Elderly sisters’ bond is tested when a summer visitor arrives. The sea that surrounds them mirrors their emotions, sometimes calm and other times tumultuous. As they navigate memories, regrets, and the uncertainties of the future, they discover that love and family ties can transcend time.
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Review
Let me tell you about the 1987 movie “The Whales of August” and how it captured my heart. This movie is a testament to the talents of Lillian Gish, Bette Davis, Vincent Price, and Ann Sothern. Directed by Lindsay Anderson and written by David Berry, this beautiful film tells the story of two elderly sisters who face the reality of old age, loneliness, and loss.
The storyline delves into the lives of two sisters: Sarah and Libby. They are spending their summer in a cottage overlooking a beautiful seaside in Maine. The story unfolds as they interact with each other while dealing with their past trauma and present fears. Sarah is blind, while Libby has been divorced multiple times. They both have lived long lives filled with regrets but find solace in each other’s company.
The movie’s plot is built around personal interactions between its characters, rather than on grand events or sequels. It’s a simple but powerful narrative that engages viewers through its profound message about living life to its fullest.
One interesting fact about this movie is that it gave iconic actress Bette Davis her last leading role before her death in 1989. As per sources, Davis consented to act in this movie free of charge because she felt so strongly about the story’s message.
The casts’ performances are exceptional; Vincent Price plays a wealthy Russian artist who befriends Sarah and Libby during their stay at Maine; while Ann Sothern portrays Tisha Doughty, their neighbor who has secrets of her own. Lillian Gish gives a tour-de-force performance as Sarah Webber – evoking emotions that leave audiences moved profoundly.
One quote from this movie that I love is when Sarah says to Tisha – “Never look back unless you can smile”. It just resonates deeply with me because I believe one should not dwell on past regrets when they can celebrate life’s current moments.
The acting of the characters is beautifully complemented by the scenic locations of Maine’s coastline, and the haunting score by Alan Price, which adds an extra layer of depth to this already emotional movie.
“The Whales of August” was not a commercial success despite its popularity among critics. Nevertheless, it became a cult classic because its poignant tale of aging and sisterhood has touched hearts worldwide.
As per gossip, the film was shot entirely on location in Maine’s Harpswell Peninsula. The production team faced considerable challenges while filming due to the weather conditions, but they managed to capture stunning footage that makes this movie unique and mesmerizing.
The cinematography by Mike Southon is incredible; it captures the subtle nuances of the film’s characters’ emotions and beautifully complements Alan Price’s music. Each scene gives an intimate glimpse into the personal struggles of its characters.
In my humble opinion, “The Whales of August” is one of those rare movies that stay with you long after you’ve watched it. Its message about cherishing life’s precious moments is timeless, especially when delivered with such heartwarming performances from a stellar cast.
This movie won multiple awards in independent film festivals across America; Lillian Gish received numerous accolades for her outstanding performance in this movie.
The development and production team behind “The Whales of August” did an impressive job to create a cinematic masterpiece that portrays human emotions so beautifully. The editing by Michael Ellis gives us glimpses into each character’s psyche while seamlessly blending all their stories together.
Critics have praised this movie for its nuanced handling of themes like aging and loneliness. However, some felt that the character development wasn’t as robust or complete as they would have liked it to be, but personally speaking, I think any criticism cannot do justice to such a beautiful expression of love and companionship between two sisters who have endured life’s hardships for so long.
In conclusion, if you haven’t yet watched “The Whales of August,” do yourself a favor and watch it now. You won’t regret it. This movie will take you on an emotional journey and leave you with a sense of gratitude for the present moment, despite the past’s shadows. Like Libby says in the final scene of this movie, “It’s been a beautiful day.”
Technical Data
- Runtime : 90
- Release : 1987-10-14
- Genre : Drama
- Cast : Bette Davis as Libby Strong, Lillian Gish as Sarah Webber, Vincent Price as Mr. Maranov, Ann Sothern as Tisha Doughty, Harry Carey, Jr. as Joshua Brackett
- Crew : Alan Price as Music, Mike Kaplan as Producer, K.C. Fox as Art Direction, Rudy Dillon as Costume Design, Shep Gordon as Executive Producer
- Popularity 6.322
- Budget : 0
- Revenue : 0
- Company : Nelson Entertainment
- Summary : Two aged sisters reflect on life and the past during a late summer day in Maine.
- Tagline : The Screen’s Immortals… A movie you’ll never forget.
