Winter's Bone

Since we are into award season now, I am reviewing one of this year's nominated films that has not gotten much attention in the main stream, but impressed audiences at the Sundance Film Festival enough to earn it best picture and best screenplay. As for the Golden Globes, the focus is on Jennifer Lawrence, the film's young leading star, who picked a nomination for best actress in a motion picture-drama, the film's only nomination. 

The Story centers on teenager Ree Dolly (Lawrence) who, due to the absence of her drug-dealing father, must care for her two younger siblings and mentally ill mother in the mountainous Ozark territory. From shooting, skinning and stewing up squirrels to making sure her little brother and sister go to school and learn what they need to, Ree acts as the only capable head of the family. That is until the police show up and inform her that, should her father not show up for his scheduled court date, their land and home will be taken from them. As a result, Ree is determined to do almost anything to find her father dead or alive and save her family from homelessness. With some extremely unfriendly neighbors, Ree must endure things no one should have to endure, much less a 17-year old girl.

The story is dark and obviously a bit depressing, but it portrays real, rich characters living in a part of the country that is very rural and cut off. The strength and courage that Lawrence portrays as the no bullshit-taking Ree will have you rooting for her throughout the film. After watching this amazing character do everything she can to save her family, I am not surprised in the least that Jennifer Lawrence is up for best actress. It does contain some drug use and violence, but those things are relevant to the storyline. One scene in particular may be hard for some of you to watch, but it's worth it, I promise. This film is now available on DVD and through Netflix. I hope everyone will take the time to see this one.

Overall rating: 8.5 out of 10