Another Harvest Moon

A 92-year-old Ernest Borgnine delivers an outstanding performance in 'Another Harvest Moon' as a dementia sufferer who considers ending his life with dignity before it's too late. A number of accomplished actors and actresses join Borgnine, including Cybill Shepherd (Robert De Niro's love interest in 'Taxi Driver') and Piper Laurie (the creepy mother in 'Carrie'). The performances are consistently strong, and completely convincing. Whilst the themes of the film aren't very original, 'Another Harvest Moon' delivers its narrative without losing its integrity. There are no Nurse Ratcheds tormenting the care home's residents, and all of the characters are, fundamentally, good and likable people. (This may explain its commercial failure!) Borgnine's co-residents include a woman in the advanced stages of dementia (Laurie), another with debilitating hip problems (Anne Meara), and a third with terminal cancer (Doris Roberts). Their history, problems and conversations are surprisingly interesting; Jeremy T. Black deserves praise for creating such ordinary yet vivid characters. 'Another Harvest Moon' is, in a word, realistic. Whilst it has its sad moments, the title is not exploitative, awarding its characters the dignity they so desperately cling to. Don't be deterred by the number of votes (fewer than 150 when I wrote this review), as Greg Swartz's film is probably the most unfairly obscure title I've ever seen. (Also, if you're attracted by strong scores, Kenny Barron's soundtrack for 'Another Harvest Moon' is excellent.)