The Kindness of Strangers

The Kindness of Strangers

I am not a fan of this recent string of Netflix films that are foreign but attempt to pass themselves off as in the U. S. Just take place "in" the country it's supposed to be, why not? That isn't normally a huge deal in these films, but it was a definite distraction in this one. For starters: -If you're going to fake a city, don't fake NYC unless you have a TON of minority extras. Where did all the black and brown people go in NYC?! -Nice fake NYC skyline. -Way too much obviously European architecture in the buildings. Way too many people doing really poor American accents. The dad cop? Obviously Dutch or German. The kids ALSO had Dutch accents lol! The dark haired guy who helps the protagonist? Dutch or Russian accent. -Again, the dad cop bad guy, FYI to whoever cast this film: No American cop has EVER looked like that. He should've been like "Eh son, come home, we go to disco." -Typical of these films, there's one true blue American that is supposed to make us think it's in the U. S. Didn't work. The story itself is vaguely poignant, and it speaks of a real serious problem in the world. But I just couldn't get past the "fake American" setting with very poor effort to make you think it's there. How many Russian-only banquet halls are in NYC? Lol. Oh, and no human on Earth would say to a complete stranger they just met "I don't think anyone loves you". Pretty bad dialogue in this film, too. Probably "lost in translation" from some Dutch or Russian saying.

What is wrong with me? Why do I watch a movie with so many 9 and 10 ratings and I see crap? Is it the boring story? The corny acting? The fact that it's supposed to be New York and it's filmed Canada? Probably all of the above. Just because a movie has a "feel good" vibe, doesn't make it a good movie. Remember, a 10 rating means perfection. If you think this is perfect, we're from different worlds.

There's nothing wrong with this movie except everything. The concept has such good potential but there is no follow through. The acting is fine but the actors don't have much to work with. The script is curt and clunky. There is no chemistry between characters. There is absolutely no back story for any of the characters except Claire and even that is shallow. Nothing is explained properly. It try's to be heartfelt but it's just boooorrrrriiinnnnggg. The two young boys were the best part of this movie. I really wanted to like it.

It is a moving movie; it has a very good plot and quality performances; it is too undervalued; I highly recommend it.

The core story is about a young mother of two boys, married to an abusive policeman. They live outside the city and as the movie starts Zoe Kazan as Clara is driving into the city with the boys, her explanation is they are taking a short vacation. In reality she is getting away from her abusive husband, desperate for a way out and to a better life for her and the boys. In the process things happen and her survival depends on the kindness of strangers. A nurse who leads a self-help group, workers at a soup kitchen, a manager of a Russian restaurant, and assorted others. The success of the movie depends on how Zoe Kazan carries her part and she carries it well. Good movie for anyone who has an interest in human relations. We watched it on Amazon movies via ROKU streaming.

And beautifully observed, well acted and atmospheric. It tells a simple story, believably, to a beautiful soundtrack. A thoroughly enjoyable film

Love the cast, the acting, the writing, the story- all of it was so clever and intertwined. A really beautiful story of how small acts of kindness can mean the world to other people. Bill Nighy and Zoe Kazan are amazing actors and them together is everything I didn't know I needed. Give this movie a shot, it will bless your soul.

Well we have been here before. European director makes a film set in the US but it deals with the US as if it were a caring country with social programs instead of a cutthroat capitalist Darwinian xperiment Hence the negative comments from some who do not recognize the place no guns no car-chases and are totally at sea This is a lovely sweet if totally unlikely scenario. Everyone is very nice and if not at first they become nice. The one baddie gets his comeuppance because the system gets it right. Everyone cares. So yes a Danish filmmaker's view of a potential Nueva York You'd almost want to live there. If that was a real place Bush the son would be vindicated. We'd really all want to live there; we'd want those "freedoms" Absolute must-see if you like humanity and have faith in it; if you think violence brutality money might is right etc are missing here look elsewhere this film is not for you. It makes you feel warm inside. It heals you. And yes it is slow-er than Speed or Tarantino. It is about life and hope even when things are not rosy ... And Tahar and Zoe are both ORRSOME actors ...