When this movie started, I didn't exactly know where it was headed. However, it took a turn and became so beautiful. The characters felt so real - all of them had their own struggles, their imperfections and their insecurities. Another thing which I loved about this film was that the women were so strong, yet so ordinary. The part on feminism was the absolute best!

I was looking forward to watching this movie because I liked Beginners, by the same director and I was not disappointed: this story has a similar understated quirkiness, but it is a bit less melancholic.The whole cast is convincing as a group of lost souls living in Southern California in 1979. Annette Bening is Dorothea, the 55yo single mum of 15yo Jamie. Due to their age gap, she finds it difficult to connect with Jamie. Dorothea asks Julie, a teenage friend of Jamie and Abbie, a lodger in her house, to help her raising Jamie.Their unconventional living arrangement is completed by William, another lodger in Dorothea's house. In his 40s, William could be a much needed father figure for Jamie, but the two do not get along.Increasing tension in the house pushes Jamie to run away with Julie. This in turn leads to a temporary re-connection with Dorothea, but we gather that their relationship was never easy or close and it is only in memory that Jamie finds solace and understanding for his long deceased mother.1979 was a transitional period: the end of whatever was left of the hippie era and the beginning of the yuppies. Punk rock was about to die, but it still seemed in good shape. Unfortunately, that was also period during which were developed some distortions in our society, perceived as "liberation". The growth of technology, fast travel, fast fashion etc...which resulted only in increased stress, frustration and chaos.I felt almost nostalgic watching a not too faraway time when people could live life without cell phones and the internet... However, without the internet I would not be here writing reviews... Great story though, and great soundtrack: a lot of Talking Heads' music is featured in the film, which I liked since I am a fan.

I really like all the 70's, punk and feminism approach. Even today, not every boy/men have the sensitivity to understand the women body and world. We still see men's disrespecting the "weak" sex. Every teenage boy should have an Abbie to have the possibility to understand our world, to act with kindness and equality. Good movie.

The most significant aspect about this movie is that the main character (the kid) is in the middle of the story but also is not. It is more about the influence of other people on him then growing up. His education in different ways is the most interesting idea of the writers. Both Elle Fanning and Greta Gerwig are well written characters and add an new layer to the movie (esp. in the middle part and towards the end). Annette Bening as mother is also well performed and illustrates a contrast to the other two women although she is also busy with raising her child.The movie has a nice atmosphere, good dialogue (esp. when talking about the life) and convinces with mostly interesting characters and an all in all worthwhile story.In contrary the movie is quite wordy in the first part and the story is well written but sometimes to monotonous. I also think that they could've gone more in debt with the character development esp. of the kid's character.So should you see it? Yes! If you want to watch a soft drama about life and growing up you won't be disappointed. With some vivid scenes and the life itself as an overall topic the movie masters to create an optimistic atmosphere. If this isn't your style you should probably leave this one out.