Great Film overall

It's entirely possible that sending the audience out feeling lousy was intentional

The thing I enjoyed most about the film is the fact that it doesn't shy away from being a super-sized-cliche;

Exactly the movie you think it is, but not the movie you want it to be.

This is one of the many really good films that the public slips by without notice - their loss. Well done on every level, writing/scripting, the acting is superbly understated and real. Duvall does is usual great job, as does Shirley Mclain. Richard Harris is excellent and Sandra Bullock makes her small role a pleasure to watch. A bit of a tear jerker, but real to life. It's one of those wonderful not so little films that will stick with you long after you have forgotten the title. If you can find a copy don't let it go until you have watched it. Then be sure to share it with friends, they will appreciate the recommendation.

A movie I stumbled upon accidentally in a video store, WRESTLING ERNEST HEMINGWAY turned out to be a complete and utterly delightful comedy-drama that, though probably not for all tastes, would be a wonderful film for anyone to see who appreciates really great acting. The film takes place in Florida and traces the unlikely friendship that develops between a straight-laced, Cuban, retired barber (Robert Duvall)and a free-spirited, independent-minded, retired naval officer (Richard Harris) who brags to anyone who will listen about his wonderful relationship with his son, who, in reality, is just too busy for him. This warm and engaging character study is not so big on story, but on the relationship that develops between these two diversely different people who eventually find a way to connect with each other. Harris, in particular, is just remarkable in his gutsy, totally unhinged performance that should have earned him an Oscar nomination. There are effective supporting turns by Sandra Bullock as a waitress Duvall has a crush on, Shirley MacLaine as Harris' landlady and Piper Laurie as a local lady Harris fancies, but this movie is mainly an acting showcase for two of the best...Robert Duvall and the sublime, divine (and deeply missed) Richard Harris.

Leisurely-paced, remarkably sweet and entertaining character study about an elderly Irish codger in Florida striking up an uneasy friendship with a retired Cuban barber. Not especially original or revealing, but wonderfully acted and directed, with a beautiful sense of atmosphere. Written by 21-year-old Steve Conrad, whose natural-flowing dialogue and character development admirably shucks a formulaic pattern. In the leads, Robert Duvall and Richard Harris prove to be a striking screen match (at times, they may struggle with their characters' overall make-up, yet they create genuine people--not caricatures); Shirley MacLaine is also fine in a supporting role (in her book, "Thank My Lucky Stars", MacLaine gives hint this film wasn't a positive experience, though you wouldn't guess it from the end results or from MacLaine's excellent performance). Sandra Bullock also shines as a waitress. Not a blockbuster or a career watermark for anyone, but a gentle, moving film that leaves a thoughtful trace of its passion for life behind. *** from ****

Although I've only seen this movie once quite a while ago it is definitely on my "see again soon" list. While slipping through the many film credits of Robert Duvall I felt I just had to comment. His performance in this movie separates him from his other characters and in my eyes cements his reputation as a premiere actor. Along with a wonderful cast including Richard Harris as a crusty old curmudgeon, the always talented Shirley MacLaine, and the relative newcomer at that time, Sandra Bullock the film spins its story in a very timely and entertaining manner and left me at the end with not only a lumpy throat (i can't tell you who dies of course but it's one of the best death scenes I've ever seen) but the crushing desire to see it at least three or four more times. Highly recommended.