Man, did I change my mind about this film, maybe more than any film I've ever watched. The first time I saw it I did not like it and thought it was very overrated. Why I gave more looks, I don't really remember but it went to "fair" the next time and "excellent" by the third. I think the main reason is that I shifted my focus off the irritable old woman (Jessica Tandy) to the long-suffering servant (Morgan Freeman).
Once I looked at this story through "Hoke's" eyes, it became an inspiring story. Freeman's character, "Hoke Colburn," simply provides the best the example of a what true servant of God should act like, plain-and-simple. It's one of the best examples on film I've seen of of patience, kindness, dedication and dignity in a difficult situation. It's also always inspiring to see a nice, good person overturn and win over the opposite with sheer kindness.
Another factor that has raised my rating of this film is the latest "newly-restored widescreen edition," which finally presents this movie as it should be, with all its beautiful cinematography. The sets in here are great, a terrific look at the 1950s through storefronts, billboards, automobiles, etc.
One thing this film taught me: "Hoke's" attitude isn't the only important aspect of this story. It's how we, as viewers, look at things, too, that makes a difference.
Once I looked at this story through "Hoke's" eyes, it became an inspiring story. Freeman's character, "Hoke Colburn," simply provides the best the example of a what true servant of God should act like, plain-and-simple. It's one of the best examples on film I've seen of of patience, kindness, dedication and dignity in a difficult situation. It's also always inspiring to see a nice, good person overturn and win over the opposite with sheer kindness.
Another factor that has raised my rating of this film is the latest "newly-restored widescreen edition," which finally presents this movie as it should be, with all its beautiful cinematography. The sets in here are great, a terrific look at the 1950s through storefronts, billboards, automobiles, etc.
One thing this film taught me: "Hoke's" attitude isn't the only important aspect of this story. It's how we, as viewers, look at things, too, that makes a difference.