Read Positive User Reviews for Youth (2015)

8

Brent_MarchantDec 13, 2015

A sublime, thoughtful treatise about youth and aging, what we do with the time in between, and how well we understand it all as we move through the process. With its gorgeous cinematography, its superb performances by Harvey Keitel and JaneA sublime, thoughtful treatise about youth and aging, what we do with the time in between, and how well we understand it all as we move through the process. With its gorgeous cinematography, its superb performances by Harvey Keitel and Jane Fonda, its diverse and emotive musical score, and its beautifully layered writing, the film is a feast for the senses and leaves viewers with a lot to think about in its wake. Despite a few slow passages in the picture's first hour, "Youth" grows on you the further you get into it, wiping away any memories of this shortcoming. Allow yourself to be moved by the experience, and you'll come away richly rewarded.… Expand

3 of 3 users found this helpful30

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7

foxgroveDec 4, 2015

This is an offbeat and charming film that resonates due to skillful writing and beautifully sensitive performances from an eclectically inspired cast. Directed with restraint the film is basically, and simply, an observational slice of lifeThis is an offbeat and charming film that resonates due to skillful writing and beautifully sensitive performances from an eclectically inspired cast. Directed with restraint the film is basically, and simply, an observational slice of life set in a Swiss spa where the characters converge and converse to compelling effect. It’s a true original with a possible career best turn from Michael Caine and great support from Rachel Weisz and Harvey Keitel. Only Jane Fonda disappoints, but that’s probably because all the hype surrounding her one scene leads to the inevitable result of expectations being placed too high. The film also has a wonderful Swiss location and great music that is emotively integrated.… Expand

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

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8

LeZeeDec 4, 2015

The youthfulness ever presence, despite the living matter nears to cease.

Half a year ago the first look poster of this movie's stirred everyone including myself. Not seen such kind of posters for even movies like 'Blue is the WarmestThe youthfulness ever presence, despite the living matter nears to cease.

Half a year ago the first look poster of this movie's stirred everyone including myself. Not seen such kind of posters for even movies like 'Blue is the Warmest colour' and 'Nymphomaniac I & II'. It is obvious the director of the Oscar, Golden Globe and BAFTA winner for the movie 'The Great Beauty' delivered another similar ordinary concept about extraordinary fictional personalities. And the way of their life, especially when they meet the difficulties at some point of their lives.

From all, the casting of Michael Caine caught my interest on this. This is another wonderful movie with the hard work of the fine cast and the crew. There is a good chance for the movie in the upcoming Oscar and other prestigious awards node in a couple of categories, including for the Caine's performance. Because it looks like made for awards, rather breaking records at the box office.

Whatever the topic of the movie is, 'love' stands at the centre of the web. Human affections for each others, losing someone you love and at a same time falling for another. All about passing through 'love' in the life and in which, how strong is our grip on it to carry along with us to the end of the life was illustrated pretty compelling way.

The theme was bold, and everything shown was realistic. But it also makes some illusions to brief the other side of reality. For instance, a Buddhist monk who demonstrates his peaceful achievement, a fat man kicking a tennis ball high in the air et cetera, all these are the youthfulness of who are no more youths, citing as a desire for beyond their limits which is obviously what the title implies.

I won't expect everyone like the movie as I did, because it is not made for everyone. But you could try it and then decide your thought on this film. That is one of the way the movies like this can work for the people who are choosy sometimes.

8/10… Expand

3 of 4 users found this helpful31

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10

tzara11Dec 5, 2015

A sweet film with captivating and wonderful perfomaces from a magnificent cast.
michael Caine deserves all his praises for the best best role in the last years of his amazing carreer, but also the rest of the cast (Weisz over everybody) areA sweet film with captivating and wonderful perfomaces from a magnificent cast.
michael Caine deserves all his praises for the best best role in the last years of his amazing carreer, but also the rest of the cast (Weisz over everybody) are great.
Sorrentino together Bigazzy give us their usual beautiful shots, for a little, beautiful movie, less ambitious respect the great beauty but hower vibrant and heartfelt.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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9

argonauta_rsrFeb 10, 2016

To every one who call Youth pretentious, or say there no story , my advice is go to watch Fellini 8 1/2 if the The Great Beauty was a "modern" version of La dolce vita . again Sorrentino brings a new interpretation of the FelliniTo every one who call Youth pretentious, or say there no story , my advice is go to watch Fellini 8 1/2 if the The Great Beauty was a "modern" version of La dolce vita . again Sorrentino brings a new interpretation of the Fellini universe. Sorrentino is one of the best thing happened in film in the last decade and every new film is just delightful, shame he is misunderstood for people who only express envy and people who doens't have enough film culture to uderstand where his ideas come from.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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7

smiyamotApr 3, 2016

Great actors in major and minor roles. A joy to watch. The movie itself, well, maybe I just didn't get it. Was it the directors choice to make a offbeat independent type movie? Or did the story line just get mixed up in the cutting room?Great actors in major and minor roles. A joy to watch. The movie itself, well, maybe I just didn't get it. Was it the directors choice to make a offbeat independent type movie? Or did the story line just get mixed up in the cutting room? Or was the story line about artists and how their brains are just way different from us ordinary folks?… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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7

EpicLadySpongeApr 2, 2016

Youth is an everyday life-changing event we go through every single day.... 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, randomized weeks a month, 12 months a year, 365 days a year, 366 days a leap year, 10 years a decade, 100 years a century, 10 decades aYouth is an everyday life-changing event we go through every single day.... 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, randomized weeks a month, 12 months a year, 365 days a year, 366 days a leap year, 10 years a decade, 100 years a century, 10 decades a century, 1,000 years a millennium, 100 decades a millennium, and 10 centuries a millennium.… Expand

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8

LynMar 6, 2016

The lead actor in this director's "The Great Beauty" had a world-weary face you could get lost in, and he kept you connected during all of that film's gorgeous weirdness. Caine and Keitel don't quite do that, but their depth and wit do anchorThe lead actor in this director's "The Great Beauty" had a world-weary face you could get lost in, and he kept you connected during all of that film's gorgeous weirdness. Caine and Keitel don't quite do that, but their depth and wit do anchor this film admirably. I enjoy thinky-talky movies and so enjoyed this one, which had some of the same types of visual delights and surprises as "Beauty." The plot is not very cohesive and the payoff rather mild. Still, it's a film to experience and enjoy, especially if you're not young anymore.… Expand

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7

beingryanjudeJan 2, 2016

With a powerful aesthetic and a thought-provoking look at life, YOUTH is unusually stunning. Its grandiose cast soars above the Alps - and Jane Fonda will have you wanting more and more.

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9

moviemitch96Dec 29, 2015

Wow! Can I just start by saying how incredibly underrated this film is!? I've noticed that the word "pretentious" has been thrown around an awful lot when describing this film. That word means nothing to me anymore, as it's become such aWow! Can I just start by saying how incredibly underrated this film is!? I've noticed that the word "pretentious" has been thrown around an awful lot when describing this film. That word means nothing to me anymore, as it's become such a cliche word and I've decided that it's simply used by people who don't understand or appreciate art films or beautiful films such as this one and just use the word to dismiss the film and at least sound intelligent or sophisticated by doing so. Regardless of what anyone else thinks of this film, I absolutely loved it! It brings together an absolute top-notch cast, all of which give equally memorable performances! Dare I say that this just may be Sir Michael Caine's best performance of his career! Harvey Keitel, Rachel Weisz, and Paul Dano all deliver grand performances alongside him. Jane Fonda proved to be quite the scene-stealer in her brief, but powerful five-minute scene! As for the rest of the film, what can I say!? Everything about it was breathtaking and beautiful in one way or another! The cinematography, along with the many dazzling slow-motion shots are a feast for the eyes! The score also really stood out to me, especially in the film's final act! Also, the many messages that the film delivered through its though-provoking dialogue and symbolism had me pondering and marvelling the film long after I left the theater! So overall, this is one of the most beautiful, memorable, thought-provoking films I've seen all year, and certainly one of the best I've seen all year period! And honestly, I can't remember the last time a film left this big of an impact on me to the point where I found myself at a loss for words at its sheer beauty by the time the credits rolled!… Expand

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9

frankrog29Dec 21, 2015

I just rewatched Youth and changed my score from an 8 to a 9. Youth is surreal, dreamlike, beautiful, poignant, mesmerizing, and melancholy. Paolo Sorrentino has created a moving film unlike any other you will see this or any other year. Mr.I just rewatched Youth and changed my score from an 8 to a 9. Youth is surreal, dreamlike, beautiful, poignant, mesmerizing, and melancholy. Paolo Sorrentino has created a moving film unlike any other you will see this or any other year. Mr. Sorrentino is quickly becoming one of the best directors to establish himself in the last 15 years. In addition, all of the actors in Youth turn in superb performances. Youth is a beautifully haunting film that will stun you and linger in your mind for some time after you leave the theater.… Expand

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8

MattBrady99Mar 31, 2016

"Youth" is a visual beauty of a film, that's basically show and don't tell. This is the definition of art, with it's gorgeous cinematography and how the film explores love, humanity, wisdom and pain in it's main story. Michael Caine, Rachel"Youth" is a visual beauty of a film, that's basically show and don't tell. This is the definition of art, with it's gorgeous cinematography and how the film explores love, humanity, wisdom and pain in it's main story. Michael Caine, Rachel Weisz, Paul Dano and Harvey Keitel all give terrific performances.

The movie dose have some pacing issues, as I felt like some scenes dragged out a little bit, but I'm not sure if that's done on purpose or by mistake since this movie is out of it's mind when it comes to it's style of film making. Some people may think that this movie is too pretentious (some of the reviews I've seen), but I didn't think it was and it didn't bother me that much.

I highly recommend seeing "Youth" if you like movies that are very dreamlike and focuses on it's visuals.… Expand

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8

slant_notJan 4, 2016

As usual, Slant gets it wrong - no surprise there - but Joe Morgenstern of the Wall Street Journal is a bit of a shocker: he usually has taste. At any rate, take out those two reviews and you'll get a good overview of the strengths andAs usual, Slant gets it wrong - no surprise there - but Joe Morgenstern of the Wall Street Journal is a bit of a shocker: he usually has taste. At any rate, take out those two reviews and you'll get a good overview of the strengths and weaknesses of the film. Yes, there are scenes that ring false, but what a treat the film is overall, with its passages of surpassing beauty. And not just the visual: the dialogue, the characters, the insight - there are so many deeply true moments - more in this brief 2 hours than there are in a score of other big-budget Hollywood flicks. On the other hand, you know who you are: if you liked "The Great Beauty", you'll appreciate Sorrentino's language and his vision. If you disliked his previous film, there's no sense in spending your time with this one, for it won't make its mark either.… Expand

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10

BurrowsjOct 24, 2016

Simply a fantastic movie that reminds us that everyone has a future and that we should find or rekindle passion in life. An amazing cast and many surreal moments.

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10

mc042Nov 25, 2017

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. A truly beautiful movie. Phenomenal cast, great acting. Felt emotional after watching it, both times. It's really atmospheric and not at all plot driven, so I just didn't mind the few WTF moments.… Expand

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7

InTrippyEntropyJun 24, 2019

At one point during "youth", directed by Paolo Sorrentino, a character says, "focus on some insignificant detail." And that's sort of sums up what's wrong with this film. Beautifully shot, well acted, you don't want to quit watching, but theAt one point during "youth", directed by Paolo Sorrentino, a character says, "focus on some insignificant detail." And that's sort of sums up what's wrong with this film. Beautifully shot, well acted, you don't want to quit watching, but the simple-minded dialogue keeps interrupting. And Harvey keitel's character seems to exist for no other reason but to annoy, with his disagreements and dogmatic utterances. I like watching Michael Caine, who plays an accomplished but retired composer, talk about the past, his regrets, which are interesting, but not inspired as it thinks it is. I was really looking forward to a short scene with Jane Fonda as an aging Diva telling off a long time director friend. But even though she's good in it, it's not very good. The dialogue is cliched and shallow. There's a great scene near the end where Harvey Keitel imagines all of his leading ladies speaking lines of dialogue. From all different time periods. It's interesting and cool and meaningful. But you'll probably reach the end of this movie feeling like you didn't get it. But maybe there wasn't really that much to get.… Expand

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7

DawdlingPoetNov 24, 2021

This is a drama film with music as its main theme or element. Other themes include nostalgia, reticence and family. I found myself a bit unsure about this film at first, with the main plot not being made at all clear until a good few scenesThis is a drama film with music as its main theme or element. Other themes include nostalgia, reticence and family. I found myself a bit unsure about this film at first, with the main plot not being made at all clear until a good few scenes in - it seemed unclear what who was who and what was going on, which didn't appear to be a great deal at the time, with people lounging about outside the fancy hotel for most of the time.

I felt this was quite an enjoyable, sometimes sad and somehow relatively endearing film once the plot started to build. I reckon there are few people who, once reaching a certain stage in life, say perhaps their mid 30s (which is roughly my age), doesn't look at younger generations and wonder how different life is for those much younger than us, compared to when they were that age themselves and to generally ponder about where they've been in life and whether things were worth it. It is relatively philosophical in parts but its not entirely morbid, thankfully. There are some fairly comedic scenes present, one being when Freds daughter badgers him to say what her ex had told him about her, which, lets just say, is a bit personal but it quickly goes from an embarrassing moment to some shared hilarity. There is a definite feeling, or sense, of absurdity at times, which I'm not entirely sure what to make of. There is also some relatively witty dialogue at times - it is a bit re-assuring in a sense, although its hard to explain quite how.

Pace wise, its quite slow and ambling and as such, I wondered if its quite right to categorise it as a drama film but most of the other genres wouldn't fit, with drama being probably the closest match. I somehow found it pleasing that Fred saw that some of his presumed prejudices weren't actually the case, that he learned that some younger people can be surprising - he even helps a very young boy who struggles with his violin playing, which I found quite touching. I liked the way that it seemed Mick and Fred got pleasure from seeing such seemingly small, or insignificant, things.

Yes it is certainly sentimental and cheesy in some respects but overall, I felt it was well made and featured a good cast. Cast wise, Michael Caine plays Fred Ballinger, a stoical, philosophical sort, who is quite stubborn and frankly rightfully so! while Harvey Kietel plays Mick Boyle, Freds friend. Other cast members include Rachel Weisz as Freds daughter, Lena, Alex MacQueen as the Queen's Emissary and Paul Dano as Jimmy Tree. Also present are Paloma Faith, who makes a brief appearance and also Jane Fonda, as Brenda (Lena's ex's new 'beau').

Unsurprisingly, there is a fair amount of music featured in this film, which is mostly of the classical, some big band but otherwise conducted, type or style. It is quite good - it felt well pitched and thought out. I felt the piece played at the very end, which is mainly a slow vocal piece, sounded really quite haunting, with a bit of an ethereal feel to it.

Content wise, the film contains some nudity, with people having stripped to use the facilities in the spa, thats both male and female nudity is featured at times, although not in an especially sexual way. There is a sex scene featured but it isn't particularly graphic. There is some strong language featured and one or two sad scenes. It has been given a 15 rating to reflect this.

There were some shots featured in the film which I thought made good use of some perhaps untraditional camera angles, with the camera zooming up from the ground to emphasise what was going on in a particular scene and similar things. Other scenes feature low lighting, with the hotels lighting glowing, it makes some rooms look even more atmospheric and perhaps somehow magical than maybe they might otherwise have. Again, thats hard to explain without you having seen it yourself but suffice to say, I appreciated the cinematography.

It kept my interest throughout, which is pretty good going considering slow paced films can bore me sometimes. I liked that it didn't seem to be too patronising towards the main characters, which was a relief, so I felt. One memorable quote from the film is as follows:- "'I've grown old without ever understanding how I got here" (spoken by Fred). In that sense, it is really quite reflective and philosophical, more specifically about love and loss although also generally I suppose as well and this won't suit everyone but I certainly enjoyed it.

Yes, I would recommend this film. It seemed quite thoughtful, well thought out and features a decent cast, so I would recommend it. However, if you don't care for sentimental and nostalgia based films, then this may not be for you.… Expand

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