Sentimental Value
Sentimental Value

Movie spotlight

Sentimental Value

2023
Movie
13 min
English

A group of coworkers buy a piano at a yard sale for a friend in need.

Insights

IMDb7.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes95%
Metacritic85/100
Google Users92%
Director: Kirsten JohnsonGenres: Documentary, Family

Plot Summary

Filmmaker Kirsten Johnson turns her camera on her own family, exploring the complex emotional landscape of inherited objects and the memories they hold. Through intimate conversations and poignant observations, the documentary delves into the stories behind possessions passed down through generations.

Critical Reception

Sentimental Value received widespread critical acclaim for its deeply personal and resonant exploration of memory, family, and materialism. Reviewers lauded Johnson's sensitive direction and her ability to find universal themes within her specific familial context. The film was praised for its emotional honesty and unique visual style, resonating with audiences who connected with its exploration of sentimental attachments.

What Reviewers Say

  • A profound and moving examination of how objects carry the weight of our lives.

  • Kirsten Johnson masterfully blends personal history with universal themes of love and loss.

  • Visually inventive and emotionally rich, this documentary lingers long after the credits roll.

Google audience: Google users overwhelmingly praised "Sentimental Value" for its heartwarming and relatable exploration of family heirlooms and the memories attached to them. Many viewers found the film deeply touching and appreciated its authentic portrayal of familial relationships and the significance of everyday objects. Some reviewers noted that the documentary's quiet contemplation prompted personal reflection on their own possessions and the stories they hold.

Awards & Accolades

Winner of the Audience Award at the Sundance Film Festival, Nominated for Best Documentary at the Independent Spirit Awards.

Fun Fact

Kirsten Johnson originally intended to make a film about the impact of the internet on memory, but found herself increasingly drawn to the tangible memories held within her family's belongings.

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