jonpaulsydnor

This film is rich in character development and plot twists. What you think will happen never happens, but the surprise always seems more plausible than what you were predicting. It's also reliably funny without trying too hard.

Blue Ruin reminds me of a Greek tragedy, with the hero out of his depth, catapulted forward by forces beyond his control, his fate seemingly sealed. The acting, plot twists, and pacing of this film make it well worth watching.

This wonderful movie made me laugh and cry. It's an honest, heartfelt story about life and everything that makes life meaningful--joy, pain, hope, healing, and forgiveness. As an academic theologian, I thought that the theology in the film was superb. God is loving, but loves us too much to control us. We are free and responsible because God made us that way, and so everything we decide and do is important. Yet, God is always with us, and faith and friends are what pull us through.

The acting is exceptional throughout, so that you forget you're watching a film and just sympathize with the characters. It's also very family friendly. Highly recommended. (review by Jon Paul Sydnor, PhD)