I hate "Disease of the Week" movies that centre on the plight of a character with a major disease. One of the few to date with redeeming social value was "Lorenzo's Oil." I saw Book of Stars at the Victoria Independent Film and Video Festival, and now we can add this movie to that list. Michael Miner's visual imagery is stunning, and the acting performances of Mary Stuart Masterson and Jena Malone are searing, riveting and astounding. Delroy Lindo adds some weight with his performance, and the story telling is superb. Even the potentially cliched hospital sequences ring true and are sure to moisten even the hardest heart's eyeballs. See this movie now!
21 Reviews
Good enough
abuluc27 January 2003
This movie is all about love and facts of life. May be that is the way which love,solidarity and hope really need to be told. Book of stars may be the story of the ordinary people' life that don't hide behind the painted masks.
A worthy little weeper worth a look
=G=10 September 2001
"The Book of Stars" is a tale of two sisters; a 15 year old who is dying (Malone) and an older sib (Masterson) who turns to prostitution to pay medical expenses while trying to cope emotionally. With the look and feel of a low budget indie, "Book..." comes off like a weeper with a purpose although that purpose never quite crystallizes in spite of a brief narrated explanation at the end. The film showcases some solid performances by its ensemble cast and has many poignant moments which make it a worthwhile watch. However, the attempt to be visually poetic and work the "star" angle is nebulous (no pun) and a little less window dressing might have worked better though the final product does show sensitivity, heart, and compassion. An okay watch best saved for cable.
Superb acting and writing lift potentially weepy film to the stars.
BernardWSilver2 March 2003
This is one of those small independent gems that apparently the studios refused to take a chance on and as a result is being seen solely on videotape and at assorted film festivals. I just had the pleasure of viewing it at the Sedona Film Festival, where after one showing word of mouth spread and the second and last viewing was packed. One of the things that made this film so memorable for me is that it took what could have been a terribly maudlin plot line -- one sister dying of cystic fibrosis being cared for by an older sister -- and elevated it to what I found to be a fascinating story of redemption and inspiration. It helps that the older sister is a cynical hooker, played by the ever-effective Mary Stuart Masterson, and that the younger sister is upbeat without being ickypoo cute, as played by Jena Malone, who no doubt is bound for glory despite's this film's failure to get wide distribution. Delroy Lindo, always effective but perpetually underused, is also marvelous as a kindly yet prickly friend to both sisters.
Finally, I shed tears at the end of this film, and I'm a cynical writer.
Finally, I shed tears at the end of this film, and I'm a cynical writer.
There isn't enough cement in the form of plot beats to solidify and manifest this melodrama's intentions.
stodruza26 December 2005
Warning: Spoilers
Book of Stars stars Jena Malone (as Mary McGuire)and Mary Stuart Masterson (as Penny), two sisters who have to somehow confront what life throws at them. Little Marry is sick with lung cancer, while her sister Penny works as a prostitute to support them both. A scrapbook which they both keep as a journal somehow serves to keep the film together. Kristjan, played by a dream-like Bella Lugosiesque (In the best sense) Karl Geary after a short time befriends the two of them, especially the little girl, and brings a kind of warmth and honesty to their lives from the outside.
It seems like Penny has also published a book of poetry about the Sun, which a convict reads and writes to her about. There is also "The professor," played by Delroy Lindo, who is concerned about both Penny and Mary, and isn't shy about giving life-lectures at every opportunity. The film concludes with Mary passing away, and the ex-con, who was actually in prison due to some forgiving circumstances, showing up on Penny's doorstep.
I suppose taking an overview of this film would strongly suggest that there simply isn't enough plot in this film to make it complete, which is to say there aren't enough real beats to move the story in any particular direction, even to Mary's demise. It is somehow a priori that Marry will die, so the film doesn't really "go anywhere." This is the reason why, I think, the film continually uses such cliché filmic devices such as short montage, with light jazz no less, which immediately puts it into the After School Special category, but another problem is the themes dealt with are adult.
This film, however, has a couple really great things going for it. The fact that it is shot on film; and the cinematography is commendable, as are some o the of individual shots, which are incredible. Take the short scene when Mary takes a pill, goes to sleep, and starts to hallucinate an astronaut suspended in space who at the end will lead her into the nether world. This shot is mind-blowing, such abrupt cinematic perfection can stun one into silence. It is true what they say that grand cinematic effects can now be achieved at a low budget, Zathura being one of the prime and perhaps seminal examples. The entire space motif is commendable, but only works somehow in separate parts, which are images, rather than in one complete unifying way.
Sentimental is a word, I think, that describes this film well. There isn't enough cement in the form of plot beats to solidify and manifest this melodrama's intentions. As far as I can remember there is no viable set up, and the pay off is marginal. With everything said, I like this film. Unlike so many others that have no message at all, this one has a broad theme of love and acceptance. Many, many filmmakers, do much much worse.
6/10
It seems like Penny has also published a book of poetry about the Sun, which a convict reads and writes to her about. There is also "The professor," played by Delroy Lindo, who is concerned about both Penny and Mary, and isn't shy about giving life-lectures at every opportunity. The film concludes with Mary passing away, and the ex-con, who was actually in prison due to some forgiving circumstances, showing up on Penny's doorstep.
I suppose taking an overview of this film would strongly suggest that there simply isn't enough plot in this film to make it complete, which is to say there aren't enough real beats to move the story in any particular direction, even to Mary's demise. It is somehow a priori that Marry will die, so the film doesn't really "go anywhere." This is the reason why, I think, the film continually uses such cliché filmic devices such as short montage, with light jazz no less, which immediately puts it into the After School Special category, but another problem is the themes dealt with are adult.
This film, however, has a couple really great things going for it. The fact that it is shot on film; and the cinematography is commendable, as are some o the of individual shots, which are incredible. Take the short scene when Mary takes a pill, goes to sleep, and starts to hallucinate an astronaut suspended in space who at the end will lead her into the nether world. This shot is mind-blowing, such abrupt cinematic perfection can stun one into silence. It is true what they say that grand cinematic effects can now be achieved at a low budget, Zathura being one of the prime and perhaps seminal examples. The entire space motif is commendable, but only works somehow in separate parts, which are images, rather than in one complete unifying way.
Sentimental is a word, I think, that describes this film well. There isn't enough cement in the form of plot beats to solidify and manifest this melodrama's intentions. As far as I can remember there is no viable set up, and the pay off is marginal. With everything said, I like this film. Unlike so many others that have no message at all, this one has a broad theme of love and acceptance. Many, many filmmakers, do much much worse.
6/10
A great movie
luispebolanos18 December 2005
I don't know about you guys, but this movie brought tears to my eyes cause it made me see just how blessed we are to be able to do all the things we can do every day, she never made it to a fully grown woman, yet she taught us so many things. I really recommend it to everyone. It's a big reality check. It doesn't matter where you come from, because you will face the same problem wherever you go, sickness and eventually death, but the difference is how you want to face it. She was really brave and taught us how to fight and how to be united. She shared her love and even left a legacy behind. How many of us can say that if they left this planet right this instant they could leave something like that behind... and the legacy I am talking about is a book. A book never perishes, because it is filled with our memories, our thoughts and it can be read throughout generations and it can affect many people, like that man in prison for example.
A moving film like no other !
moyal1 September 2000
I usually hate 'Tear-Jerkers' and I am very cynical about these types of dramas, however, this film is a complete magic - the best and most convincing performance I have seen of the three leading actors since 'Breaking the Waves'. Also, the movie atmosphere, the music and particularly the powerful relationships among the actors were unforgettable.
I was never in my life so moved by a film like 'Book of Stars' - a true jewel.
I was never in my life so moved by a film like 'Book of Stars' - a true jewel.
Sorry, not impressed
doubledutch27 February 2005
I bought this on DVD only because of my interest in Mary Stuart Masterson, (Some Kind of Wonderful 1987). I try to see all her films because she left an impression on a young teenager (yes me) all those years ago.
The performances were very good especially Jena Malone, whom i hope becomes as big as Scarlet Johansson. The problem for me was the storyline, it stuttered and stalled then leapt forward in one big lurch. The almost impossible realisation of her feelings as Kristjan leaves made no sense to me. There seemed no build up to this.
Oh well, off to try Heavens Prisoners.
John in Bonny Scotland
The performances were very good especially Jena Malone, whom i hope becomes as big as Scarlet Johansson. The problem for me was the storyline, it stuttered and stalled then leapt forward in one big lurch. The almost impossible realisation of her feelings as Kristjan leaves made no sense to me. There seemed no build up to this.
Oh well, off to try Heavens Prisoners.
John in Bonny Scotland
A beautiful, haunting story.
morisey-121 February 2001
I saw this movie at the Spindletop Film Festival in Beaumont, Texas and was surprised to find myself in a theater full of crying people. It is a beautiful, dreamlike story of intense emotional realism, and a movie I will not soon forget. Why don't movies like this get distributed nationally?
Amazing movie....
skitZZu_9028 June 2003
Not many movies makes me cry, this one did. Jena Malone is just so amazing in this film, as always ;-) There's nothing bad with this movie, the actors are superbr, the script & plot is o WOW, the story...yeah there's just so much that I love about it and NOTHING that I don't like. I'm going to see another Jena Malone movie right now ;-)
Excellent performance
Bosco-HK8 May 2008
Warning: Spoilers
Jena Malone's special performance, much different from most of her films. This movie is educational in the sense that there is someone so close in your life who will do what "it may take" (limited in this movie, but you get the point) to get the money. Sometimes, the person you care about will not understand why you took this route. She is grateful nonetheless, you have to just know it in your heart.
This is a definite collectible. This is a movie everyone has to watch again. I think I've watched it a long time ago, but I just watched it again on DVD. I enjoyed it and to be honest, I teared up and my heart was tearing apart at certain scenes.
This is a definite collectible. This is a movie everyone has to watch again. I think I've watched it a long time ago, but I just watched it again on DVD. I enjoyed it and to be honest, I teared up and my heart was tearing apart at certain scenes.
i worked on this film
moonisgod13 August 2001
I worked on the production team for the movie as the office intern during the summer of 1998. I saw the film grow just to see it cut off when no studio would pick it up. But I got to see a screening of it with Mary Stuart Masterson's parents in NYC, and by the time it was over most of the theater was crying. It's a great movie with great performances. And the score is something to be experienced. I've never been so blown away by the music in a film. Find a copy of this if you can, because it's a great film that no one has heard of.
Watch this film whenever you have a chance to!!!
Thomail10 November 1999
One of the touchiest movies I ever encountered, with a superb cast (Malone no doubt will become one of the most talented young actresses - remember BASTARD OUT OF CAROLINA!). If you don't feel like crying after this film, you are definitely dead! Better refrain from watching when you're in a highly depressive mood though...
Poetic and sad and joyful
MASMeg17 June 1999
This is such a beautiful film. Both Mary Stuart Masterson and Jenna Malone deserve Oscars for this work. In fact, Miner deserves one too, as does Tasca Shaydix for her script. Come to think of it, this film has Oscar written all over it! Beautiful but not over-worked, uplifting but not unrealistic, sad but not depressing. It is great great great!
A unique vision of hope amid destruction
dolphin-1711 September 2000
THE BOOK FO STARS is a remarkable exploration of the two sides of the female psyche, Madonna and the whore, embodied in the characters of its protagonists, two sisters, Mary and Penny. Penny is world weary and has turned to drugs and prostitution to hide from the reality that her parents are dead and her younger sister is dying of csytic fibrosis. Mary knows she will never Grow up, but sublimates that anxiety into a memory book she calls the "Book of Stars and Lovely Things". This book achieves a magical quality, in that it can anticipate future events and influence the way people around the sisters interact with them. Much like the work of the Polish director, Kieslowski, this film explores the nature of fate and how it works on the destiny of people, in ways they never expected. And Mary uses the powers of the book to bring someone into Penny's life, after she has died, who will change it forever. Fate is not an unfeeling machine, it is a road to the future.
Very touching movie I saw at SXSW
smetze2 May 2000
Wonderful story and excellent acting. I saw it at the SxSW film festival in Austin and loved it. Worth seeing any way you can. The ONLY flaw is the one or two unnecessarily overdone special effects. Very cool love story and portrayal of two sisters and their relationship.
Ugh Response to Another User Comment
Emily-65-Roses30 January 2006
It's entitled "There isn't enough cement in the form of actors' performances or plot beats to solidify and manifest this melodrama's intentions."
I just HATE factual errors. This person said the movie is about a girl dying of lung cancer. NOT TRUE NOT TRUE NOT TRUE. And very important to note, thank you! Jena Malone's character is dying from a genetic disease called CYSTIC FIBROSIS that affects roughly 30,000 Americans. For those of you that actually wish to learn, try here: http://www.cff.org/home/
Other movies about characters with CF include: Sick http://imdb.com/title/tt0120126/ Alex: The Life of a child http://imdb.com/title/tt0090602/ Lifebreath http://imdb.com/title/tt0102267/
These aren't necessarily really spectacular movies, but they all address CF.
I just HATE factual errors. This person said the movie is about a girl dying of lung cancer. NOT TRUE NOT TRUE NOT TRUE. And very important to note, thank you! Jena Malone's character is dying from a genetic disease called CYSTIC FIBROSIS that affects roughly 30,000 Americans. For those of you that actually wish to learn, try here: http://www.cff.org/home/
Other movies about characters with CF include: Sick http://imdb.com/title/tt0120126/ Alex: The Life of a child http://imdb.com/title/tt0090602/ Lifebreath http://imdb.com/title/tt0102267/
These aren't necessarily really spectacular movies, but they all address CF.
Beautiful and poetic film
pg034624 July 2001
I recently saw this film at the Stony Brook Film Festival. It was a very beautiful and emotional film. Jena Malone's performance was incredible. I'm sure we are going to see a lot of her in the future. I was fortunate to speak with Jena at the reception before the screening and I was amazed by her intelligence and poise. I also spoke with the director, Michael Miner, known for writing the Robocop films. It was obvious that this was a labor of love for him and he did a wonderful job. Mary Stuart Masterson's performance is one of her best. Delroy Lindo also provides capable support and Karl Geary gives a great performance as a Hungarian soldier. His accent was amazing. He must of had a good dialect coach considering he is from Ireland.
almost made me cry at the end....ALMOST!!!!
swatwat5 January 2002
Just saw this film on cable this afternoon and it was pretty darn good. I just about shed a tear at the end and that hasn't happened for me since I saw "Brians Song" like 20some years ago. Everyone in the small talented cast deserves kudos...
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