The Greatest (2009)

User Rating:

7.3/10   

Director:

Shana Feste

Writer:

Shana Feste (screenplay)

Release Date:

5 November 2009 (Israel)

Genre:

Drama

Plot:

A drama that is centered around a troubled teenage girl and a family that is trying to get over the loss of their son. |

Plot Keywords:

Loss | Remake Of Italian Film | Beach House | Grief | Car Accident

Awards:

1 nomination

Cast

Pierce Brosnan	...	Allen Brewer
Susan Sarandon	...	Grace Brewer
Carey Mulligan	...	Rose
Johnny Simmons	...	Ryan Brewer
Aaron Johnson	...	Bennett Brewer
Zoë Kravitz	...	Ashley
rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Cheryl Alessio	...	Piano Student
Lindsay Beamish	...	Shea
James Biberi	...	Sec
Cynthia Boorujy	...	Rose's Doctor
Dante E. Clark	...	Allen's Student
Cheryl Cosenza	...	The Hair Stylist
Alyssa May Gold	...	Cheerleader
Maria Justine Henley	...	Student
Hannah Hodson	...	Amy
heather Matthews-Yanoff	...	Friend
Anthony Del Negro	...	Friend at Funeral
Javier Picayo	...	Jay
Portia	...	Toni
Miles Robbins	...	Sean Brewer
Garett Ross	...	Ryan's Stoner Friend
Eric Santiago	...	Party Goer

MPAA:

Rated R for language, some sexual content and drug use.

Runtime:

99 min (Hollywood Film Festival)

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Certification:

USA:R (certificate #45082)

Filming Locations:

Rockland County, New York, USA

Company:

Barbarian Films

Trivia:

Susan Sarandon was initially reluctant to tackle the role of the grieving mother in the film as she's played similar parts in recent years, most notably in Moonlight Mile (2002) and In the Valley of Elah (2007). She was impressed with writer-director Shana Feste's eccentric script, and the fact that the film would shoot close to her New York City-area home on a quick 28-day schedule was also appealing. Still, it took a phone call from Pierce Brosnan (who had just signed on to co-star) to finally convince her to commit to the film.

Movie Connections:

Remake of La stanza del figlio (2001)

Moving and thoughtful film

I was so moved by this film. It touched on so many elements of grief and loss. The story is a simple one, but the writing is so elegant and intelligent that I never felt as if I was being manipulated or patronized. A feeling I sometimes get from films with such intense emotional content.

The film was directed so well... and knowing that this is Shana Feste's directorial debut makes it all the more impressive. She was able to capture such amazing performances from all the actors. Performances that never hit too hard, but still would engage almost any audience. All of the actors were pitch perfect.

I look forward to this film being released. I'd like to see it again.