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Levity
2003
Billy Bob Thornton stars in LEVITY as Manual Jordan, an ex-con recently released from a 21-year jail sentence, who is seeking redemption from Adele Easley (Holly Hunter), the sister of the guy he murdered. His mild manner and passivity make him immune to the new freedoms he'll experience outside of jail, and so his release .. Read more
| Starring | Morgan Freeman, Billy Bob Thornton, Holly Hunter, Kirsten Dunst |
|---|---|
| Director | Ed Solomon |
| Genres | Drama |
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Levity
Billy Bob Thornton stars in LEVITY as Manual Jordan, an ex-con recently released from a 21-year jail sentence, who is seeking redemption from Adele Easley (Holly Hunter), the sister of the guy he murdered. His mild manner and passivity make him immune to the new freedoms he'll experience outside of jail, and so his release seems like more of a punishment than a reward. By a stroke of luck he meets a spiritual man (Morgan Freeman) who runs a soup kitchen and community center. He is given a job as a parking attendant for the nearby nightclub. This job is the catalyst that brings him in touch with a young girl, Sofia (Kirsten Dunst), whose difficult home life has turned her into a self-destructive wreck, wasting her life on booze and drugs. However, her faith is restored by Manual's gentle way of looking out for her. Little by little, Manual's goodness--the result of years of guilt spent reflecting on his crime in prison--casts a ray of new light on everyone involved, including the young and troubled son of Adele. The strong cast of director Ed Solomon's debut all turn in superb, understated performances and the snowy Chicago streets and moody acoustic soundtrack add a chilling gravity to the very moralistic, Christian plot of this genuine film.
| Starring | Morgan Freeman, Billy Bob Thornton, Holly Hunter, Kirsten Dunst |
|---|---|
| Director | Ed Solomon |
| Studio | LIONS GATE HOME ENTERTAINMENT |
| Run time | DVD: 1 hr 37 mins Watch now: 1 hr 37 mins |
| Certificate | DVD: , Watch Online: |
| Genres | Drama |
| Language | DVD: English Watch Online: English |
| Released | DVD: 22 Nov 2004 Watch now: 10 Sep 2009 Production year: 2003 |
| Watch now | £2.49 |
| Format | DVD |
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Critics' reviews (2)
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This sombre, low-key drama is not what you'd expect as the directorial debut from the screenwriter of Men in Black and the Bill & Ted … movies. Contrary to its title, Ed Solomon's reflective film is never frivolous, treating its themes of redemption and forgiveness with almost pompous respect. In a performance as slow and plodding as the tale itself, Billy Bob Thornton plays convicted killer Manual Jordan who's released from prison after 22 years inside. Haunted by his crime, he tries to make amends by befriending his victim's sister (Holly Hunter). With its gentle stillness and muted visuals, the story skilfully conveys the quiet emotion at the heart of Manual's spiritual quest. Although events occasionally feel contrived, not least the urban gangsta subplot, the largely understated acting is appealing, and there's some surprisingly wry dialogue. It may be too solemn and ponderous for many, but it's a commendable first feature nonetheless.
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Most helpful member's review
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9 out of 13 people found this review helpful
Redemption
This film is one of those films one hasn't heard of before, and finds by accident, but is very glad to have done so.
Manual Jordan (Billy Bob Thornton) after 21 years in prison for murdering a young man returns to the town of his crime. There, by chance, he meets a pastor (Morgan Freeman) who runs a community youth centre in a run-down part of town. The pastor gives him a room and a job, so by night he works with the pastor. By day he watches and follows the sister (Holly Hunter) of the man he murdered, in the hope he can some how make amends for his crime. Kirsten Dunst is a rich kid throwing her life away, on drink and drugs, in the nightclub opposite the youth centre.
The four main actors play their parts well and are all interesting (in this film as always I think) to watch, especially Billy Bob Thornton.
It is a 'small' film with a fairly simple and predictable plot, but I found it completely captivating and enjoyable. It basically explores the theme of redemption through the different characters. It has a basic message that life is messy and complicated but people can still do good things. It has quite a satisfying ending without being overly sentimental.
I definitely recommend this film, as its well worth the time watching it. -
Most recent members' review
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1 out of 1 person found this review helpful
Intriguing
What intrigues me about Billy Bob is wether he is a great actor or just naturally enigmatic, I was spellbound by his performance in this low key film. He is so convincing as the repentful loner and aided by a good cast.
Well worth a watch! -
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Levity
Billy Bob Thornton stars in LEVITY as Manual Jordan, an ex-con recently released from a 21-year jail sentence, who is seeking redemption from Adele Easley (Holly Hunter), the sister of the guy he murdered. His mild manner and passivity make him immune to the new freedoms he'll experience outside of ...
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