I have been telling as many friends as possible about this movie. I am 85, a widow, and lots of my friends are my age or older. There were so many things that didn't quite ring true here....Mirren was wonderful but she isn't really able to sell a chatty woman with a Southern accent, less educated person than her husband. I've had several Alzheimers sufferers in my life and in many ways Sutherland didn't seem to fit the bill. For instance I wonder if he could really drive that house trailer. But, in spite of absolutely everything the total story rang true and had a strong effect on me.
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TheLittleSongbird4 May 2018Love Helen Mirren, who is something of a national treasure. Similarly, the subject matter and how the film was advertised (although being in the shadow of other films released at the same time, ones people are more likely to go and see, so was not advertised as much and wasn't done so enough) interested and appealed to me.
While not a great film, 'The Leisure Seeker' to me was a good lovely film and achieved at what it set out to do, in portraying the realities of people's final stages and appreciating people you are with more or even more. For me, it is much better than the mixed reviews it's gotten, don't agree personally that it's wasted by the story or has little to say. Have not read the book, having had no knowledge of it, but regardless of how it compares will compare 'The Leisure Seeker' as a standalone and as an overall film. To me that is a much fairer way to judge, especially when there are films or adaptations that may be bad adaptations of source material but are good to great films on their own merits, old and new.
Sure, surprises are very few, it is a predictable film. Especially the ending, one that is obvious too early and didn't ring true and somewhat contrived somehow to me.
Also felt that the political elements were heavy-handed and not necessary. The accidental joining of the anti-Donald Trump rally is amusing, but for somebody who has gotten sick and tired of constantly hearing about Trump (will briefly say he is one of my least favourite people ever), the political elements was something that the film could easily have done without.
On the other hand, Donald Sutherland and especially Helen Mirren are wonderful in the lead roles and have a very charming and touching chemistry together, their characters very rootable. The rest of the cast are solid, but their characters are nowhere near as interesting as the leads. There is the odd funny moment but lots of heart-wrenching ones, did reach for my tissue pack more than once. The two are balanced beautifully.
'The Leisure Seeker' is very nicely filmed and competently directed, allowing the leads to shine and mixing comedy and drama with little problem. The music fits well and the script not only achieves delivering on both the comedy and drama but also as aforementioned balancing them together. The story is charming, sweet and poignant, with thought-provoking moments and makes one feel inspired and appreciative. What it says may not be much new, but it doesn't not have anything to say. The pace never felt dull.
In summary, lovely though flawed film that is better than given credit for. 7/10 Bethany Cox -
aburgan14 November 2018Excellent story of long-standing love, life, and aging. As I age, and reflect on life and my 35 year marriage, this film really resonates. It is touching to see how a couple could spend so many years together and remain in love for so many years. A truly touching film.
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Kirpianuscus19 February 2019I saw this film like a precious gift from two great actors. Their magnificent performances, the inspired script, the nuances of love, the powerful connection and the simple manner to be part from the other are more than beautiful. It is an useful film. This is its basic virtue and the heart of the emotion about it. A couple, a travel and the splendid chemistry between Hellen Mirren and Donald Sutherland. Enough for a form of stop time. For admire one of profound forms of romanticism.
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arthur_tafero3 September 2019Being 72, I identified with both characters, because down the line we all face these types of situations, and I will as well. So I was very sympathetic to both characters. The story is well-written and both characters are well-developed. There is something both fearful and comforting about arriving at the final stage of life. The acting and direction is superb. If one is fortunate enough to still be with the same partner at the final stages of life, then this film is a must-see for them.
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dierregi18 January 2020Mirren and Sutherland are Ella and John, an ordinary, elderly American couple. Suffering from the inevitable ailments of the old, they are nevertheless full of life and embark on a RV journey to Key West, to visit Hemingway's house.
So far, it could be an ordinary feel-good story, but from the beginning we get (or should get) the point that things are not what they seem.
The couple's son is highly distressed by their disappearance. When he walks into their house, we see lots of medical equipment, a clear sign that one or both spouses are in bad health.
Following Ella and John in their journey, we discover that John probably suffers from mild dementia, or memory loss at the very least. John also seems a bit of a flirt, chatting up all young waitresses with his "elderly professor gentleman" charm. This should make some final revelations come as no surprise.
Ella is a chatterbox, determined to give John the time of his literary life, with the long programmed but never executed visit to Hemingway's house. Ella is oblivious to the fact that John is not in the condition to care or understand much about the visit. We also understand that Ella is probably very seriously sick. Her phone call to a crying daughter is another sign that things are not right.
In the evening, during their stopover on their way south, Ella and John watch old photos about their lives. John can hardly remember who most people in the photos are. These quiet moments of lack of remembrance are perhaps the most heartbreaking.
The inevitability of life's end is treated with delicacy and even some humour and the movie is never gloomy or depressing, despite the subject matter. Still, expect to reach for your Kleenex toward the end. -
muamba_eats_toast10 February 2019The film has laughs, tears and happiness all in equal measure two great performances in the lead role do the very best they can to make this fairly basic story so relatable and watchable throughout with a number of laugh out loud moments along the way whilst giving the subject matter the poignancy and dignity it deserves also. An enjoyable watch.
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planktonrules23 July 2018When I saw this film recently listed on Netflix, it sounded like a cute roadtrip movie. After all, in the summary, it says "They recapture their passion for life and their love for each other on a road trip that provides revelation and surprise right up to the very end." . What I did not realize was that the film is all about death, Alzheimers and assisted suicide. Because of this, you really should be aware that this is NOT a comedy but a very dark film....very dark indeed. It's also very painful to watch...so beware!
When the story begins, an elderly couple unexpectedly leaves their home. Their son and daughter are at wits end...and you really wonder why they and the neighbor are so upset at their leaving. The scene then switches to the old folks, John and Ella Spencer (Donald Sutherland and Helen Mirren) and they're on a road trip in a very old RV...and for much of the time the film seems quirky and charming. However, after a bit you realize that John has severe dementia and later you realize that Ella is dying. What's next? Well, it sure won't be pleasant!!
This is a great example of a very well acted film which I doubt most folks would really want to see. After all, talking about our mortality isn't exactly a crowd pleaser! Plus, some elements of the story might offend many and a few pieces didn't make a lot of sense (such as both nursing home portions)....but that's something you'd need to see for yourself. So, the bottom line is that you might wanna think twice about seeing this one...even if it is very well made. And, if you do see it, try to see it with someone and please take care of yourself...watching the film can be very difficult emotionally.
By the way, the title "Leisure Seeker" is a reference to the name they've given the old RV. -
dnrteuer21 January 2018I saw this at an AARP pre-screening and found it to be funny and poignant. The entire audience, composed of young and old people, laughed aloud and applauded often throughout the film. Why? Because the topic, situations presented, and dialogue resonated with experiences common to the lives of everyone watching.
The film addresses topics not often seen in films: intimate loving relationships and romance in the elderly, Alzheimer's, end-of-life issues and family dynamics involved, dying with dignity, personal choice, euthanasia and suicide. There is no preachiness; the viewers are respectfully left with an emotional invitation to reflect upon these issues for themselves. Remarkably, this is done with humour and grace, without self pity or undue sentimentality. The film is not Hollywood glitzy, it may even seem a bit drab at times, but this is part of why it rings true and makes the film work. Everything from the couple's home and basement, the RV they run off in, the campgrounds they stay in, and the nursing home they visit - all of it, remarkably familiar to most Americans. We are being asked to think about extraordinary issues relating to ordinary lives, similar to those we all lead, and it seems that this less glossy calling card works. This approach is also supported by the beautifully nuanced performances given by Mirren and Southerland as they let us into their world of romance, aging, family, incurable illness, and end-of-life choices, all while travelling the landscape of US Route #1.
From start to closing credits, group laughter, applause, and cheering revealed a palpable comradery among the audience members, which told volumes about how well the film accomplished its goal of raising awareness of important emotional, personal, social issues while still offerring an enjoyable night at the movies. I hope you have an opportunity to see it. -
georgewilliamnoble10 May 2018I have not read the book, maybe i should. This is the latest in what seems to be a growing mega trend of gray haired rom/coms for the afternoon retiree set. This one is American, and despite Brit legend Helen Mirren the movie lack's the finer tones of the more under stated British, the dialogue is often mechanical, obvious and very stilted, as is much of the situations. Donald Sutherland is left to carry the film which he pretty much does, he is marvellous, but then he always is, poor Helen Mirren on the other hand is perhaps simply miss cast, at any rate her fake accent had me cringing. Along the way you begin to forgive the films many many fault's, the film has a good heart, and you cannot help but warm to it's tender centre, the ending seem's miss guided or may be just bungled. At any rate i thought it a touch disappointing i just wanted and hoped that it would turn out a better journey than it finally was.
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blume-8981531 May 2021Don't know how or why Mirren or Sutherland agreed to do this film. They're fine actors! But this poorly written film surrounds them with equally poor actors. And why did they have Mirren try that accent? It's a mess. The overall theme(s) are worthy, but the execution was overwhelmingly inept.
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2001ASOfan13 April 2018Films that try to earnestly, honestly explore and detail life experiences to hopefully illuminate and celebrate them--and maybe even help viewers deal with their own similar experiences--are films I always appreciate, even if I can't say I ended up enjoying watching them because the life experiences depicted are so difficult and inherently sad. I should also emphasize now, though, that "The Leisure Seeker" also tries to find the humor in this inherently sad situation, and succeeds at times: There are some very amusing moments. In an interview while promoting this film Helen Mirren said she took the role because the character she was playing was rushing into living and life rather than running away from it when it got difficult, and I agree. Interesting to find out in the closing credits that this is an Italian film production, with an Italian director (in fact, Mirren also said she always wanted to be in an Italian film because they were so inspiring to her when she was young, and it was also one of the reasons she took this role), so it is actually an Italian take on a very American story and road trip taking place in two distinctly different parts of America along the East Coast, from Massachusetts to Florida. I found it reflective and contemplative in a good way, and I was drawn in and glad I took the trip with them, even if I left the theater feeling melancholy and a bit afraid of what my later years may bring to me as well. Recommended, but be aware that your own life experiences may make this a darker or lighter film depending on what you've been through yourself.
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ferguson-615 March 2018Greetings again from the darkness. Getting older is often used as comedy fodder for entertainment purposes; however, there is fine line that can be crossed into disrespect and melancholy. Long time Italian director Paolo Virzi (HUMAN CAPITAL, 2013) delivers his first English-language film, and it's at times quite uncomfortable to watch. Marketed as a dramatic-comedy road trip by a long married couple, the film provides a few laughs, but an overwhelming pall of sadness mostly sets the tone, while sliding right into my category of Gray Cinema.
Helen Mirren is Ella Spencer, and Donald Sutherland is her husband John. They are a happily married couple who, to the shock of their grown children and neighbor, hit the road in their 1970's era Winnebago. Isn't it interesting that an RV of age is considered "classic", while old people are just referred to as "old"? John is a curmudgeonly former Professor and Helen is a gregarious, adventuresome woman who fondly recalls the many family trips in this same RV. She is clearly the one in charge, and has planned this road trip from their upscale Wellesley, Massachusetts home to Ernest Hemingway's house in Key West.
Although John recites his favorite passages from Hemingway and Melville, he is certainly battling the effects of dementia ... a battle that frequently has a negative impact on Ella's enjoyment of their time together. While he may recall details of a long-ago student, he often forgets the names of his own kids - or even his wife! While John's mental state is causing emotional pain for Ella, it's her own untreated cancer that is driving her body to fail her. They are each slipping away in different ways, though their paths lead to the same destination.
Based on the novel from Michael Zadoorian, four different writers worked on the screenplay, and that is likely the cause of the distorted tone and approach. It's quite difficult to be funny when the moments are so poignant and sad. There is even a political undercurrent which is teased, but carries no heft or substance. Taking place during the most recent Presidential campaign, Trump rallies are used as punchlines, and a Hillary rally is inferred. Neither have any impact, though a sequence involving a roadside robbery ends with (unintended?) support of carrying a gun, even if it was an odd attempt at humor.
Janel Moloney and Christian McKay are little more than caricatures as the grown kids, while we do get to see Dick Gregory's final on screen appearance (he passed away last year). Carole King and Janis Joplin songs are put to obvious use, and there aren't enough "Happy Swirls" in the world to overcome the inherent fear that most aging folks have towards a failing body or mind ... and this film shows both sides, while attempting to inject humor on that one last road trip that most of us dread. -
sleek-764892 September 2018Loved this movie, I laughed, chuckled, giggled throughout the entire film. I cannot imagine any other actors doing such a great job w/ portraying crazy real life experiences. We all stumble as we move through the ages of life and I felt this movie did it brilliantly!
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Jackblyth831 December 2021Donald Sutherland and Helen Mirren play a very much two-person-performance that explores the themes of love, age and happiness.
Without telling their children retired pensioners John and Ella embark on a journey across the United States in The Leisure Seeker, the family RV that was used years ago for summer holidays. Throughout the road trip, we visualise John's apparent dementia problems, and the effect that has on Ella, who almost appears lost, as they move towards the late years of their life.
A double-act that works to a tee, Mirren and Sutherland bounce off one-another encapsulating the feelings of a couple who have been together their whole life, the former rather antagonistic and very much assuming the carer role in the marriage to Sutherland's deteriorating mental state which in-turn stimulates the struggle of a wholesome relationship.
The cinematography is outstanding in the watch, displaying the crisp evening sun by a tranquil lake and the clear-blue waves of the ocean drifting towards golden sand, the intentions are clear with The Leisure Seeker which is instrumental in giving the couple an unforgettable vacation.
The movie begs the thought of growing old, who we want to be beside and how we want to spend our last years on Earth.
A tough, emotive, moving spectacle that is portrayed exceptionally. -
DogePelis201518 July 2021It is a moving movie; the performances of Helen Mirren and Donald Sutherland are excellent; it is enjoyable.
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statman1224 August 2019But loses 2 stars for the obligatory son. As is so typical these days, they have to throw this crap in our faces.
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Bryyycers6 May 2021Just people being people, round and round we go on this tiny little thing we call earth living the same lives over and over again, with only fools like that of the son character thinking age plays such a role. Experience is to be respected and looked up to, if not worshipped for all the lessons of life.
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23 April 2018
First film of choice at The Plaza Dorchester tonight - The Leisure Seeker. Yes, it was a slow film but it totally suited the subject and I feel provides food for thought. Helen Mirren and Donald Sutherland seemed an odd couple to put together, but this worked. A very credible southern accent and a non-stop chatter actually endeared me to Helen Mirren's character, she has a lot to put up with but the deep seated love for her husband made her carry on and gave her that strength to provide the support for her confused spouse. Wonderful performances in this tender film about the pressures of ageing with an ailing body or an ailing mind. Donald Sutherland plays John who suffers from memory loss and most the time lives happily in a world of his own. Helen Mirren Is Ella who has a tumour and doesn't want to go to treatment she's been checked before. Unbeknownst to their children they then take off in their ancient Winnebago nicknamed The Leisure Seeker. Following the road south to the Florida Keys, they relive their lives through forgotten memories and new discoveries and both relearn and forget things. Many reviews have not been very good for this film, indeed one particular one stated 'two great actors in dead-end roles. What I feel these people have failed to see that this is a story about how ordinary people deal with extraordinary things going on in their lives, it doesn't matter who the stars are, this can happen to anyone, who of us doesn't know someone suffering with memory loss or terminal diseases. This film had moments of humour especially as we witness confusion experience by John as he repeatedly forgot where he was or who he was with. However, we shouldn't feel guilty about laughing at such moments. Laughter can be a good remedy for the helplessness that must wash over you as you face such situations. A very moving and thought provoking film. -
Hellmant20 April 2018'THE LEISURE SEEKER': Three Stars (Out of Five)
A comedy-drama about an elderly couple, suffering from Alzheimer's and cancer, that decide to go on one more road trip together, in their RV that they call 'The Leisure Seeker'. The film stars Donald Sutherland and Helen Mirren, in their first costarring roles since 1990's 'BETHUNE: THE MAKING OF A HERO' (in which they also played a married couple). It was directed by Paolo Virzì (in his first full English language film), and it was scripted by Virzì, Francesca Archibugi, Francesco Piccolo and Stephen Amido (based on the 2009 novel of the same name, by Michael Zadoorian). The movie has received mostly negative reviews from critics so far, and it's also gotten a limited indie theatrical release at the Box Office. I found it to be mildly amusing at times, and touching, but it's also ultimately predictable and a little cheesy.
Ella Spencer (Mirren) is sick with cancer, and her husband John (Sutherland) has Alzheimer's. They know their time is coming to an end soon, so they decide to go on one last road trip together. They take their vintage RV, which they call 'The Leisure Seeker', from their home in Boston to The Ernest Hemingway Home, in Key West. Along the way they have some special moments together, one last time.
The movie is definitely highlighted by Mirren and Sutherland's performances, and their great chemistry together. They really do seem like a genuine couple that's been together forever. I can see why older people would enjoy the film, and I definitely liked parts of it. Other parts are pretty silly though, and the movie at times even feels more like a sitcom than a serious drama. The film is also really predictable, and not really that memorable. It's decently made though, and enjoyable to an extent at least. -
dcorbett-625307 May 2018This is my first review here of any movie. I am 61 years old and the book was a wonderful read, especially for my age-group. I never expect a movie to follow the book or be as good as the book. This movie is written terribly and it a waste of two wonderful actors. Come to find out that this was the screenwriter's first screenplay. Don't Helen and Donald, and the other actors and the writer of the novel deserve more. It just disgusts me what this writer has done to this novel.
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WinstonNoCGI14 January 2018The English movie title is misleading, the German title is much better. It translates to: "Smouldering remembrance" (there surely will be better translations, even more meeting the movie's true content).
The movie is an emotional journey about an old couple that's been married for half a century. He once was a literate English teacher and she's been giving birth to two beloved children, who have their own families by now.
The old couple's live has reached their final stage: He's suffering from Alzheimer disease and she's suffering from cancer. So they spontaneously decide to go on their last big trip, from Boston to Key West, to meet his lifetime wish of having visited The Ernest Hemingway Home once in his life - without telling their kids, who get anxiously concerned when they realize that their parents are not at home as they expected them to be.
The trip that the old couple takes is a truely heart-warming story through their past. They take their old Winnebago and head out for Key West, revisiting not only the old camp sites they visited so often before but also revisiting stages of their life and their family, being aware that this will be the last big trip they will ever have together again.
His dementia gives room for some funny moments but also for some truely sad. She attends him the best she can, but when they go back through their life, watching old slides on improvised personal slide shows they watch at their camp site stops, it's heartbreaking to realize that she will be losing him.
The movie is a great emotional roller coaster ride of a beloved couple, of loving and anxious children and how our life may be like when it will have reached its final chapter.
The movie is a so-called chick flick. Be prepared to have handkerchieves near at hand when watching it.
Me and my girl friend had quite a few tears dropped while watching the movie. It may have affected us more than other viewers because it kind of reflected our life. We are about 50 years old and had a similar life, taking camping trips in an old Jeep Wrangler on our journeys to Italy. To be in the picture of the movie: I'm the demential (former?) literate driver, and she (who's even more literate) tells me where to head to and, whenever she can, she attends me so nicely (or tells me where to put it). We are laughing, talking, quarreling, and we get emotional ... So we felt very much like that old couple. (Well, at least I did. My girl friend felt with the old couple on their own.) ... And if we could have a trip like this at the end of our life, this would be one of the best final chapters I could think of for my life. -
jmacken30624 July 2020Just before watching this the station showed Bicentennial Man another Love story where the couple die together. A true way to go together.
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oliviafarag26 July 2021This is a watchable film but very corny and a bit icky, especially the last scene of the cheating husband forcing his ill wife to have sex with him. It wasn't sweet at all but very uncomfortable to watch.