User reviews

This is a great TV movie about a retired teacher named Morrie Schwartz who is slowly dying of Lou Gherig's disease. Instead of being miserable about his inevitable death, Morrie has accepted it. An old pupil of his, Mitch Albom, has come to visit Morrie after hearing of his sickness on the news. Morrie starts to teach Mitch about his ideas on the meaning of life. He says "When we learn to die, we learn to live." When you can accept that you will die someday, you live life differently. He also says to always forgive everyone before it's too late and to love everyone. "We must love one another, or die."

It is made very clear from the very beginning of this movie that Morrie is going to die. Knowing this makes you dread the ending of this movie, but not as much as watching Morrie in such pain, especially at night. There were great acting jobs by everyone in this movie, including Wendy Moniz and Hank Azaria. But Jack Lemmon steals the show.

This movie reminded me a lot of "I'm Not Rappaport," starring Jack Lemmon's partner Walter Matthau. It's an excellent and beautiful movie that will really make you look at life differently, which is what Morrie would have liked.

Tuesdays with Morrie was ideally suited for the format of a television movie. A series of vignettes with narration from Hank Azaria, a film based chiefly on dialogue and example, Tuesdays with Morrie is a heartwarming reminder to all of what is important in life--even for people who believe they have it all figured out. Hank Azaria delivers a rare and precise dramatic performance. Jack Lemmon, of course, is right on the money. If at all possible, view the movie without commercial interruption. Somehow corporate sponsorship doesn't fit.

Based on a quick summary, a movie about a man slowly dying of a terminal illness, I would expect to hate the movie. Most such stories are painful to watch, as if a movie maker thought that making viewers suffer to watch the movie would give them sympathy for the suffering of those stricken with the featured disease. But this one is an exception. It's not about the dying man's disease, it's about the man himself, and about the former student who visits him every week.

Morrie is dying of ALS, Lou Gehrig's disease. He is a retired teacher, and was Mitch's revered favorite teacher. Mitch visits him once a week, and reawakens their friendship. He finds Morrie's words so wise that he asks to tape their conversations so he might remember them better. Well, I appreciate Mitch's efforts, because I was happy to hear Morrie's words of wisdom also. Some of his advice is sappy, particularly taken out of context, but as a whole he presents very positive messages. Part of it is the idea that although he's sick, dying, and often in pain, he's not afraid of death, but rather interested in getting as much as possible out of the life he has left. There's much more to it than that, but that's the biggest part of his message.

But there's more to the movie than the message -- a movie with nothing more than a message (even one worth presenting) is bound to be boring. The real pleasure in watching this is that the characters are interesting along the way. The two stars' acting is first class. A regular "disease movie" would just make me feel guilty about not caring about its sick main character. This movie made me care about Morrie and Mitch.

Even though Oprah funded / supported this film with the change she had in her left pocket, her involvement in making this film possible was worthy. Jack Lemmon gives another brilliant / unrecognized performance as Morrie, the old friend and teacher who is preparing himself to die. Hank Azaria is surprisingly good as well. For a change, Azaria moves away from his work in comedy and many of his character driven roles to play a heart-filled character. By the second half of the movie, you forget that he is the voice of many Simpson characters. The ending of this movie is worth watching this movie again and again and again. If you have ever had to say goodbye to a loved one, you will understand and be a fan of Tuesdays with Morrie.

This is one of those rare television events that didn't dumb itself down in order to reach a wider audience. It stayed true to the book and the only complaint I could see were minor problems with pacing. All-in-all, I regard this work as what I hope television will become but am fearful these types of shows will remain the exception.

Although this movie was a made for TV movie and the fade outs left me feeling like I was about to see a commercial, this movie is great.

This movie deals with aspects of life that people don't like to talk about openly when in reality they are all just part of life: love, friendship, who you are, elderly, and most of all death. This movie addresses death unlike I have seen other movies do. It confronts death straight on and gives you a different view on it all.

Many times during this movie I was left feeling more open minded about things, and this movie also had a wealth of quotes one could live by.

The acting in the movie was good, the messages conveyed are heavy messages that you have to really think about.

The direction, lighting, and cinematography were all fairly good.

I recommend this movie if you want to learn more about yourself and your future.

Just watched 'Tuesdays with Morrie' for the first time. And have been moved to tears by this gentle, charming, beautiful and thought-provoking film. I actually remember a few years ago seeing Mitch Albom, the author of the book (Tuesdays with Morrie: An old man, a young man, and the last great lesson) on which this wonderful film is based, on the Oprah Winfery show. He was telling the true story of how this special book came to be written and about how the experience had affected his own life. At the end of the show Oprah announced that her production company was going to be making his book into a film. I was very glad but hoped that the film would live up to my expectations. Now on finally seeing it I can honestly say that it has exceeded them! The entire cast is superb and Jack Lemmon in particular gives an unforgettable performance as Morrie. 'Tuesdays with Morrie' is a profoundly moving, deeply touching, life affirming film. I cannot recommend it highly enough!

Saw this film twice and each time was very touched by the characters. Jack Lemmon is a master actor and portrays Morrie beautifully. Hank Azaria is incredible! His sense of timing, his expressions, his body language is so completely in touch with his character. My respect for this actor is heartfelt. The direction on this film is excellent. I particularly like the use of close-ups. This makes for the actors believability, and brings the viewer into their thoughts. The lighting is excellent. I liked the scene where Mitch is graduating and hugging Morrie. The "early morning" light creates a sense of reverie, and brings back their youthfulness. I walked away from this film with much pondering.

Thank you!!

The movie Tuesdays with Morrie can leave a lasting impact on the way one views life. I learned to take things more seriously, and never take anything for granted. The movie serves as a very good lesson on the interpretation of the meaning of life!

I had never heard of this movie before, but thanks to my religion class I was able to see this little made for TV movie. Based on the best-selling novel of the same name by Mitch Albom, Tuesdays with Morrie chronicles the true story of Morrie Shwartz (Jack Lemmon), a college professor who is hit with ALS (or Lou Gehrig's Disease). Mitch Albom (Hank Azaria) is an old student of Morrie who promised to keep in touch with him when he graduated. He never did. When Mitch catches Morrie's story on TV he decides to visit him. However, this turns into a weekly visit in which Morrie teaches Mitch about life and everything in it (from marriage, to fear and to death).

Hank Azaria and Jack Lemmon are both outstanding in their roles and they both have great on-screen chemistry. Likewise, the supporting actors are all fine. Unfortunately, I found this film was hindered by the sappiness of some of the teachings and the predictable use of music and visuals (snow, rain, autumn leaves) to try and get the audience to cry. To me, it seems weird but I got the feeling that they were trying too hard to force out my emotions. Furthermore, the ending was rushed and not enough time was spent with the after-effects of Morrie's death.

Having said all that, it was still a well-made TV movie with some deep messages and two rather excellent performances.

3/5

Unfortunetly, I found Tuesdays with Morrie to be quite disappointing. I live in Michigan, where Mitch Albom is quite a force in all medias, so the hype surrounding the movie was quite large. However, the movie itself was so weak I was looking for other things to occupy my time while it was on. The Mitch Albom character is not clearly defined, we know he is a writer, and has a girlfriend, not much else. Morrie, played by Jack Lemmon had a lot of potential but it seemed wasted. Many of the Morrie-isms that he spouts sound like the babbling of someone that is unconcious. Lots of grand sounding ideas like "Without love, we all die" and "Don't die alone", I mean really. Morrie comes off sounding like that one sappy person in your family that everyone tries to ignore when you get together. Other quality highlights: The horrible overacting of the boy that plays young Morrie ("Oh, he's got a huge smile, he must be happy" or "He's crying, he must not be happy" is the range displayed) and the very humorous method for making Morrie 20 years younger (think Jack Lemmon with Steve Wonder style hair extensions).

The legions of Oprah followers, most without minds of their own, will find it to be a great touching tale. Just try to go into it with an open mind, and you'll see how rank it is. (2 out of 10)

One of a kind film that teaches us to enjoy each day and not take anything for granted. Also teaches us about amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and its devastating effects on even the most fun-loving of people (Jack Lemmon) and how someone's illness and imminent death can affect those closest to the victim (family as well as close friends) in both a sad and positive way. I thought this was a beautiful film and Jack Lemmon gave an excellent performance. When he was saying goodby to his "favorite pupil" on his deathbed and lectured him one last time "I'll be buried by a beautiful oak tree, you talk, I'll just listen." This movie has both a sad but beautiful ending in getting across the message that death is a part of living and shouldn't be feared. Maybe this message is too heavy for some of the other so called critics but we all have to face up to it eventually.

The movie has successfully showed the viewpoint of Professor Morrie about how we should live our lives, and the attitude that we should have when we are facing challenges. Even though Professor Morrie has left the world for more than 7 years, his message continues to be relevant. I was shocked by his clarity and insightful answers to some of the life questions.

When I saw the first trailer for "Tuesday's With Morrie" during November sweeps, I was ecstatic. Since reading it last spring, it has been my favorite book, one that I quote from quite often. The movie was just as moving as the book. Jack Lemmon, one of my favorite actors, gave an impressive, Emmy-worthy performance as Morrie, and conveyed with just the right amount of class, dignity, heart, and emotion the message the dying mentor left as his legacy. Hank Azaria, known mostly for his comedic roles on Fox's "The Simpsons" and in the hilarious film "The Birdcage", showed his convincing serious side as Mitch, who we find loosening up and becoming more emotional throughout the movie. Also impressive was Wendy Moniz as Janine. The scene where Morrie asked Mitch to step outside so Janine could sing to him was one of the most emotional, and certainly one of the most moving. The book made me cry. The movie made me cry harder. Kudos to Oprah Winfrey for producing an impressive film, one not laden with special effects and terrible plots, but one of real life and a story of those who can touch so many people without ever knowing it. My score? A perfect 10.

Although he did an unbilled part the following year in The Legend of Bagger Vance, Jack Lemmon went out with like John Wayne did in The Shootist with a film that shows the man's philosophy of life. As Professor Morrie Schwartz, a college professor dying of Lou Gehrig's disease, he imparts a lot of wisdom to one of his former students, Hank Azaria who is drawn into spending time with him and learning how to really live and love. Azaria looks forward to spending his Tuesdays With Morrie.

The film has no real plot, it's basically a two character film with a little time for Azaria's girl friend Wendy Moniz. Both Lemmon and Azaria play beautifully off each other.

Azaria at one time wanted a musical career, but he became a sportswriter and one good at his trade. But writing about the accomplishments of athletes whose achievements while lauded by fans aren't really doing anything to make the world a better place. He's so much on the run to various sports events that Moniz just tells him to straighten out his priorities before she commits.

Lemmon, a former English professor of Azaria's from Brandeis University, is just the man to do it. Although Lemmon's character is hardly like Theodore Roosevelt, he would agree with the old Rough Rider when he says that 'life and death are part of the same glorious adventure'.

Oprah Winfrey produced Tuesdays With Morrie and it earned an Emmy Award to go with those two Oscars that Jack Lemmon got in his long and distinguished career. Lemmon hits so many emotions within the viewer at the same time you watch the film knowing you're seeing not a movie, but a testament.

Tuesdays With Morrie is recommended for all film viewers who if they're not fans of Jack Lemmon they will be after seeing this.

Morrie Schwartz (Jack Lemmon) is a life loving professor. Then in 1994, he starts suffering from symptoms of Lou Gehrig disease or ALS. Mitch Albom (Hank Azaria) is a workaholic sports reporter for the Detroit Free Press who doesn't have time even for his girlfriend Janine. Then he sees a TV report on his beloved dying college professor Schwartz. He goes to Boston to see him. They used to talk in his office on Tuesdays and end up spending Tuesdays together with Morrie learning life lessons.

The Oprah prologue sets this up too much. This movie won't surprise anybody but it still works. It is the performance from Jack Lemmon. It's one of his last starring role. The connection is undeniable. There is a real sense of a life fully lived. Hank Azaria is good. There are some parts that get too sentimental but the heart-felt moments from Lemmon is terrific.

Hank Azaria's role is horribly stereotypical. He goes from ruthless soulless guy to I-love-life guy. Vapid, heavy-handed film. They beat you over the head with middle-school symbolism (his ignoring the telephone while in the middle of playing piano).

If you want to see real genuine characters with multifaceted personalities, watch Glengarry Glen Ross. I seem to recall Lemmon stating that it was the finest cast he ever worked with. Go see why.

I admit I was cynical in finding and watching this movie. Beforehand, I felt Oprah's influence would veer the film in a certain direction and it would represent the worst aspects of the TV movie: being treacly, and unrealistic. But Jack Lemmon's presence ensured my interest. (This, after all, was the illustrious actor's last performance.) I was rewarded by a clear-eyed, stirring, and often moving depiction of one man's dignity and the gift of living he bestows on a younger man. Both Lemmon and Azaria lock on to their parts with conviction, and I felt a real loving friendship existed between the men. I learned from this movie: lessons about communication and ideaology. It is a rare gem, honestly portrayed, and further proof (as if we needed any!) of Jack Lemmon's unique and breathtaking talent.

I watched this film just a few days after learning of the death of the amazing Jack Lemmon. I was saddened to hear of his death but grateful to see his body of work will live on. He was one of the legends of our time. Glengarry, GlenRoss, JFK, Some like it hot, and his comedies with Walter Matthau show that he will never be forgotten. Thank you Mr.Lemmon.

I loved this movie. I thought Tuesday's with Morrie was a fantastic story. I watched it and it gave me tears to my eyes because of the way the actors acted when Morrie said his last words to Mitch. Jack lemmon is my favourite actor, i think he is fantastic, he never wanted to make boring movies, he always waited for good scripts because to me that just feels that in his life, he wanted to do great movies and he wanted to show us that he can make us feel better, like feel cheered up and feel happier. I think what Morrie said to us about dying and living knowing about it, I think the message: IF YOU KNOW HOW TO DIE THEN YOU KNOW HOW TO LIVE" I think that's telling us now that you've known how to live, now you are going to know what it's like to die. It just feels that the time you have left, you have to enjoy it. Be brave, Be strong. Thank you Jack for all the brilliant movies you made. GOD BLESS YOU.

Tuesdays with Morrie didn't begin as a movie nor even as a book; it began as a sacred tradition between real people. I thought the movie was as true to form as any secondhand representation could be, adhering quite closely to the text of the original bestseller by Mitch Albom, who experienced its events and emotions firsthand. I write to recommend the movie as a viewer but, more importantly, I feel compelled as an English teacher to respond to the negative reviews by some of the film's more cynical amateur critics. To those of you who didn't intuit from the film's title, cover and/or description that it was not an action or a comedy, admit that your inattentiveness to detail is at fault for your dissatisfaction and not the work of the filmmakers. Just as I urge my senior English students to whom I read a great deal of this book aloud, I urge you to take a temporary vacation from what's "cool" and allow yourself to absorb Morrie's messages. In dismissing him simply because he's sentimental, you only provide more evidence and incidence of what he's observed: the meaninglessness of our lives if we continue to be disconnected from one another and motivated by our fears. We are obsessed with consumption and hardly concerned with contribution. Yes, it has a tendency toward triteness and cliché but only if we apply it to those terms in the interest of sounding evaluative and intelligent (which is, again, something we've been taught to do in pursuit of status). Hey, if a bunch of seventeen-year-olds can take a break from hating themselves and judging one another…can't we try, too? Give Tuesdays with Morrie a chance to make you cry. It would be even more cliché to refuse.