Housekeeping

... like much of Forsyth's work. If you're looking for something that makes everything clear and easy to pin down the moral and ethical edges of, don't bother. But if you're willing to take a real shot at seeing things a little differently, take a look.

Story is warm and interesting. I enjoy seeing it and the end was left open, what happened Ruthie ja Sylvie? People in the film were just like normal life, they take care each other. Chistine Lahti,Andrea Burchill were great, but most wonderful was Sara Walker. How can it be so that this was her only movie? I have never found any other film shes playing.

I wish this movie were available on DVD!!! Christine Lahti does her typically superlative job of depicting a woman whose values come from the heart rather than deriving from the dictates of western civilization. As always, she expresses the best of the free spirit which I believe can be found in any one of us. Two young sisters end up in the custody of their aunt Sylvie, who has spent her life having abandoned the trappings of western civilization in general and of consumerism in particular. In order to support her young nieces, Sylvie returns from the wild, so to speak, and helps to raise the girls in a manner which allows them to see the freedom of disassociation from society and its dictated "norms".

i own "housekeeping" and have watched it more times than I can remember. (as well as read the equally wonderful book) my favorite movie-i doubt any could ever take its place. it is perfect in every way.

From Marilynne Robinson's book about two orphaned sisters who are raised by their dotty, irresponsible aunt after their mother commits suicide. Downbeat story builds to inevitable resolution (with the aunt's lifestyle questioned by the authorities), yet the film's actual climax pulls the rug out from under the viewer, cutting short the voice-over narration and leaving a myriad of questions unanswered. Still, the darkly comic, quirky overtones are arresting, and the characters--helpless, drifting, directionless people--are vividly well-played. Some of the writing and presentation is arty and alienating, but one cannot forget Christine Lahti's leading performance so easily: flaky, frustrating, puzzling, she's one-of-a-kind. ** from ****

*Housekeeping* is easily one of my favorite films-- haunting, poetic & deeply melancholy, the film is very much like the poetry of Mark Strand: principally concerned with longing for something & not knowing what, being restless, etc. Haunting Pacific Northwest scenery! Impeccable performances, moving sountrack.

The way this movie ends with the shot of the railroad tracks - reminded me of the way in school they ask two parallel lines ever meet? Mathematically the answer is no but visually it's hard to believe. That dichotomy is at work here in what you feel has been done will happen. The ambiguity is refreshing when most movie makers or studios feel that `happy' or obvious ending are the only thing an audience will take. I was so moved by this movie I also read the book which is as wonderful... A total total joy.