Forgiveness?
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Archived from the IMDb Discussion Forums — An Unfinished Life
c_mcvey — 17 years ago(August 07, 2008 08:46 PM)
I just watched "an unfinished life" for the first time today. I thought it was an excellent film, with good cinematography, good directing, and good acting. There were also a lot going on in various scenes. At the beginning, you have Jean (Jennifer Lopez) living in a cinder block cube apartment, that is reminiscent of a prison. Fitting considering her boyfriend beats her and her daughter. It conveys how the character feels trapped, contrasted by Einar's (Robert Redford) ranch, which is open and welcoming. Also at the beginning is the contrast between the clean-cut boyfriend, who is a monster, and the biker who gives Jean and her daughter a lift.
The real problem I have is how many people interpret this story as one about forgiveness. This is not the case. Forgiveness implies that the other party has done something wrong, and has something to be forgiven for. Einar does not forgive Jean, because the crash that killed his son was an accident. Jean does not forgive herself, because once again, the crash was an accident. Mitch (Morgan Freeman) does not forgive the bear, because the bear was acting according to its nature. What this film is about is letting go of anger and hatred that were misdirected. If it was all about forgiveness, then Jean would have forgiven her boyfriend for his abuse, even if she still did not take him back. Gary (Damian Lewis) is not forgiven for his abuse; Gary is beaten and run off. Letting go of unfounded anger is not the same as forgiveness.
Has anyone else picked up on this?