Tender Mercies

The most distinctive aspect of Duvall's Oscar-winning performance is the way he underplays just about every moment. He evokes world weariness without needy self-pity, concentrating on the hesitancy and ache of it instead. Writer Foote got an Oscar, too. The film has a quiet, literary quality that Beresford realizes with delicate care. Pushing the film's emotion would make it crumble under the high drama of it all. Letting it play out with a restrained realism gives it a much greater impact.

Fine work from all concerned on this spare, laconic celebration of grace and redemption in an imperfect universe. Ellen Barkin is very moving and memorable as the country singer's estranged daughter.

"Tender Mercies" is a profoundly moving, character-driven drama anchored by Robert Duvall's Academy Award-winning performance. The film's deliberately slow and reflective pace enhances its powerful emotional impact.

rated up because i still cry everytime i listen to duvall singing

Excellent drama with a great ensemble cast, and Robert Duvall really shines in this one.

A tender movie indeed. The vibe and underplayed acting by Duvall and Jesse Pinkman’s mother is really fine. The van with bearded music groupies is adorable. The flat landscape and story don’t reach for greatness and its unfortunate that it ends like a dying candle, but that said, for some reason it makes me sad to realize that this movie will eventually not be seen by anyone anymore, sinking into oblivion because it lacks staying power - sad, but acceptable at the same time.

Duvall is on fine form, and the story of his healing relationship with Harper's character is engaging and nicely told. And the glorious 92 minute running time is a big plus in itself.

Robert Duvall is incredible and that's probably the most important thing that can be said about this movie.

A very tender film starring Oscar-winning Robert Duvall (who won an Oscar for this film) and written by Oscar-winning writer Horton Foote (who also won an Oscar for this film). It has all the right parts for a great film. Duvall is amazing in this and it has a very nice and tender story of a musician past his prime...

79.000

Unsurprisingly, I didn't like this melodrama about ex-alcoholic ex-country singer and his family.

I realize it's not THAT good, but I really enjoyed it, plus Duvall was great.

The performance by Robert Duvall is amazing. The film itself left me cold. Maybe I'm just not the intended demographic.

Worth watching for Duvall alone.

Boring. Extra poinst 'cause of Robert Duvall.

Why Robert Duvall felt he had to make this film again, in the form of 2009's Crazy Heart, is beyond me. This was a great film. There was no need to do it again. Did he think he could improve upon it? He did not. Skip Crazy Heart and check this out instead.

Great, great, great acting duvall deserves more than one oscar for this movie, it's simply amazing. The story is touching, at times charming, and of course it's sad. I really wish it had a more focused plot, though.

Robert Duvall is quietly one of the greatest actors alive.

A great performance from Robert Duvall.

Finally Duvall gets his oscar....and deservedly so.

# 725

If you hate Paris, Texas (like I do), then you'll love this sublime variation, which features an actual script, story, and reason for being. Robert Duvall earns his Oscar with a simple, stoic performance, and damn near everyone involved seems to be awed by the simple "values" they keep circling around. Moral: you can't trust happiness.