After reading so much about this I finally got to see it, and I was not disappointed. Not at all.

The acting was amazing. The direction. Everything. It is rare for me to feel "moved" in a movie but I felt that these characters were so real, and very much were able to capture the essence of such a tragic disease.

I understand this isn't everyone's experience. And dementia-related illnesses can take a variety of forms in people. But somehow the fact that in this case they didn't show the violent "hateful" side that is often shown, I didn't think was a detriment. I think that the route taken was still touching, bittersweet, but touching.

And I thought the last scene was perhaps one of the most poignant closing sequences in a film I've seen in a long time. I'd rate this up there with Before Sunset as one of the best closing sequences.

My only problem with the film, was I really felt the scene with Marion and Grant in bed wasn't necessary. I understand some of the parts where it was "just an arrangement" and yes, they needed companionship, but I felt in a lot of ways it undid some of the earlier moments where Grant was doing everything he could to hold on to the memory of their love.

Oh and the nurse, Kristy...what a great character. Sigh...so much to love about this movie. And I don't think it has all set in yet.

A-

It's moving, well-directed, with intelligent dialogue and great acting. But it really, really isn't a great representation of Alzheimer's or dementia at all. Of course, artistic license should always be expected, but punches felt very pulled here.

Hmm. I think it was a fair representation but every course of the disease is very different. I am dealing now with someone suffering from the early stages of dementia and yeah, she is nothing like Fiona (she demonstrates more of the irrationality, mood swings, anger etc).

But some people do simply pass quietly.

Finally got to see this last night. Gordon Pinsent is one of the best Canadian actors ever. Really unfortunate that he wasn't as recognized as Julie Christy, likely because he's primarily a Canuck actor.

As for the Alzheimer's disease, it's a fair representation of it. Of course it's a 100%, factual representation the same way smokers represent all lung cancer victims and the morbidly obese represent all diabetics. It's part of the story, but not all of it. But of course they would need much longer than 110 minutes to properly cover it. Still, it's a very fair representation.

I was much more invested in the representation of living with someone with the disease. I have a great-grandmother with it and now my great uncle is in the early stages. Very true and real bullet points (it won't get worse! maybe that's the way they are!) wrapped up by exceptional acting and promising first time directorial duties.

***1/2 / ****