This is a lovely small film. It was very satisfying. I woke up thinking about it. Marcia Gay Harden gives a GREAT performance. If you are her fan you need to see After Words just to see her.
She plays a curmudgeonly librarian who is depressed and lonely. And that is before she loses her job. Her life is isolated, sad, and pathetic in the huge city of L.A. After being laid off she takes a dream vacation to Costa Rica. In this tropical paradise the beauty of nature, and sincere friendship are healing.
There are three wonderful performances. The cinematography is lovely. Lots of nature shots, beautiful beaches, and jungles. Plenty of native culture, some Spanish, and just enough humor.
The story line is not trite. If you are a Marcia Gay Harden fan then you MUST see this film. It will be a lovely treat for you. The relationship she develops with her tour guide is not a cliché. It is a friendship which she desperately needs. It is a mutually beneficial relationship. The little girl is an adorable actress.
I love this movie. I laughed and cried. It deserves to be seen twice and I will recommend it to family and friends. This is a film I would see with my husband on a date, with girl friends, or with my mother.
There is a very small amount of sex - so you might not see it with your young child. But then, it is not really a film which would interest most children or young teens. This is a film for someone mature who loves stories set in nature, relationships, books, and the possibility of finding new purpose in life when you are past the half way mark. I love this movie. It is a gem.
