Away From Her Review
	About eight years ago, I went to the theatre to see this movie everyone had been raving about.  It was about a small town that was hit hard by the sudden death of many of the town?s children due to a bus accident.  It was The Sweet Hereafter and at the time, my thoughts were exactly this: I didn?t know Canadian movies could be this good.
		Now after eight years, I have seen some amazing Canadian movies and I?ve been more welcoming in going to the theatre to see them as I did tonight with the film, Away From Her.  The story is nothing that remarkable, a couple later in years who must deal with the spouse and her affliction with Alzheimer?s, but it a glorious little movie that grows more complicated and more emotional as it progresses and never lets go of your heart for a second.
		The story is about Grant and Fiona, a couple for forty years who have never left each other?s side until one day Fiona starts to notice that her memory is fading.  At first they try to cope with it, but soon it becomes clear that Fiona will have to live in a senior?s complex where she can receive care.  This causes many decisions to be made whether they are ones that are liked and a breaking of a very special relationship.  It becomes worse as Fiona?s memory fades more and she starts to fall in love with another resident, something that Grant has a hard time dealing with.  There are some small subplots, but this central story of loss and recovery sits mainly for the audience.
			Sarah Polley wrote and directed this film and much can be said about the maturity of the story and characters.  This is not a simple story for a first time feature director, but with only a few shorts films to her credit, this film felt like one made by a seasoned professional.  Polley knows the business and in this case, she knows how to get actors to work their magic.  Julie Christie has been talked about mostly and she deserves it.  One can?t help but feel for her in this tragic loss of a life that was beautifully set before her.  However, I was taken more by Gordon Pinsent, whose role was just as demanding as the husband who first has to say goodbye to his wife from his home and then to another man with no actual spite.  His story is a heartbreaking one of true strength and spirit.  Olympia Dukakis, William Murphy, Wendy Crewson and Grace Lynn Kung add support, but know the story is the couple.
			This film will more than likely end up on my top films of the year when I compile it.  It is rare in any year to find a film with this much sincerity and heart and still be overwhelmingly good.  It is a film that made me laugh a little and cry a lot and it gave me an appreciation of the style that Canadian films take.  We make good movies, not necessarily glossy, action packed with piles of stars, but they are good and rich with culture.  It?s nice to know that Canadian films can be this good.