Deeply satisfying.
E. Levy | Wayland, MA United States | 09/24/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The orchestral sounds are beautiful and evocative of the loneliness and heartbreak depicted in the movie. Thankfully there are no vocals to distract from the mood. Lurie's score is lush and suffused with grief and unrealized possibility, as well as hope and redemption. Although soundtracks of movies such as this one can easily be cliched and overly maudlin or sentimental without much depth, there is much about this one that rings true. The musical description of the bear (jaunty, jazzy, sassy, irreverent, and at times dangerous and threatening)is especially perceptive, given the role of the bear in the movie as metaphor for the terrifying things that we must all face. An excellent score, beautifully performed."
A Must Have...
LadyMohan | KING OF PRUSSIA, PA USA | 01/26/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Definitely see the movie before buying the soundtrack, as the score have so much more meaning...
Like the other review here, I too found this score does a wonderful job at depicting the lonliness and heartbreak of the film, but also balances with forgiveness and redemption. And it's all orchestra...no vocals! Having vocals accompanied on this score would have distracted immensely. This is a soundtrack I am finding myself listening to often and highly recommend this movie as well as the soundtrack. What is so sad is the that the bear does signify the fear/teror we all must face, but so few of us take that leap of faith needed to face the giants in our lives. This film (and soundtrack) takes us through the process and then celebrates the triumph of an ordinary man who held onto grief and unforgivensss for 10 years, who finally decides to let it go. Truly a haunting but thoughtful score that will inspire in the listener/viewer to find the courage within to face one's most terrifying battles...despite the fear."
An Okay Movie
Donna J. Billingsley | Colorado Springs, Colorado United States | 04/02/2008
(4 out of 5 stars)
"An Unfinished Life
This movie was okay. I didn't hate it and I didn't fall in love with it. The scenery is magnificent and the soundtrack was fabulous. It was so fabulous that I bought it! A very easy listening sound with a hint of westerness (is that a word?) to it. I highly recommend the music."