There's a lot to unpack in Greta Gerwig's solo directing debut. The semi-autobiographical Lady Bird is a sensitive and truthful coming of age movie that digs deep into mother-daughter relationships, but it's also about coming from a small town and wanting to leave ASAP. It's a drama where you might recognize yourself, but it's a wry comedy too, with a lot of knowing smiles and laughs. Gerwig gives even the smallest character a nice moment. If there's a theme here, it's that no matter how much you rebel against it, you can't really deny where you came from. Saoirse Ronan's character has renamed herself "Lady Bird", has problems with her mother (a great performance from Laurie Metcalf), can't wait to leave Sacramento for college, etc. But through a novelistic accumulation of evidence, we're meant to understand that these rejections are futile, and that you can't exactly reinvent yourself from scratch. Thoughtful, funny, sad, and beautiful.
I usually hate rebellious teen characters. This isn't a very popular opinion - rebellious teens drive a lot of cinematic stories. But I roll my eyes every time one comes on the screen, someone who thinks they're invincible, that what their parents say doesn't matter, with no moral compass to be found.
I cannot understate how surprised I was when Lady Bird ended and I did not feel this disdain for Christine a single time, even though she is a rebellious teenager.
How were Greta Gerwig and Saoirse Ronan able to achieve this? Subtlety.
The camera just kind of follows the characters, we don't feel like we're watching actors on a set. And then something happens... BAM!
Lucas Hedges is gay. My favorite part of the movie.
The turns and cuts are so sharp.
And the message isn't in your face, waving its preachiness with obnoxious zeal (20th century women, I hated it). It's... subtle.
Gerwig and Ronan deserve the most praise out of anyone, although Laurie Metcalf will likely get some awards love.
What sets this funny coming-of-age story apart is the mother/daughter relationship. Lori Metcalfe and Saoirse Ronan perfectly nail the peaks and valleys of raising a teenage girl. They can go from bickering over colleges to bonding over a dress in an instant. No other movie that I can think of has captured this dynamic so well.
This, as a debut does, at times come across as an exercise; Its fast paced and to a point. While it may leave a little something to be desired, it still hits all the right notes.
One can only hope that Saoirse Ronan’s Oscar clip is of her upset while having just lost her virginity while on top.
"If you love someone, set them free. If they come back they're yours..."
The first half of the movie, I was scratching my head wondering why this film was so highly praised. Plot points and characters were typical of those coming-of-age movies. The two awkward friends, the first crush, the big prom, the popular girl etc etc. I was a little bored, wondering where exactly the story was going.
The second half is where it started to pick up. Plots that you normally don't see in teen films are discussed, characters and their relationships are complex and intimate. Emotional moments in Christine's life are subtle and never drawn out; we get quick but effective cuts that mimic how fast and unpredictable life can really be.
When it ended, everything made sense and I felt complete as a viewer.
This is Gerwig's love letter to her hometown of Sacramento and her story of growing up as a teenager. The audience is treated to an intimate look at Christine's/Gerwig's life; superbly acted (believable dialogue, not a hint of melodrama). As a male viewer, there were a few parts that I couldn't really connect to but the relationships portrayed are things anyone will be able to connect with and will definitely tug on your heartstrings.
If you are a fan of coming-of-age films, this is one to check out. Recommended for those who are looking for something a little different in the female-teen-dramedy category.
Look, it's a perfectly fine coming of age story and I mean if you happen to like Greta Gerwig it's definitely an interesting and entertaining enough watch...However why some people went head over heels for it as if they haven't seen a coming of age story before I don't particularly understand. More curious to see where she goes next as a director, minor pacing issues and a few instances of slightly over the top comedy (the football coach who directs the school play felt like an SNL bit). But other than that it was definitely solid...But nominated for Best Picture? Uhhh yeah that's a little much.
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Comments 1 - 15 of 21
Siskoid
There's a lot to unpack in Greta Gerwig's solo directing debut. The semi-autobiographical Lady Bird is a sensitive and truthful coming of age movie that digs deep into mother-daughter relationships, but it's also about coming from a small town and wanting to leave ASAP. It's a drama where you might recognize yourself, but it's a wry comedy too, with a lot of knowing smiles and laughs. Gerwig gives even the smallest character a nice moment. If there's a theme here, it's that no matter how much you rebel against it, you can't really deny where you came from. Saoirse Ronan's character has renamed herself "Lady Bird", has problems with her mother (a great performance from Laurie Metcalf), can't wait to leave Sacramento for college, etc. But through a novelistic accumulation of evidence, we're meant to understand that these rejections are futile, and that you can't exactly reinvent yourself from scratch. Thoughtful, funny, sad, and beautiful.manwithpetgull
Did I miss something?? Extremely average/typical coming of age story.ntan
I usually hate rebellious teen characters. This isn't a very popular opinion - rebellious teens drive a lot of cinematic stories. But I roll my eyes every time one comes on the screen, someone who thinks they're invincible, that what their parents say doesn't matter, with no moral compass to be found.I cannot understate how surprised I was when Lady Bird ended and I did not feel this disdain for Christine a single time, even though she is a rebellious teenager.
How were Greta Gerwig and Saoirse Ronan able to achieve this? Subtlety.
The camera just kind of follows the characters, we don't feel like we're watching actors on a set. And then something happens... BAM!
And the message isn't in your face, waving its preachiness with obnoxious zeal (20th century women, I hated it). It's... subtle.
Gerwig and Ronan deserve the most praise out of anyone, although Laurie Metcalf will likely get some awards love.
5/5
peterskb45
What sets this funny coming-of-age story apart is the mother/daughter relationship. Lori Metcalfe and Saoirse Ronan perfectly nail the peaks and valleys of raising a teenage girl. They can go from bickering over colleges to bonding over a dress in an instant. No other movie that I can think of has captured this dynamic so well.Slylingual24
This, as a debut does, at times come across as an exercise; Its fast paced and to a point. While it may leave a little something to be desired, it still hits all the right notes.One can only hope that Saoirse Ronan’s Oscar clip is of her upset while having just lost her virginity while on top.
The Tramp
I think the real star of this movie is Bruce!Withnail33
"If you love someone, set them free. If they come back they're yours..."The first half of the movie, I was scratching my head wondering why this film was so highly praised. Plot points and characters were typical of those coming-of-age movies. The two awkward friends, the first crush, the big prom, the popular girl etc etc. I was a little bored, wondering where exactly the story was going.
The second half is where it started to pick up. Plots that you normally don't see in teen films are discussed, characters and their relationships are complex and intimate. Emotional moments in Christine's life are subtle and never drawn out; we get quick but effective cuts that mimic how fast and unpredictable life can really be.
When it ended, everything made sense and I felt complete as a viewer.
This is Gerwig's love letter to her hometown of Sacramento and her story of growing up as a teenager. The audience is treated to an intimate look at Christine's/Gerwig's life; superbly acted (believable dialogue, not a hint of melodrama). As a male viewer, there were a few parts that I couldn't really connect to but the relationships portrayed are things anyone will be able to connect with and will definitely tug on your heartstrings.
If you are a fan of coming-of-age films, this is one to check out. Recommended for those who are looking for something a little different in the female-teen-dramedy category.
Bermuda Jones
Helped me understand a girl's perspective more than I imagined. Very worthwhile.chunkylefunga
Can't believe critics are calling this a masterpiece, it's average at best.There's no real depth to the storyline and the 'shocks' you can see coming a mile off.
If Saoirse Ronan wasn't in it, the reviews would not have been soo kind.
royalspikey77
Excellent movie that grows and develops right up to the end credits. The cast are stellar throughout, well worth a watch.dajmasta94
Look, it's a perfectly fine coming of age story and I mean if you happen to like Greta Gerwig it's definitely an interesting and entertaining enough watch...However why some people went head over heels for it as if they haven't seen a coming of age story before I don't particularly understand. More curious to see where she goes next as a director, minor pacing issues and a few instances of slightly over the top comedy (the football coach who directs the school play felt like an SNL bit). But other than that it was definitely solid...But nominated for Best Picture? Uhhh yeah that's a little much.Banner44
Then we wouldn't have to sit through this stupid assembly. Laughed out loudReginaGeorge
This was a very nice movie-watching experience. New favourite.saudade
God bless this movie.moldypoldy
Sacramento's supposed to be a small town? They have a basketball team...Showing items 1 – 15 of 21