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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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 Online: 1 hr 37 mins |
| Certificate | DVD: , Watch Online: |
| Genres | Drama |
| Language | DVD: English Watch Online: English |
| Released | Production year: 2003 To Watch Online: Watch Online: 10 Sep 2009 To Rent: DVD: 22 Nov 2004 |
| Watch now | £2.49 |
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.
10 out of 14 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 ... read more »
[Highly rated reviewer]
A weak story redeemed by an outstanding cast performance
I can understand why so many reviewers of Levity find it 'slow', 'plodding' or even 'boring'. On the face of it, Levity has a simple and... read more »
Levity
This movie isn't going to get you excited. For me it was slow and methodical which, with such a very stong cast, was surprising. Individual performances ... read more »
Quite a Find!
This film may be too deep for most. Although a little slow moving, this is part of the beauty of the film, as with most meaningful films. This gives you time to... read more »
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