On Golden Pond

M: V and I took a break from our Halloween movie spree to watch the 1981 movie On Golden Pond. I am glad we did. I cannot say enough about this movie. Here it is, 11:15 at night, we just finished the movie, and I had to sit down and write. This movie is both heart wrenching and heart warming. Katherine Hepburn and Henry Fonda play two "old poops" (their words, not mine) spending a summer at their cabin on a lake in the woods. They learn to cope with their increasing age and the inevitability of death, while mending their relationship with their adult daughter (Jane Fonda) with the help of her 13 year old step-son to be. The wit and love between the main characters is so fun and touching. Henry Fonda gives a masterful performance, well-deserving of the many awards he received for the part. In fact, On Golden Pond was nominated for academy awards for best picture, best actor, best actress, best supporting actress, best screenplay, and best director (a total of 10 nominations). It won best actor and best actress, deservedly. Chariots of Fire edged it out for best picture. The music and filming are beautiful and add the final touch to this masterpiece. Plenty of swearing, but all done in good humor. This is an absolute must see. One of the best movies I have ever seen. 4 stars.

V: The dialogue in On Golden Pond is some of the best and most charming I can remember in a movie. It was clever and funny and, at times, really touching. The final scene is so very poignant. The acting was wonderful, the setting so beautiful - in New Hampshire - I want to go to there. It really was a pleasure to watch. The relationship of this couple who had been together for decades was so sweet and tender. Am I using "so" a lot? It was just so good. Cuddle up with your sweetheart and watch this. Rated PG. 4 stars.