"Manchester by the Sea" (some spoiling) [View all]

Last edited Sat Jan 14, 2017, 12:17 PM - Edit history (2)

Wanted to see this movie as this was familiar territory for me growing up. Living just north of Boston, we spent many summers in and around the Massachusetts North Shore. I had heard the movie was sad, but didn't grasp just how sad it would be. One scene was particularly gut wrenching.

It IS a sad movie, and by the end, while there is some closure, you're left with the feeling that Lee Chandler, the main character, will never allow himself to or cannot move beyond the terrible tragedy in his life.

So not a feel good story where all the the loose ends are tied up, you can have a good cry and feel uplifted in the end. It's gritty; lots of FU's in the movie and dwelling on the sexual habits of 16 year olds. Am I that out of date that parents now accept their high school kids are having sex regularly?

One other thing, numerous flashbacks to set the back story, but definitely caused some confusion with the storyline.

Bottom line, this is a movie I would watch "on demand", at home. Why? Because I left the theater with a sad feeling and heavy heart. Was with some friends, and it took all of us a while to shake the depression. I'd rather be at home feeling that way, than out with friends to have a good time. While the scenery was very nostalgic, most of the film takes place in the winter months and just added to the chill of the movie.