This movie is about basically human relations, and the interaction between them. The main character is an old lady who at the twilight of her life starts a journey to her past, doing an analysis of how she lived her life. This journey is precipitated because of the sons economic crisis and his intentions to put her in a nursing home. It is a very honest look to some issues that we all ask ourselves at some point in life, and there is plenty of secondary ideas to discuss in this movie such as family legacy, real love, marriage or destiny. although this type of movie melodramas are nothing new, this one can be useful to watch it with family members to discuss some ideas. There is a good performance by the actors and the characters are very believable, but because of the time some characters are maybe not fully developed. I really recommend this movie for a quiet Saturday afternoon.
20 Reviews
Never fully develops its characters
howard.schumann24 September 2007
In Canadian director Kari Skogland's film adaptation of the Margaret Laurence novel The Stone Angel Ellen Burstyn is Hagar Shipley, a proud and cantankerous woman approaching her nineties who wishes to remain independent until the very end, stubbornly refusing to be placed in a nursing home by her well-meaning son Marvin. Filmed in Manitoba, Canada and set in the fictional town of Manawaka, The Stone Angel is a straightforward and conventional interpretation of the book that has been required reading in Canadian high school English classes for almost half a century.
The title of the film comes from the stone statue erected on Hagar's mother's grave which serves as a metaphor for Hagar's inability to express emotion during her tumultuous lifetime. Burstyn brings vulnerability and humor to the role but is a bit too likable to fully realize the ego-driven, self-defeating character who managed to alienate her wealthy father, her well-meaning but alcoholic husband, and both of her sons. As she nears the end of her days, she reflects that "pride was my wilderness and the demon that led me there was fear. I was alone, never anything else, and never free, for I carried my chains within me, and they spread out from me and shackled all I touched".
Confronting having to spend her last days in a nursing home, Hagar looks back at her life and looks at her failed relationships, her recollections shown in flashbacks without voice-over narration. The story begins with a dance that she attended as a young girl. Chaperoned by her Aunt Dolly, she meets her future husband, the previously married Bram Shipley (Cole/Wings Hauser), a poor farmer whose reputation in the town is sullied because of his association with the Native American population. The young Hagar is played by Christine Horne who is exceptional in her first feature role. Despite Hagar's pleading, her relationship with Bram is rejected by her cold and rigid father whose refusal to attend the wedding starts the marriage off on the wrong foot. This is exacerbated by his leaving all of his money to the town of Manawaka, condemning the young couple to a life of poverty.
Going through the motions of her marriage to Bram, Hagar withdraws from social activities to prevent being rejected by the town's upper classes. When she produces two sons, Marvin (Dylan Baker) and John (Kevin Zegers), she is unable to give them the love that they need. "Every joy I might have held in my man or any child of mine or even the plain light of morning", she reflects, "all were forced to a standstill by some break of proper appearances When did I ever speak the heart's truth?" Like the biblical Hagar who fled to the desert because she could not tolerate further affronts to her pride, Hagar leaves Manawaka to live in Ontario but eventually returns to the Shipley farm.
As the scene shifts back to the present, Hagar runs away to an abandoned house near the ocean that she remembers from her childhood to escape from being placed in a nursing home by Marvin and his wife Doris (Sheila McCarthy), Here she meets a young man named Leo (Luke Kirby) who takes an interest in her and compels her to look at and take responsibility for the mistakes she made in her life. The Stone Angel pulls out all the emotional stops but never fully develops its characters to the point where I felt any stake in the story's outcome, although the spirited performance by Ellen Page as John's devoted but naive girlfriend and the moving final scenes bring a new energy to the film's second half.
The title of the film comes from the stone statue erected on Hagar's mother's grave which serves as a metaphor for Hagar's inability to express emotion during her tumultuous lifetime. Burstyn brings vulnerability and humor to the role but is a bit too likable to fully realize the ego-driven, self-defeating character who managed to alienate her wealthy father, her well-meaning but alcoholic husband, and both of her sons. As she nears the end of her days, she reflects that "pride was my wilderness and the demon that led me there was fear. I was alone, never anything else, and never free, for I carried my chains within me, and they spread out from me and shackled all I touched".
Confronting having to spend her last days in a nursing home, Hagar looks back at her life and looks at her failed relationships, her recollections shown in flashbacks without voice-over narration. The story begins with a dance that she attended as a young girl. Chaperoned by her Aunt Dolly, she meets her future husband, the previously married Bram Shipley (Cole/Wings Hauser), a poor farmer whose reputation in the town is sullied because of his association with the Native American population. The young Hagar is played by Christine Horne who is exceptional in her first feature role. Despite Hagar's pleading, her relationship with Bram is rejected by her cold and rigid father whose refusal to attend the wedding starts the marriage off on the wrong foot. This is exacerbated by his leaving all of his money to the town of Manawaka, condemning the young couple to a life of poverty.
Going through the motions of her marriage to Bram, Hagar withdraws from social activities to prevent being rejected by the town's upper classes. When she produces two sons, Marvin (Dylan Baker) and John (Kevin Zegers), she is unable to give them the love that they need. "Every joy I might have held in my man or any child of mine or even the plain light of morning", she reflects, "all were forced to a standstill by some break of proper appearances When did I ever speak the heart's truth?" Like the biblical Hagar who fled to the desert because she could not tolerate further affronts to her pride, Hagar leaves Manawaka to live in Ontario but eventually returns to the Shipley farm.
As the scene shifts back to the present, Hagar runs away to an abandoned house near the ocean that she remembers from her childhood to escape from being placed in a nursing home by Marvin and his wife Doris (Sheila McCarthy), Here she meets a young man named Leo (Luke Kirby) who takes an interest in her and compels her to look at and take responsibility for the mistakes she made in her life. The Stone Angel pulls out all the emotional stops but never fully develops its characters to the point where I felt any stake in the story's outcome, although the spirited performance by Ellen Page as John's devoted but naive girlfriend and the moving final scenes bring a new energy to the film's second half.
Margaret Laurence would not be happy.
wisewebwoman12 March 2009
As this film does not do justice to a great novel. I so loved this book I've read it twice. It presents an irascible old woman, warts and all, bad tempered and humourless, and tries to soften her up and give her a raison d'etre.
Hagar, played by the marvellous Ellen Burstyn, is a woman who lives in fear of what her son and anxious daughter in law can do to her. The worst would be a home for the aged and it is happening now.
Through flashbacks, we gain insight into Hagar's life, her lusty marriage to a waster, her sons and her bitterness at the way life has worked out for her.
It is hopelessly and meaninglessly modernized, the book was written in the sixties and here it is translated to modern day with cell phones, etc. It doesn't work. The flashbacks are not smoothly transitioned and at times are oddly placed within the framework of the whole or are too abrupt.
However, that said, the supporting cast are excellent with the younger lusty Hagar played by Christine Horne is a delight. Ellen Page has a small but telling part.
But the film didn't enhance my enjoyment of the book.
6 out of 10.
Hagar, played by the marvellous Ellen Burstyn, is a woman who lives in fear of what her son and anxious daughter in law can do to her. The worst would be a home for the aged and it is happening now.
Through flashbacks, we gain insight into Hagar's life, her lusty marriage to a waster, her sons and her bitterness at the way life has worked out for her.
It is hopelessly and meaninglessly modernized, the book was written in the sixties and here it is translated to modern day with cell phones, etc. It doesn't work. The flashbacks are not smoothly transitioned and at times are oddly placed within the framework of the whole or are too abrupt.
However, that said, the supporting cast are excellent with the younger lusty Hagar played by Christine Horne is a delight. Ellen Page has a small but telling part.
But the film didn't enhance my enjoyment of the book.
6 out of 10.
I wanted to love this movie
nvanvalleygirl20 April 2015
Warning: Spoilers
I forgot what a great character Hagar Shipley is and was reminded of two things - one that this has to be in Canada's top ten for books and two, why a fab book should never be made into a movie.
The audience was smashed over the head with repetitive motifs that reminded me of an after school special rather than the subtle way the book imposed. Burstyn's performance was excellent but the point where she confronts her son John's girlfriend over the dishes - was the weakest part of the film. The performances felt off here. Not sure maybe some stuff was cut out that we didn't get to see. Great cast mostly - great characters - great story and yet sadly an average film.
The story is great and the lead was great, I just wanted so much more from this movie than was delivered. My expectations from a great book may be hampering my objectivity here, but I felt that this one could have been better.
The audience was smashed over the head with repetitive motifs that reminded me of an after school special rather than the subtle way the book imposed. Burstyn's performance was excellent but the point where she confronts her son John's girlfriend over the dishes - was the weakest part of the film. The performances felt off here. Not sure maybe some stuff was cut out that we didn't get to see. Great cast mostly - great characters - great story and yet sadly an average film.
The story is great and the lead was great, I just wanted so much more from this movie than was delivered. My expectations from a great book may be hampering my objectivity here, but I felt that this one could have been better.
Ellen Burstyn is great in her half of the movie
SnoopyStyle25 November 2014
Marvin (Dylan Baker) and his wife Doris (Sheila McCarthy) are trying to send his mother Hagar Shipley (Ellen Burstyn) to a nursing home. Hagar had signed over her house to her son and he has lost it all declaring bankruptcy. She runs away to her old childhood home. The movie flashes back to her life in the small town. Her mother had died giving birth to her brother Matt. Her father brought over a stone angel for her mother's grave. They're the rich family of the community. Her prideful father owns the local store and she has acquired lots of the same attitude. She picks on Lottie for being a bastard child. Her poor farmer husband Bram Shipley (Cole Hauser) becomes a drunk. Her father leaves all of his money to the town. She walks out on Bram to be a live-in maid taking her younger son John (Kevin Zegers). John dates Lottie's daughter Arlene (Ellen Page) and she disapproves.
Ellen Burstyn is powerful in her role but the younger actors can't quite measure up. Christine Horne doesn't have the same boldness playing Hagar. Also there is simply too much story to fit into a simple movie. It feels more like highlights of a life rather than an in-depth character study. Any power in the movie comes mainly from Ellen Burstyn and the big secret at the end. The movie just doesn't have enough to lift up this personal epic.
Ellen Burstyn is powerful in her role but the younger actors can't quite measure up. Christine Horne doesn't have the same boldness playing Hagar. Also there is simply too much story to fit into a simple movie. It feels more like highlights of a life rather than an in-depth character study. Any power in the movie comes mainly from Ellen Burstyn and the big secret at the end. The movie just doesn't have enough to lift up this personal epic.
Is Hagar supposed to be funny?
diviner25 May 2008
Margret Laurence probably didn't intend on having any of her novels adopted for film, let alone the Stone Angel. Hagar, as a character, was one who constantly challenged the social norm (Gainsay who dare, anyone?), and ended up nearly sacrificing her humanity in the process. The symbols in the book (the Stone Angel, Silver Thread, etc, etc.) are constant reminders of this struggle of the old and new, and the carnage (so to speak) along the way.
While the film is reasonably faithful to the plot of the book (but it isn't really a plot kind-of storytelling, is it?), I think it missed the point on capturing the spirit of the film. Hagar's defiance (for the sake of defiance) was not there. Bram could have been a lot more crude than portrayed, and Hagar's father could have been played more "traditionally", so to speak. If the filmmaker would insisted on stronger portrayals, the film would drive the point straight to home.
Along the same vein, why should we see cell phones, organic produce, and other modernizations? Are we trying make some points for the sake of making some points (e.g., the Muslim girlfriend and the Native people). Hagar and co. are everything but politically correct in the book, so why should we see that in the film version. Modernization may be an excuse for a low-budget operation, but using that as an excuse to send subliminal politically-correct messages that are totally irrelevant to the novel (and the film) seems like throwing punches below the intellect.
There is also the audience. It seems that we have been conditioned to see bitter old people as cute and lovable. Why should be laugh every time Hagar is at her tantrums? I doubt Magaret Laurence wanted her readers to laugh at, or with, Hagar. These people are frustrated and are full of angst, and all we do is to laugh at them. I don't think it did Hagar and other folks in her situation any justice.
While the film is reasonably faithful to the plot of the book (but it isn't really a plot kind-of storytelling, is it?), I think it missed the point on capturing the spirit of the film. Hagar's defiance (for the sake of defiance) was not there. Bram could have been a lot more crude than portrayed, and Hagar's father could have been played more "traditionally", so to speak. If the filmmaker would insisted on stronger portrayals, the film would drive the point straight to home.
Along the same vein, why should we see cell phones, organic produce, and other modernizations? Are we trying make some points for the sake of making some points (e.g., the Muslim girlfriend and the Native people). Hagar and co. are everything but politically correct in the book, so why should we see that in the film version. Modernization may be an excuse for a low-budget operation, but using that as an excuse to send subliminal politically-correct messages that are totally irrelevant to the novel (and the film) seems like throwing punches below the intellect.
There is also the audience. It seems that we have been conditioned to see bitter old people as cute and lovable. Why should be laugh every time Hagar is at her tantrums? I doubt Magaret Laurence wanted her readers to laugh at, or with, Hagar. These people are frustrated and are full of angst, and all we do is to laugh at them. I don't think it did Hagar and other folks in her situation any justice.
I liked it.
saynathirajah22 February 2008
I saw the movie recently and really liked it. I surprised myself and cried. This movie is in the same niche genre as "Away from Her" - or even "The Bucket List" but handles the whole aging theme with incredible authenticity. It's really really tough to have the main character as unlikable as Hagar. The director does a masterful job with the challenge. Hagar's hard to understand. Her world has hard edges and she isn't a warm endearing woman at all.
The first scene gets this across without any compromise. Hagar (Ellen Burnstyn) is being taken to a nursing home by her son and daughter-in-law. She figures it out en-route and freaks out. Her edges are really hard. She is mean. She is belittling and selfish. She is a stone. I didn't like her - not even a little bit.
Throughout the course of the movie, we get insight. We find out why she doesn't like petunias, why she favors one son over the other, how her losses have formed her character... I started to see the angel... and I started to like her. I especially liked her when she poured out her secrets to the boy in the shack. Ellen Burnstyn, you are a brilliant actor. Kudos. Kudos. Kudos. What a scene!
This isn't a "feel good" movie, but it is certainly a movie that brings the viewer to empathy. I understand more clearly that hard edges in a person's life are there to protect, they are there for a reason...
Hagar isn't my mother - she isn't even my mother-in-law or neighbor... but parts of her are present in many women (and men) in my life. Those parts somehow make more sense to me now that I've watched The Stone Angel.
The first scene gets this across without any compromise. Hagar (Ellen Burnstyn) is being taken to a nursing home by her son and daughter-in-law. She figures it out en-route and freaks out. Her edges are really hard. She is mean. She is belittling and selfish. She is a stone. I didn't like her - not even a little bit.
Throughout the course of the movie, we get insight. We find out why she doesn't like petunias, why she favors one son over the other, how her losses have formed her character... I started to see the angel... and I started to like her. I especially liked her when she poured out her secrets to the boy in the shack. Ellen Burnstyn, you are a brilliant actor. Kudos. Kudos. Kudos. What a scene!
This isn't a "feel good" movie, but it is certainly a movie that brings the viewer to empathy. I understand more clearly that hard edges in a person's life are there to protect, they are there for a reason...
Hagar isn't my mother - she isn't even my mother-in-law or neighbor... but parts of her are present in many women (and men) in my life. Those parts somehow make more sense to me now that I've watched The Stone Angel.
False Advertising
riwach1 March 2009
Warning: Spoilers
The back of the DVD box says Ellen Page co-stars in this movie. She does not even appear until two thirds of the movie is over and then its in minor role. I don't consider it a supporting role either, but rather a "bit" part. Also the plot has many unexplained elements. Some examples are: why does the main character reject her oldest son? Why does her youngest son drive head on into the train? He says its for a "sucker" bet which doesn't explain anything. Obviously the screenwriter doesn't know the definition of a sucker bet. This film is not worthy of the rental price in my opinion. Save your money and view it for free on TV if you think it needs to be seen.
I was so moved by this picture.
Bean-2420 February 2008
I was very moved by the story and because I am going through something similar with my own parents, I really connected. It is so easy to forget that someone whose body is failing was once vibrant and passionate. And then there's the mistakes they made and have to live with. I loved Ellen Burstyn's performance and who is Christine Horne? She's fantastic! A real find. There is probably the most erotic scene I've ever seen in a film, yet nothing was shown - it was just so beautifully done. Overall the look and feel of the film was stunning, a real emotional journey. Cole Hauser is very very good in this picture, he humanizes a man spiraling downwards. I liked the way the filmmaker approached this woman's life, never sentimental, never too much - just enough to hook us in, but not enough to bog down.
I found no connection to this movie/story
tropicalshakekat29 April 2008
I found the characters mediocre and the story uninteresting. I never had to read this book (thankfully), or it would have been a painful experience. I got the tickets to the preview for free but it still wasn't worth my time, or my friend's. I think this story is not worth telling. It's like saying that old people have a past before they got old (no kidding). The lives of the main characters were painful to watch, one generation no better than the next at avoiding stupid mistakes. However, I think the actors did the best they could with a lame story. I've always been a big fan of Ellen Burstyn. I'm writing this review to counteract the positive reviews given, which unfortunately convinced me to give this movie a try.
Good acting wasn't enough to save it
mrusso-889625 October 2021
The film doesn't capture the spirit of Margaret Laurence's novel and is far too conventional and melodramatic, more like a (deluxe) made-for-TV product. That's a pity, considering the amount of acting talent involved.
Ellen Burstyn and Christine Horne are both very good as Hagar at different stages in her life and they look very much alike. Dylan Baker offers a quiet and touching performance as the neglected son of Hagar. Cole Hauser is awesome as the unrefined but extremely sexy farmer Hagar marries against her father wishes. Sadly, the script and the direction don't match the quality of the acting.
Ellen Burstyn and Christine Horne are both very good as Hagar at different stages in her life and they look very much alike. Dylan Baker offers a quiet and touching performance as the neglected son of Hagar. Cole Hauser is awesome as the unrefined but extremely sexy farmer Hagar marries against her father wishes. Sadly, the script and the direction don't match the quality of the acting.
Powerful - Edgy and Authentic
sharonjsimpson20 February 2008
I had a chance to see a screening of this movie recently. I believe that it will be in theaters in Canada some time around Mother's Day. If it is in a theater near you... GO! It's not a funny feel-good movie - it's more along the lines of a feel and think movie.
The director does an excellent job of character development - letting you into the heart, mind and hurts of Hagar little by little. At first, her attitudes and behaviors don't make much sense. As her story unfolds, she becomes someone you can understand. As in life... understanding brings empathy. I found her likable by the end of the movie - particularly when she opens up her heart to the young man in the shack by the lake.
Hagar's relationship with her two sons is painful - and reflective of so many of our own experiences in this world. Her youngest son, John, who is full of life and adventure takes the viewer to the very edge of their seat - and into the kind of raw emotion that is so authentic and rare.
It's fun to see Ellen Page acting in this movie. She is so very different than the young woman that she plays in Juno. It gives me an even broader appreciation for her acting ability. If you loved her in Juno, you'll love her in The Stone Angel.
Of course, there is Ellen Burnstyn as Hagar. There is likely no way of expressing the power of acting as strongly as the ability for the actor to make you forget every other character they have ever played. Never once in the course of this movie did I ever think of Ellen Burnstyn - I always and only thought of Hagar. She swept me into her character - hook, line and sinker.
Kari Skogland's capacity to capture on film this renowned book by one of Canada's most cherished authors is impressive. She brilliantly brings to the screen both the stoney and angelic parts of this complex woman, Hagar - the stone angel.
The director does an excellent job of character development - letting you into the heart, mind and hurts of Hagar little by little. At first, her attitudes and behaviors don't make much sense. As her story unfolds, she becomes someone you can understand. As in life... understanding brings empathy. I found her likable by the end of the movie - particularly when she opens up her heart to the young man in the shack by the lake.
Hagar's relationship with her two sons is painful - and reflective of so many of our own experiences in this world. Her youngest son, John, who is full of life and adventure takes the viewer to the very edge of their seat - and into the kind of raw emotion that is so authentic and rare.
It's fun to see Ellen Page acting in this movie. She is so very different than the young woman that she plays in Juno. It gives me an even broader appreciation for her acting ability. If you loved her in Juno, you'll love her in The Stone Angel.
Of course, there is Ellen Burnstyn as Hagar. There is likely no way of expressing the power of acting as strongly as the ability for the actor to make you forget every other character they have ever played. Never once in the course of this movie did I ever think of Ellen Burnstyn - I always and only thought of Hagar. She swept me into her character - hook, line and sinker.
Kari Skogland's capacity to capture on film this renowned book by one of Canada's most cherished authors is impressive. She brilliantly brings to the screen both the stoney and angelic parts of this complex woman, Hagar - the stone angel.
So true to the novel
boyeilela8 January 2008
What I loved about the on-screen adaptation of The Stone Angel is that it stayed so true to the novel! Great film! As an avid reader, I find the worst thing about film adaptations is that the book somehow gets lost in translation. You can tell the Stone Angel team was careful not to let this happen with this film.
Ellen Burstyn was an excellent casting choice for the role of Hagar and she is definitely a movie superstar. However, I think the Canadian actress (Christine Horne) chosen to play Hagar in her younger years also did an incredible job that warrants great praise. I haven't seen any of Horne's previous work but I will definitely seek it out after seeing her Stone Angel performance.
I heard the Canadian theatrical release of The Stone Angel is going to happen in Spring or Summer 2008. I can't wait to see it on the big screen again!
Ellen Burstyn was an excellent casting choice for the role of Hagar and she is definitely a movie superstar. However, I think the Canadian actress (Christine Horne) chosen to play Hagar in her younger years also did an incredible job that warrants great praise. I haven't seen any of Horne's previous work but I will definitely seek it out after seeing her Stone Angel performance.
I heard the Canadian theatrical release of The Stone Angel is going to happen in Spring or Summer 2008. I can't wait to see it on the big screen again!
Excellent
laurafeeleus9 July 2008
I saw this film in Winnipeg recently - appropriate, given the location used. I first read Lawrence's book back in the 70's and for me, it's always been a very powerful picture of the trials of aging in our society. It resonated when I was young, and it resonates even more now. When the film came out, I was keen to see if the story could survive. and was thoroughly impressed, especially with Ellen Burstyn's performance. She manages to give us a complete human being, even though the character is generally cranky and judgmental - someone that you wouldn't want to live with. It's great to be able to see favourite characters come to life so authentically.
a wonderful job
canuck19729 May 2008
As perhaps one of the few Canadians who did not read the book in high school, I thought I would add my comments. Seeing the movie without knowing the story beforehand in no way detracted from the film. The characters have so many complexities, everyone can relate to them in their own way. The brilliance of the adaptation is that everyone is allowed to project their own perceptions onto the lives of the characters, rather than being spoon-fed an opinion. You can love them or dislike them, and still feel the emotional impact of the movie. Wonderful performances by Ellen Burstyn and Christine Horne really bring the characters to life. I'd highly recommend it.
If you loved The Notebook, then you'll surely find Stone Angel to be another gem!
supadude200426 July 2008
I was surprised at just how much I enjoyed this most thoughtfully delivered drama, which owing to its rather unimpressive 6.6 rating, I nearly missed; as I rarely give the time of day to any movie rated below 7/10. Having said that, I'm so glad I gave Stone Angel the viewing it so very much deserved. And so should you, if you are one of the increasingly rare sensitive, soulful and thoughtful sorts of person left on this earth in living form.
I must say that in many ways (though not all), viz. its themes, execution, style, production etc., Stone Angel very much reminded me of the much praised "The Notebook". I am so surprised that other commentators didn't pick up on the many similarities which repeatedly struck me throughout this movie, so I can only assume that those who've written comments have yet to see the Notebook. They may not share any Alzheimer's theme, yet I can confidently say that if you very much enjoyed "The Notebook" you will certainly find much to engage your time most fruitfully with "The Stone Angel". But even If you've not seen The Notebook, nor read the book on which this move is based, (which, incidentally, I haven't either) you should definitely find much to hold your attention firmly - as long as your favourite genres don't include fast paced action thrillers. This is a movie for thinkers and those who like to reminisce about time's passing, how life changes as the years pass, and what might have happened in one's life as one gazes back through the years.
This bizarrely underrated yet great movie really deserves a rating of approximately 8/10. I can only blame its current lowish rating of 6.6/10 on the 11% of idiots who gave it 1/10. After all it has attracted less than 300 votes at the time of my writing this comment. Nonetheless, if those 11% who gave it the lowest ranking possible were really expecting car chases and explosions why didn't they look... for even a few seconds at the movie's premise and promotional lines? Oh dear... Whatever the world is coming to, don't miss this most underrated gem of a movie - but only *if* you have a brain (i.e., your top ten doesn't include Transformers, Fight Club nor The Terminator).
I must say that in many ways (though not all), viz. its themes, execution, style, production etc., Stone Angel very much reminded me of the much praised "The Notebook". I am so surprised that other commentators didn't pick up on the many similarities which repeatedly struck me throughout this movie, so I can only assume that those who've written comments have yet to see the Notebook. They may not share any Alzheimer's theme, yet I can confidently say that if you very much enjoyed "The Notebook" you will certainly find much to engage your time most fruitfully with "The Stone Angel". But even If you've not seen The Notebook, nor read the book on which this move is based, (which, incidentally, I haven't either) you should definitely find much to hold your attention firmly - as long as your favourite genres don't include fast paced action thrillers. This is a movie for thinkers and those who like to reminisce about time's passing, how life changes as the years pass, and what might have happened in one's life as one gazes back through the years.
This bizarrely underrated yet great movie really deserves a rating of approximately 8/10. I can only blame its current lowish rating of 6.6/10 on the 11% of idiots who gave it 1/10. After all it has attracted less than 300 votes at the time of my writing this comment. Nonetheless, if those 11% who gave it the lowest ranking possible were really expecting car chases and explosions why didn't they look... for even a few seconds at the movie's premise and promotional lines? Oh dear... Whatever the world is coming to, don't miss this most underrated gem of a movie - but only *if* you have a brain (i.e., your top ten doesn't include Transformers, Fight Club nor The Terminator).
A movie that doesn't disappoint compared to the book - for once!
marissaptak10 June 2008
Warning: Spoilers
I saw this movie last night after waiting ages and ages for it to be released here in Canada (still only in limited release). It was worth the wait and then some. I am a very avid reader of Margaret Laurence and was excited to see that this novel was being turned into a film. I actually ended up liking the movie better than the novel. I liked that the character of Bram Shipley was a bit less harsh, and that there seemed to be more of a love story between Hagar and Bram, which made the scenes at the end of Bram's life that much more moving. The loss seemed stronger. Hagar was not any more likable on film than in the book, but Ellen Burstyn was a genius in this role. She WAS Hagar through and through. Christine Horne was brilliant and has many more great things ahead I am sure. Her scenes with Cole Hauser were electrifying. I could go on and on, overall a 9 * out of 10. Fantastic and can't wait for it to come out on DVD, a must own for my collection!
A look back over one woman's turbulent life.
agnats20 July 2010
While researching a long road trip along the Yellowhead Route in Canada recently, I discovered the existence of Margaret Laurence's books (Canada's most famous female author). I located "The Stone Angel" book online -- and could NOT put it down! Next I traveled to Neepawa, Manitoba, and visited Margaret's actual house, where I purchased four more of her books. Finally, just this morning I watched "The Stone Angel" DVD. Everybody in the movie did an excellent job, especially Ellen Burstyn, and for the most part the movie stayed true to the book. I loved it.
Next, I read "The Bear Came Over the Mountain" by another of Canada's famous female authors, Alice Munro. They made an excellent movie from this short story entitled "Away From Her", starring Julie Christie. You won't go wrong in checking this one out as well!
Next, I read "The Bear Came Over the Mountain" by another of Canada's famous female authors, Alice Munro. They made an excellent movie from this short story entitled "Away From Her", starring Julie Christie. You won't go wrong in checking this one out as well!
A moving portrayal of a plausible life. I will read the book.
carmelights30 April 2010
As an old lady, I found this movie to be a realistic portrayal of a life, and probably kinder to reality than life usually is. In response to the review which did not understand why the son ran into the train: In the early part of the movie, when John was a youngster, he always took a dare from his playmates. One of their games was to stand in front of a train and see who would be the first (and the last) to jump. In the later part of the movie, John was being razzed by his former school friends from years ago, and he took the dare and won. Another train came, and he raised the stakes "double or nothing." This was probably a defiance of his mother's wishes and authority as well as a gamble on a "way out" of his difficulties, ( in love with heretofore unbeknown first cousin.) Another reviewer question: why did the mother favor the youngest boy and neglect the eldest? The same reason her father did the same thing favoring her. It happens all the time.
An elderly woman looks back on her life
barryrd19 August 2017
This movie features the remarkable acting of Ellen Burstyn as Hagar Shipley, whose life is chronicled here in a series of flashbacks with Samantha Weinstein and Christine Horne as her younger self. As a 90-year-old, Hagar is ailing and losing her memory and her son Mervyn wants to place her in a retirement home. This brings out all the bitterness and regret that she has kept inside and we see scenes from the past that tell us the story of a rebellious young woman, loving mother and the victim of a broken marriage. The movie is a realistic portrait of one woman's life with all its heartbreaks, dashed hopes, loves, and loyalties. Hagar looks back on a life she lived on her own terms. Brought up as the daughter of well-to-do merchant in a small Canadian Prairie town, she rejects her father's wealth and marries the guy she falls madly in love with, against her father's wishes. The marriage between two unconventional young people, who enjoyed great sex and fun, eventually lost its lustre. Hagar's husband was marked by alcohol and an out of control ego that eventually took its toll on both of them. Certainly Hagar knew her own failings contributed to the downfall of the marriage. She re-lived these failings in an encounter with a young woman, well performed by Ellen Page, who exhibits the same weaknesses as she had. The movie is based on a Canadian book by the same name written in 1964. I read the book many years ago in a Canadian literature course but I can see how this movie has much in common with another movie, "Rachel, Rachel", based on A Jest of God, also by Canadian author Margaret Laurence. Margaret Laurence was a great writer whose gift was to write realistically about women who run up against the unwritten rules of mid-20th century life and the harsh consequences that result, especially in small towns. I found this movie was a brilliant tribute to Margaret Laurence and great viewing pleasure.
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