" had not seemed tacked on. I have not read the original material, but the final scenes of this already dismal portrayal of a cut-off human being seeing manipulative in the extreme and left this viewer feeling rather glad film was over. By the way. Penelope Cruz is lovely and somewhat reminiscent of a latin Audrey Hepburn in this one.

So see it, if you see them all, but do not expect a satisfying time at movies.

ISEEEVERYMOVIE
- 4 out of 6 found this review helpful.
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Must Go!
Written September 6, 2008
For the thoughtful ones

by somuch

got to love a movie that's fun to watch and makes you feel you saw into some-ones soul. Strong performances by both Ben and Penelope.
- 4 out of 6 found this review helpful.
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Must Go!
Written August 18, 2008
Elegy

by jstandora

What might be a typical story of older man-younger woman is turned instead into a deeply moving story of self-exploration and connection. Especially meaningful for those who have lived a bit of life and can relate to the underlying message.
- 4 out of 6 found this review helpful.
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Go
Written August 24, 2008
Elegy

by jomar

We went with another couple to this movie. The men actually hated the movie. The women loved the movie. I found the movie to be very deep and wonderful. The acting was excellent. Thanks to fandango we did not have to stand in a long line to get tickets. We walked right in and got fairly good seats. The movie was packed due to the write-up in the newspaper. The review did not reflect the movie totally. I would never have suggested this kind of movie for the men we live with............lol
It was a very sensitive movie. Marlene
- 4 out of 6 found this review helpful.
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