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Rated: PG
Starring: Morgan Freeman, Jessica Tandy, et al.
Director: Bruce Beresford Review
Winner of the Academy AwardŽ for best picture of 1989, this gracefully
moving drama, adapted from the hit play by Alfred Uhry, chronicles the
25-year friendship between a stubborn, aging Southern widow (Jessica
Tandy) and her loyal chauffeur (Morgan Freeman). At first, the
self-sufficient Miss Daisy is reluctant to accept the services of a
chauffeur, but Hoke is quiet, wise, and tolerant, and as the years pass
the unlikely friends develop a deep mutual respect and admiration. Tandy
deservedly won the Oscar for her sassy and sensitive performance, and
Freeman earned an Oscar nomination for bringing quiet depth and integrity
to his memorable role. Ironically, director Bruce Beresford (Tender
Mercies) was not nominated, but the film won Oscars for makeup and for
Uhry's screenplay, in addition to a supporting actor nomination for Dan
Aykroyd as Daisy's supportive son. Delicate, funny, and bittersweet,
Driving Miss Daisy was a surprise hit when released, and marked the
crowning achievement of Tandy's great career. --Jeff Shannon
----------- This is a superb film with
excellent performances, a strong story line and a beautiful setting! It's
all about an aging but strong minded southern belle (Jessica Tandy) who
builds a strong and enduring friendship with her patient and unflappable
chauffeur (Morgan Freeman). At first they were adversaries that couldn't
agree on anything, but as the years passed they built a friendship based
on mutual understanding and respect. This wonderful movie also stars Dan
Aykroyd, Patti Lupone and Esther Rolle. This beautifully made masterpiece
features Bruce Beresford's wonderful direction, excellent performances by
ALL of its actors, lead and supporting and a memorable music score. This
gem of a film also features tons of beautiful and picturesque southern
scenery, as it was filmed on location, in and around Atlanta. This is
definitely one film you'll want to see, unfortunately they don't make
movies like this anymore. This was a sleeper when first released in
theaters, but went on to become a box-office smash and an American
classic. If you enjoy Jessica Tandy's performance, be sure to see her in
Fried Green Tomatoes (1991) with Kathy Bates, The Birds (1963) with Tippi
Hedren and Rod Taylor and The Seventh Cross (1944) with Spencer Tracy,
Agnes Moorehead and Tandy's real life husband Hume Cronyn. Morgan Freeman
fans should see Lean on Me (1989) with Robert Guillaume, Lynne Thigpen and
Regina Taylor.
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