This was a great movie with beautiful landscapes. Joe Camp did a tremendous job of capturing the everyday life in a small texas town. although somewhat sad the story was very touching and at times very funny. The acting was very good Kim Hunter and Ernest Borginines roles were terrific. The story begins when Ernest Borgnines character (Hotis) learns of his brother's (Jarvis) sudden illness and attempts to travel to see him. however he is too proud to get a ride from someone else and comes up with a humorous way of getting there. The movie is filled with wonderful shots of the texas countryside and although a sad story it leaves you with a happy ending.
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argos682 April 1999
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circlex-400272 January 2022Hello I need some help. This was filmed in my home county in Texas but I have never seen it. How can I watch it? Or get a copy ? Any help would be appreciated. .
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city-229 April 1999I usually don't sit still for movies like this. My date wanted to see the movie so we did. At the SXSW festival. I still think about that movie a month after I saw it. The movie seems to be slow paced, but in a way its not. It makes you think, fast and a lot. About growing old, whats really important in life, and about not being too full of pride. My date cried, I almost did. I hope the movie gets into theaters. It's important.
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Before my wife and I saw this movie, I read the review in the Austin Chronicle. As a result, I expected a pretty, but very slow - and probably boring - movie. However, I went because Abilene was being shown as a fundraiser for a local non-profit organization. It was a Good Cause.
Boy, were we surprised. Abilene is a gem. Perhaps even flawless. It's both lush and lean. Yes, the photography is gorgeous, but the characters are equally well-crafted. Every one of them is real and interesting. The dialogue is excellent, with no unnecessary verbiage. The relationships are authentic. The script is intelligent and has depth. Ernest Borgnine is at the top of his form, as is Kim Hunter. In fact, the entire cast was outstanding.
We liked this movie. A lot. And, of course, we cried. -
"Abilene" is a moving portrait of the lives of two souls in the winter of their lives and the people who surround them. A slice of village life in the heart of America, the film undulates beautifully through their story, capturing those moments in their lives that will always be etched in the stone of their memories; a coffee cup rattling the moment Emmeline's husband's heart fails, a look, a gesture. Cinematically these moments unfold in a graceful movement of stunning tableaus. I will remember "Abilene" for some time.
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pookie-2230 April 1999Abilene is a heart-warming tale. It was refreshing to see this type and quality of a movie in this day and age. It proves that violence, sex, and foul language are not essential elements for an enjoyable show.
All of the actors and actress' did a fine job of portraying realistic people in small town America. This is an age group that needs to be addressed more often. Everybody knows about the "graying of America," however a large majority of the films are geared towards teenagers. Camp and crew did a good job of making this enjoyable for not only seniors, but all ages.
The storyline is humorous, sad, and sweet. The camera captures the beautiful vast landscape of Texas. The costumes were great, the music was an asset.
I hope that all will be able to sit back and watch this good ol'fashioned film, soon. -
RN-230 April 1999This is a very unique, very warm movie that made a strong impression on me on many levels. The photography is beautiful and the cast is excellent. Ernest Borgnine and Kim Hunter are treasures and Director Joe Camp III has framed them within a truly wonderful and simple story. These are actors whom I haven't thought about in years, but days after I left the theater I couldn't stop thinking about them. That's pretty much how I felt about the whole thing. This picture has an unusual pace - it's peaceful and it's un-rushed. I hope that a lot of people will have the opportunity to see it. We need more movies like this one.
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MASMeg27 April 1999"Abilene" is a stunningly beautiful film that is poignant and uplifting. Ernest Borgnine and Kim Hunter are achingly real (and Oscar worthy) as Hotis and Emmaline, two people who are coming to terms with their past. Supporting roles by Park Overall, and James Morrison parallel the lead parts and give the film depth and generational dimension.
Joe Camp III's screenplay is subtle, humorous, and true. It is a rare treat compared to the dull, exposition heavy, SFX reliant films that have become commonplace. Camp is also talented and promising as a new director. I am already anticipating his next film.
With the recent glut of soulless "evil teen" films, "Abilene" is a deeply gratifying and refreshing change. And one that will certainly be very well growing number of older people in the USA. However, distributors need not fear that the film is limited to the older market. I am 27 years old and I loved it, and I know that most of my friends will too. A great story like this has no age limit. -
This is redundant, but the picture industry is overlooking the huge audience of nice people with gray hair. We are sentimental, nostalgic, love to shed a tear at a happy ending. We avoid obscenities, public nudity, abuse or addiction of any kind. Abilene is the essence of what our generation enjoys. I applaud those who assembled this beautiful, sensitive and modest motion picture.
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This movie is a beautiful snapshot of life in the heartland. Love, life and death are portrayed simply yet entwined in a plot that holds your interest until the final moments. The scenery of Texas is gorgeous and fits well in the context of the story. A winner!
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I found the acting and the story line to be excellent. I feel that anyone who appreciates good drama will enjoy this film regardless of their age, but I feel those over 50 will be the most appreciative audience. The film should be released for general public viewing.
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ebm12330 January 2021"Shadows of the Past", or another name of this movie is "Abilene". Movie about life, about people and Texas. I highly recommend it - it has excellent script, acting, music and amazing Texas landscapes.
In the ending credits it is noted that sponsor is Shiner beer. -
The sensationalism of today's top movies trivializes excellent movies like Abilene. With good actors and a great story, it doesn't need all those explosions and murder to carry it to the top. This movie is a classic and should be marketed with respect to an audience who will appreciate it. This movie will be successful if people will take a chance and realize that the public wants better quality with less violence, nudity and profanity. Two thumbs up for Abilene, keep up the good work Clear Stream!
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Abilene is a must-see for all movie-lovers tired of the violence and sex requisite in films these days. Far from fuddy-duddy, Abilene exploits character development and dialog, rather than relying on special effects to sell the plot. The story revolves around a man (Ernest Borgnine) that is called to visit his dying brother. With his pickup confiscated and too independent to ask for help, the character finds a practical, and very humorous, solution. This film will tug at your heart strings, make you laugh, make you cry, make you wonder "what if..." and leave you with a proverbial "warm, fuzzy" feeling.
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Abilene touches the heart, soul, and conscience (hopefully) of the moviegoer. A refreshing tale about love and beauty told in the same manner as the Texas countryside itself -- unassuming, eloquent, simplistic, peculiar, and sometimes...forgiving. Joe Camp III has forged the aesthetic of movie making into a new realm upon which movie makers and viewers alike can reflect.