Winter’s Bone (2010)

• DIRECTED BY: Debra Granik
• STARRING: Jennifer Lawrence, John Hawkes, Dale Dickey, Isaiah Stone, Ashlee Thompson
• RATED: R
• OPINION STARS: 4.5 out of 5
• THIS FILM IS: Gritty, Suspenseful, Dark

DESCRIPTION: Set in the heart of the Ozarks, Winter’s Bone follows resourceful 17-year-old Ree (Lawerence) as she embarks on a search for her missing, drug-dealing father when his extended absence endangers the entire family. Nominated for 4 Academy Awards including Best Actress (Lawrence).

• VIOLENCE & GORE: 8/10
• UNSETTLING CONTENT: 8/10
• FOUL LANGUAGE: 8/10
• MATURE THEMES: 7/10
• SEXUALITY & NUDITY: 0/10

NOTE: Grim and unsettling thought it often is, Winter’s Bone is a touching story of loyalty, perseverance, and self-sacrifice. Jennifer Lawrence as Ree is beyond excellent: she’s mesmerizing. As another reviewer commented, “Pity Ree, question her decisions, wonder about her future. But the girl does not quit.” It truly is something to watch her character fight so resolutely for home and family. The supporting actors are uniformly superb (particularly John Hawkes), and the crisp cinematography is nearly as stunning as Lawrence’s performance. Highly recommended.

• FOR AGES 16+

“I’d be lost without the weight of you two on my back.
I ain’t going anywhere.”