I always think that these are the type of films that are going to make me think and are going to change my life. But the one film that has really done that for me is The Descendants. It's not epically emotional or particularly stylish. Its not really even what we're used to as a post-modern audience, the protagonist Matt King basically narrates the entire story. It's not a grand expose, there aren't really any twists and turns. This film is so simple in its execution but deals with such complex issues of family, grief, responsibility.
George Clooney is absolutely at his best in the role of Matt King, a Hawaian lawyer who is dealing both with the loss of his wife, who is in a coma afer a boating accident, and the dilemma of selling off his family's acres of untouched land which is their family legacy. The dynamic between him and his daughters is explored and there are so many touching yet not overly sentimental moments. In the midst of the most intensely sad moments there are also moments of laughter and that's what makes this film so real. Alexander Payne as a director is just so good at those awkwardly funny moments that are often so whacky that they cant help but be real. Yet the thing that I like the most about The Descendants is that more than anything it is a real movie, it explores real life issues and touches your heart but its also really entertaining.
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