It is a feel-good movie based on a true story about a young wannabe artist who wants a forgotten Russian master's help and advice on how to be a great painter. The first five to ten minutes I was so happy with what Ray Liotta had to bring. However I didn't feel the same about Trevor Morgan. At times his acting was probably the only thing that bugged me about this movie, but it was good enough and it couldn't have possibly ruined the effect of the film. Then I found out the true gem of this picture - Armin Mueller-Stahl. Nicholi Seroff is probably one of the greatest characters I've ever seen in a feel-good movie. His acting made me feel like a real artist. Seeing him eat his breakfast with vodka while insulting John (Trevor Morgan) in one scene and then talking about true art with a pure heart and tears in his eyes was one of the greatest experiences I have ever had.Besides Mueller-Stahl there are lots of other influential performances, such as Perlman's cocky and kind of gay character (I was amazed, I never would've expected Ron Perlman to take such a role and he delivered it at 110%). Diana Scarwid's acting was so warm and relaxing and I think I fell for Samanta Mathis. Of course Ray Liotta's homophobic performance was hilarious. And I liked the whole idea of the movie which was basically a classical artist's view on the "crazy" modern world. It deals with one of the main problems in modern art, as Perlman's character puts it - does sentiment have a place in it? My only regret about this film is that it never got to the big screen in my country. My only hope is that some day I will be able to show this movie to my kids. So if you are an artist yourself or just an admirer - this is probably one of the best art movies you'll ever see. I give it 9/10 just because of Morgan :D

Once in a while a film comes along that gives you hope in humanity and in the ability of the film industry to really say something meaningful. George Gallo (Director/Writer) uses the voice of an experienced older man, who is a master artist, to express his feelings to a young artist about his views of life and art, which equals the wisdom of an experienced sage. With lines like, "True art is beautiful," "True art really says something," and "An atheist can't paint true beauty," the movie is filled with profound wisdom. Although Seroff obviously believes in God, he is anything but self-righteous. He drinks vodka and uses profanity to prove a point. Much of his wisdom comes from the loss he has suffered, both from people he loved and the opinions of critics who know nothing truly about life or great art. The young artist, John, is a special soul who knows what he wants to be and is an older soul than his father, who tries to stifle his son's sensitivity and creative genius. Every aspiring painter or musician or artist of any kind needs to see this film.

A must see film for people who love good true stories about following ones passions, Too bad that big studios are only about big $ and think that the public does not want to see good movies that don't have the shoot um up, kill, action. I believe people do want to watch movies that inspire people to follow their dreams. As a film maker myself I thank George and his Wife for not giving up. If you are lucky enough to have this film come to your town go see it and tell your friends to see it. Note The big studios said that no one wanted to see My Big Fat Greek Wedding, who was wrong about that. Not the public.Hang in there George.

I just saw this incredible movie at the Sedona Film Festival and met the director, writer and artist, George Gallo, on whose own youth this true story is based. I could not be more enthusiastic in my recommendations for this film, AND it could use support, as he and his wife mortgaged their house to make it. So please see it and if you like it, tell your friends.As an artist myself, I can well relate to the "death of art" described by the elder mentor in the film, who is discouraged by modern art and its snobbish disregard for the classical artists who passionately seek to capture and share a moment of divine beauty. Even more so, it is a powerful and sensitive human story of the power of love to redeem the tragedies of the past. Other reviewers have described the plot better than I. My intent is to alert all artists of any media, and those who care about beauty and love to go see and support this film. Gallo said it was very difficult to get it distributed because it lacks sex, violence and destruction, as though that were all we moviegoers want to see. What a parallel to the theme of the movie itself, in which the elder artist laments that too much art is no longer about inspiring us or sharing beauty, but to express the ugliness and violence of the world.