tastedtherain
I just recently started taking a BCA class in college, and have begun to develop a different perspective on how I watch movies, and have started to search for the underlying meaning in each one.This movie pulled me in without warning, I was just flipping through channels and happened upon "My Life". As many have said before me, this film is seriously underrated and should have been given more credit than it did.It is a simple plot, really- A somewhat newly married man Bob(Micheal Keaton) has just learned that he has liver cancer in addition to the fact that his wife, Gail(Nicole Kidman), is pregnant with their first child. After dealing with the initial shock of the news of his death, Bob decides to do the best thing he could possibly do for his unborn son: he makes him a video tape, going over random how-to subject matters and things relating to his personal life (i.e. how to walk in a room, how him and his wife met, how to play basketball, how to make spaghetti, etc.) Unfortunately, his doctor tells him that his death will probably take place before the birth of his son. Devastated by this news, he turns to God for help, asking him for just enough time to see the birth of his son.Also, he visits a Chinese healer, who explains to him that he is holding in some inner anger from his childhood, and that he must forgive whatever he is holding a grudge against. Turns out, his family seemed to be the main source of that anger. The best part is, it wasn't anything tragic he endured as a child. He was merely angry for things the majority of us had to deal with when we were kids- his dad always at work, his father making promises to go the circus and not carrying it out, etc. Therefore, the relationship between Bob and his family has seriously and sadly distanced over the years.I don't know if anyone will really find this comment useful, but i felt that i needed to give my input, because i felt so strongly connected to the film.In addition to the obvious message and conclusion to the film, minor aspects of it truly touched me as well. The relationship between husband and wife is picture perfect, one in which i hardly can see anymore among couples today. These two characters absolutely love each other, and they wanted to spend the rest of their lives that way. It is a relationship in which i am almost jealous of, one that i yearn for, and I hope that one day I might be able to experience such a subtle, yet devoting and loving marriage. (okay, kinda getting corny) Michael Keaton and Nicole Kidman deliver amazing performances in this film. And as many have probably said before me, are very underrated. Both are capable of playing so many different characters, and each time I watch them, my admiration for them grows. Keaton, playing a man who is trying to deal with his illness and what little life he has left, trying to make the most of it, and attempting to give the best possible gift he could give to his son. Kidman, playing a pregnant wife, torn between trying to comfort her husband in his situation, but also dealing with her own sorrow and grief knowing that her husband will soon pass away.All I can say is, great movie. Not a tear-jerker w/o any underlying message. Boy, does it mean something. This movie will connect to anyone who watches it and relates it to their own life. For me, it does in two ways- My father was gone for seven years of my childhood because he was in the navy. Therefore, as a child, I never had a father figure and maybe something as simple as a little tape where i can see him show me how to change a flat tire would have helped me. More importantly, my 6-year-old cousin died a few years ago. She was beautiful, fun, and could be annoying as hell.But just like Bob, her life was taken when it was just beginning. Just Like Bob, When she was starting to learn a few things about herself, it kind of came to an abrupt halt and she will never get the chance to continue it. I find it interesting how When Bob's life ends, his son's is just beginning. Mainly what really tugs at me about this film, just as it did with my cousin, is that life was taken from both of them when they were most happy, when everything seemed like it couldn't get better, and then their lives turned for the absolute possible worst. So....is it better that they died at one of the best times of their lives rather than the worst? sorry to get emotional, i might have gone a little further than i meant to, but I'm a 19-year-old female, and these things tend to happen a lot.
sfmacleo
Both of these movies will bring you to tears. Not because they are related in any way, for they are not. But they both deal with families, death and dying, which I think needs to be more addressed in this day and age. My husband lost his dad in November, and it has been a very rough road for the whole family. A lot of ups and downs. Both of these movies are his favorite, as well as my top picks. We watch these movies together at least once a year, and we cry and cry together. Not because we are sad, but because it makes us realize that one day one of us will be gone, and the other will have to go on alone. I think they really make you see what you have together, and what you can do together before time runs out. It lets you see what is truly important in life, what needs to be addressed and what needs to be let go. Watching these films certainly makes me appreciate everything that I have in life, from my health to my family. I highly recommend both of these films. How can they be so overlooked?
pokee999
I watched this movie again after many years and it still moves me to sobbing tears. Bruce Joel Rubin wrote and directed what a lot of people would consider one of the most emotionally moving motion pictures ever made. His vision of childhood disappointment and hanging onto anger are so accurate. His portrait of a young family before, during and after a birth are also very accurate and amusing. And the way he wrote and captured a family accepting, preparing and experiencing a terminal death is so touching and very, very real.It's a shame that Bruce Joel Rubin wasn't recognized for an Oscar, but I guess the Academy figured since he already had one (for writing Ghost), he didn't need another.This movie easily marks Keaton's finest performance, in my opinion. He gets to show off his funny side as well as display some pretty deep emotions. As many IMDb members have already stated, he's one of the most underrated actors.For anyone that has lost a family member to cancer, you will immediately be brought back to the time you lost your loved one. It is so true to life - really well done. For anyone who hasn't lost a loved one to cancer, you will be reminded that life is so precious. Whoever you are, you will cry - so have the tissues handy.
gjbpower
For anyone struggling with cancer or have a family member facing death, this is a must see,,, a real tear jerker and a real healing experience. If you have family issues, resentments, difficulty with parents or siblings or children, rent this movie. It can be very therapeutic. It may get you to appreciate those you love a little more. This movie has a great combination of emotions from belly laughs to rivers of tears, to heart wrenching sadness. If you are afraid of death, rent this. If you are afraid of a loved one's imminent death, see this film. Watch it as a family. Michael Keaton does superb acting, and really should have been an Academy nominee.
