I’ve already written twice about Jonathan Demme’s Rachel Getting Married - first pointing out that the trailer suggested a fairly cliche film and secondly to point out that the film was actually  getting stellar reviews. I am happy to report that the film is actually quite amazing.   It’s funny, a big chunk of my friends went to a wedding this past weekend (I didn’t) and that (and the fact that everyone I went to high school with seems to be married) got me to thinking about weddings (and all that jazz) and how I’ve always focused on work more than plans of that nature. So it’s kind of funny that a film about a wedding couldn’t do more to reconfirm my desire to make films and to find new ways to give people access to cinema.

The film opens with Kym (Anne Hathaway) getting out of rehab and going straight to her Dad’s home where they are getting ready for her sister Rachel’s wedding.   I almost don’t want to say anything more, as the film is best when you know very little.    What I will say is that it is filled with great actors (professional and more amateurish folk) and beautiful musical moments.   It is about family and self and how the two sometimes can’t connect.

Mostly though, what I will say is skip any reviews that go into specifics and give this film a chance.   It is raw yet graceful, quiet yet loud and I cried at both happy and sad moments.    And as we prepare to go full speed ahead into Hollywood formulaic Oscar films, this may be the most refreshing film you’ll see for quite some time.   It makes me want to make films.

Just for kicks, the trailer is after the jump - but don’t let it fool you

I will say that after you see the movie the trailer is 20 times better.

And be sure to takepart and learn more about Demme’s last film Jimmy Carter Man From Plains and how you can work towards peace.