Nebraska (2013)

Alexander Payne's style is one of subtlety, and non-said. His films aren't always masterpieces of the highest order, but even when they tell a fairly ordinary story, as they so often do really, they manage to nonetheless be original, pleasant to watch despite their length and reach for a cinematic quality rarely found in other films. And always, an emphasis on relationship, in a poignantly realistic style.This one here is no different. It's just a typical Payne film really. It's got that same critical humor, puts particular types of individuals in a caricatured light however without ever being exaggerated; it is a long road to a resolve and ending that makes perfect sense, without ever being gratuitous and obvious like so many Hollywood/American films do.Not the film of the decade, but good stuff. 7.5/10

The review preceding these words is excellent. I just like to add that Alexander Payne is a great filmmaker and he did it again with Nebraska. Besides the talent he shows great respect for his work and expresses it with passion and rigor although the tone is slow. It is a wonderful unique story even it is full of notions about life and movie-making.

Nebraska is one of those rare movies which very sweetly tell you that finally the story and screenplay are the kings of a movie irrespective of star power or studio backing.Its a road film and I won't digress into the story. But its beautiful and I love the way Payne tells the heart warming story of an old man and his son and the son fulfilling a crazy desire of his father.The movie captures the emotions of people and beautifully tells us how people change when they see the need in us.Burce Dern is fantastic as the old man running after something which doesn't exist. He has the spirit and is not ready to give up. Forte is another fine actor who beautifully plays the loving and caring son who is willing to go the distance with his father. And finally there is June Squibb who plays Dern's fire brand wife. She has all the best dialogues in the film and humiliates her husband every time. But stands upto him when it matters.A nice film to watch on weekends with family and friends.

This is yet another movie I never heard of that I suddenly discovered on a 14+ hour plane ride from Hong Kong to Dallas. The plot is fairly straightforward and the characters genuine. All of the actors do an excellent job of making you forget they are actors. The small turns and twists keep it engaging without getting too far-fetched. It had me engrossed all the way through the closing credits, and some aspects of it really hit home (Bruce Dern reminded me of my late father in many ways).I doubt this film won any major awards but it should have. It was creative and endearing, and most importantly, a topic many of us can connect to. Make the effort to find this movie, it is touching and worth the time!