I once saw Love Liza in 2003. At the time I wasn't overly interested in movies. I was young, and had bigger things on my mind. But for some reason Love Liza struck a chord with me. Maybe because I was kind've going through a hard time myself, or maybe because I had been surrounded by people affected by depression. One thing I know though, is that I never forgot that I enjoyed it. Now, 14 years later, I have finally watched it again, at a time where I love movies. I love poking holes in movies, and seeing how they're paced, the cinematography, the acting, the writing, everything. Now that I know everything I know, I can say that Love Liza is a near on masterpiece, and a massively intelligent insight into the life of one person suffering depression. I love the way it burns slowly in the beginning, and then becomes this uneasy machine throughout. Its a perfect example of a movie which needs nothing but its story. No stunts, no special effects, nothing fancy, just great writing, and an even greater actor. This is a movie I will comfortably watch once every 10 years, to see how I can relate to it in every stage of my life.

'Love Liza' tells the story of a young man's, Wilson's (Philip Seymour Hoffman) grief and struggle to come to term with the suicide of his wife, Liza. Gordy Hoffman's screenplay is a character driven piece that is covered with layers of darkness as it frighteningly reveals the disturbing effect of suicide on loved ones. It isn't an easy film to watch but it's insightful and a courageous effort. Todd Louiso does a competent job. His direction is minimalistic so as not to distract the viewer from Wilson. As character-driven films significantly depend on the lead actor, 'Love Liza' required someone of considerable talent and what a performance by Philip Seymour Hoffman. Admittedly he has played similar roles before and that too with excellence. Thus, he's just the right candidate for the part. Hoffman's effortless and understated portrayal is devastating. Kathy Bates is equally transcendent as Wilson's mother-in-law who is dealing with her daughter's death and frantically worrying about her son-in-law. Sarah Koskoff and Jack Kehler provide excellent support. Needless to say, 'Love Liza' is dark, disturbing and difficult to watch but a commendable effort that may be harder to overlook.

The most useless, depressing movie ever! No hero. No tension. No humor. There is no reason to watch this movie...ever. Hoffman is OK I guess, but his acting in this film ranges from catatonic to asleep. I don't mind depressing movies necessarily (Happiness, Weather Man for example are good ones) but this is just a waste of time. Kathy Bates is under-utilized, the landlord from The Big Lebowski is OK. I mean, a main character you don't like and don't care about? Why? SPOILER: the suicide note that you have been waiting for the whole movie is dumb, and the ending just leaves you wondering why. Why to the whole bloody thing!

Fantastic. I saw this film at Sundance a long time ago and recently rented it. I forgot just how much I enjoyed this film. I like the way the film moves through time and space without any over-arching plot contrivance. It is simple and sad and fantastically written and acted.PSH is a great actor and I have yet to see him in a film that is bad. I just rented Boogie Nights again and he was unbelievable in it. He is truly one of my favorite actors.This film goes down on my all time favorite list alongside films like Downhill Racer, The Taste of Cherry, The Brown Bunny and the Parallax View.