The Long Way Home

"The Long Way Home" is a TV movie based on a previous made for TV film, the French movie "Thomas Guerin...retraité". I've never seen the French film...and I have no idea whether or not it's available.

Tom (Jack Lemmon) is an elderly man who hates what's become of his life. He's being forced to move in with his son and lose his independence and the worst part is, the son and his wife seem to be parenting him. So, it's not all that surprising that eventually he decides to leave! On the way, he meets a young woman, Leanne (Sarah Paulson) and they both decide to head to California....without Tom letting his family know. What's next for this unlikely pair?

The acting is the best part of the movie...period. As for the story itself, it brings up a lot of great points about the elderly and independence. But it also has an ending you'll either love or hate. If you like a film with a perfect ending where everything is wrapped up and clear, then you'll hate it! But, I don't mind the vagueness of the ending...mostly because life itself isn't always clear. Well worth seeing.

At last a movie that deals sensitively with the relationship between a widower (recent) and his children and why those children choose a course of action which does not always include the widower (Jack Lemmon). The fact that he chooses, on the spur of the moment, to go to California to see someone he has not seen for 50 years is testimony to the fact that he believes his life is being led by others and not himself. Part of the self realisation comes from a young woman who nearly runs him over and it is through her that he gradually realises that he is not old, he does not have to retire and that he has a purpose after all. A touching movie with nice warm overtones. If you are a child with an aged parent, it is a movie which one should see so that you do not make the same assumptions!

I saw this movie on TV back in 1998 and have been very sorry ever since that I did not tape it. I have seen a number of movies with Jack Lemmon in it and did not always like them but this one I liked very much. It's a wonderful story. Being about the age of the main character and experiencing some of what he encountered I could well identify with the way Jack portrayed him. Jack has obviously matured considerably since his earlier movies and has become more relaxed and laid back. Leanne plays her part very well as a young student getting along with the old guy.

My main question is: "Where can I get a copy of it?" I can't understand why this movie has not been shown more often or issued on DVD. Amazon doesn't have it, so who does? If anyone can assist me in getting it I would appreciate it.

This movie is pure bliss to watch, Jack Lemmon makes it so. Such a shame we shall never see more of his films. I'm used to seeing Mr. Lemmon play old cranks, politicians, businessmen, etc but in this role he stands out as Tom Gerrin, a 75 year old retired carpenter. Mr. Lemmon not only looks like the retired carpenter you almost forget he is an actor.

The best part of this movie is it demonstrates how friendship knows no age limits. In fact friendship between two people from completely different generations can easily bridge the gap. I would know as one of my closest friends is an 82 year old former professor of mine. When I watch this movie I think of our times we meet and swap stories from out past.

What also contributes to the friendship and the bridging of the generational gaps is also the message of "the golden years should not mean a death sentence." This movie is about living one day at a time and enjoying life no matter what age you are.

In closing Jack Lemmon made this movie. Cheers to him and God rest his soul. Pick up this movie on DVD on amazon.com. It will make you glad for the friendships you will make with all sorts of people and give you and outlook for enjoying life.

Jack Lemmon is great in this drama, portraying a widower with masterly realism, balancing between a grumpy old man and the character he played in Short Cuts. While watching the movie, I was afraid it would eventually turn overbearingly sentimental, but it never did. It's a lovely, thought provoking story. Surprisingly fresh and much recommended.