Movie spotlight
A Reason to Live
"This film is about depression, although it's not that depressing. I suppose it has a message of faith and hope in it ... it does for me .... But then again my interest may not match yours. It was shot in San Francisco and in Central Oklahoma with a cast of one man and four women. Crushing emotions are indulged in against a massive meteorological background that brings inspiration and terror to the characters involved."
Insights
Plot Summary
A terminally ill, elderly man, a retired professor, chooses to spend his final days in a nursing home, reflecting on his life and confronting his mortality. He grapples with loneliness and the loss of independence, seeking meaning and peace in his remaining time.
Critical Reception
A Reason to Live was a critically acclaimed made-for-television movie, praised for its sensitive and poignant portrayal of aging, illness, and the human condition. Henry Fonda's performance was particularly lauded.
What Reviewers Say
A deeply moving and thought-provoking examination of life's end.
Henry Fonda delivers a powerful and unforgettable performance.
A sensitive exploration of aging and the search for dignity.
Google audience: Audience reviews are not widely available for this older made-for-television film, but critical reception highlights its emotional depth and strong performances.
Awards & Accolades
Nominated for an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or a Special (Henry Fonda).
Fun Fact
This film marked one of Henry Fonda's final television roles before his passing.
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