Review of Wrestling Ernest Hemingway

Leisurely-paced, remarkably sweet and entertaining character study about an elderly Irish codger in Florida striking up an uneasy friendship with a retired Cuban barber. Not especially original or revealing, but wonderfully acted and directed, with a beautiful sense of atmosphere. Written by 21-year-old Steve Conrad, whose natural-flowing dialogue and character development admirably shucks a formulaic pattern. In the leads, Robert Duvall and Richard Harris prove to be a striking screen match (at times, they may struggle with their characters' overall make-up, yet they create genuine people--not caricatures); Shirley MacLaine is also fine in a supporting role (in her book, "Thank My Lucky Stars", MacLaine gives hint this film wasn't a positive experience, though you wouldn't guess it from the end results or from MacLaine's excellent performance). Sandra Bullock also shines as a waitress. Not a blockbuster or a career watermark for anyone, but a gentle, moving film that leaves a thoughtful trace of its passion for life behind. *** from ****