When I went to the cinema to see this film, I had no idea what it was about, and I am glad about that as in a similar vein to “Sixth Sense”, finding out the plot would spoil your enjoyment of the film. I will try not to give major plotlines away, while still making the opinion useful enough for you to decided whether or not you want to see this film.
The film starts with a young woman drinking coffee in a coffee house, and she strikes up a conversation with a very attractive young man who explains he has just moved into the area. The chemistry and flirtation between the two is obvious, however they exchange niceties, and part company outside the coffee house. Both of them want to call the other one back, but neither have the guts to, and they start to walk in opposite directions. When the man decides to turn and call out to the woman, there is an event, which means he will never be a part of her life again. Be prepared for a shock!
The film then moves on to meet Bill Parrish (Anthony Hopkins), a multi millionaire businessman, fast approaching his 65th birthday. He starts to hear voices in his library, and is soon confronted by a man who explains that he is Death. Brad Pitt plays the Grim Reaper, and he has taken over the body of a well dressed, articulate and very attractive young man. He explains that he wants to experience life as a mortal, and taste life as we all know it. At first Parrish resists, although he discovers that he soon to die as fate has decided it is his time. Parrish knows this is the case as he has been plagued by chest pains, and thinks he will have a heart attack. Death promises him more time on Earth to finish his business and say his goodbyes, but only if he can follow Parrish around. Parrish is forced to introduce Death to his colleagues and family, and he is soon known as Joe Black.
Joe soon meets Bill’s business colleagues, and he instantly becomes unpopular as he seems to directing Bill to make decisions which are not to the liking of his board, especially his prospective son in law Drew (Jake Weber), who hankers after Bill’s daughter Susan. Bill’s eldest daughter, Allison, played by recent Oscar winner Marcia Gay Harden dislikes Joe too. Harden portrays the whining, attention seeking daughter very well, and it is a shame she has been ignored as an actress for so long. The same does not apply to Bill’s younger daughter Susan (Clare Forlani), who we soon recognise as the girl from the coffee house. She and Joe have an undeniable chemistry, and they soon become lovers. The scene where they first make love is beautifully shot and accompanied by some equally beautiful music, and although Bill does not agree with their relationship, he cannot break Susan’s heart by telling her who Joe really is. It is this relationship that forms the nucleus of the film. Forlani is stunningly attractive, and her doe eyed portrayal of a vulnerable young woman was deserving of more praise than it got.
It is soon discovered that Drew is trying to sell Bill’s company from under him, and thanks to Allison’s husband Quince, this double crossing is discovered, and Joe ensures that Drew suffers for his actions.
The film while on the most part being serious, also injects moments of humour, such as when Joe discovers peanut butter, and when he adopts a West African accent. All of the actors acquit themselves very well, and the film as a whole is entertaining and original, and I cannot understand why it was not better received.
I will not give any of the ending away other than to say it is emotional and unexpected.
The film was officially the longest in 1998, at just over 3 hours. I have heard many criticisms that the plot was full of holes die to it being padded out, but I have to disagree. I did not once think a scene was too long or unnecessary, and initially in the cinema, and since many times at home, the hours watching this film have flown past.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Production Year: 2004 - Drama - Director: Nick Cassavetes - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over, 12 years and over - Starring: Rachel McAdams, Ryan Gosling, Gena Rowlands
A good review, not seen this film though at over three hours it would put me off a little, may save it for a rainy day. Andy.
GR-Design 11.01.2003 12:11
Haven't seen it, but at over 3 hours, it kinda puts me off!
Dardalius 10.01.2003 12:29
Good op. This is an excellent film, I knew nothing about it either before I watched it. It's the best way, I try not to see trailers, read reviews and keep well away from the 'TV documentaries' now before I see a movie.
Thanks
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Meet Joe Blackseemed almost fated to fail when it was released in 1998, but this romantic ... more
fantasy--a remake of 1934'sDeath Takes a Holiday--deserves a chance at life after box-office death. Although many moviegoers were turned off by director Martin Br...
Postage & Packaging: £2.69 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
Meet Joe Blackseemed almost fated to fail when it was released in 1998, but this romantic ... more
fantasy--a remake of 1934'sDeath Takes a Holiday--deserves a chance at life after box-office death. Although many moviegoers were turned off by director Martin Br...
Postage & Packaging: £1.21 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
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![Meet Joe Black [DVD] [1999]](http://picnica.ciao.com/uk/80525588.jpg "Meet Joe Black [DVD] [1999]")
![Meet Joe Black [VHS] [1999]](http://picnicb.ciao.com/uk/74877749.jpg "Meet Joe Black [VHS] [1999]")
![Meet Joe Black [DVD] [1999] [Region 1] [US Import] [NTSC]](http://picnica.ciao.com/uk/75113040.jpg "Meet Joe Black [DVD] [1999] [Region 1] [US Import] [NTSC]")
Jun 12th, 2001
(Jan 6th, 2003)
very helpful by (100%):
