I haven't watched an emotional movie in a long time, but this one really hit me hard. The Straight story is about an elderly man who makes a long journey of redemption and forgiveness.Alvin Straight is humble old man who lives in a small town called Lawrence in Iowa. He lives with his daughter Rose who is a little slow mentally. One day, Alvin receives a phone call that his brother Lyle has had a serious stroke and who resides in Wisconsin . Not having seen his brother in 10 years, Alvin makes a journey of lifetime, he fixes up his old lawnmower, hitches a trailer to the back of it and hits the road intent on seeing his brother and forgiving him. Along the way he encounters different people and impacts them in a good way. My wife and I watched this for a our Disney marathon and it really touched us. We both thought what it would be like to make the same journey. This movie is very touching and the best part of all is it is true. It is a story about two brothers who were best friends, became bitter enemies, and one brother wants to have that same relationship again and make amends. It will bring tears to your eyes, make you laugh, and make you realize that our lives our short and that the will to forgive and the journey it takes is all worth it. 10/10 for The Straight Story

David Lynch's "The Straight Story" is undeniably his most compassionate and thoughtful film to date and remains emotionally effective to this day. Additionally, more themes and messages can be drawn with each viewing. The story covers an older Mr. Straight as he makes his way to another state on a lawn mower to see his brother. Performances are authentic and genuine all across the board with some touching moments that feel so emotionally raw for a "G" rated film. While it may be a David Lynch film and his stamp is certainly on it, the story feels straightforward and far from abstract as you might expect. However, that doesn't take away the deeply thought-provoking nature of the film.The story seems to explore old age and one old man's place in a world he has trouble seeing himself again. One who can't do the things he can anymore but wishes maybe certain things were different. We see a man coming to terms with who he is and what choices he's made in his life and while it feels soul searching, it never becomes pretentious or preachy. Lynch and the screenwriters manage to balance realism and emotional interpretation of the character's circumstances. Story and performances aside, "The Straight Story" is technically brilliant and beautifully constructed. Breathtaking landscape shots feel painted with the most saturated of colors while every close-ups capture character's emotion and response in a natural way.This is definitely a slower paced film which might turn the younger audience off. There are times when the pace can drag and become a little inpatient but once someone finishes the film, they'll want to see it again. This is not only a highly recommended (and forgotten) David Lynch film but just a wonderful movie in general.

73-year-old Alvin Straight (Richard Farnsworth) from Laurens, Iowa takes a tumble. His challenged daughter Rose (Sissy Spacek) is concerned. He won't let his doctor do tests. Then he receives word that his estrange brother Lyle (Harry Dean Stanton) had a stroke. He is determined to go see his brother in Wisconsin. He can't drive and there's no bus. So he decides to modify his lawn mower for the long trip.This is an interesting little indie. There are a lot of tiny oddities in this. First this is directed by David Lynch without any of his usual surreal touches. He is really gentle here letting Farnsworth do his acting. There are some quirky touches here and there. He puts in some beautiful music. Spacek makes an interesting choice with her stutter. She has a funny moment in the beginning. Alvin is an old self-reliant guy. He's charming in his old school ways. The story is funny and bitter sweet.

This project was launched by David Lynch's editor (and future wife), Mary Sweeney, who secured the rights and co-wrote the screenplay, then it really took off when Lynch himself signed on to direct and stuntman-turned-character-actor Richard Farnsworth was "coaxed out of semiretirement" (I read somewhere online) to play the lead. As often seems to happen with "based on a true story" movies, the script gets stretched pretty thin at times (the parable about the sticks that Straight tells the teenage runaway seemed familiar from grade school), and the backstory that slowly emerges may seem a little too pat, but Farnsworth's disarmingly natural acting style is just right for the part, and Lynch's eye for the hidden beauty of the nondescript landscape and his perfect pacing bring out all the drama and poignancy of Alvin Straight's journey. Straight's story made me think of what Woody Grant in Alexander Payne's "Nebraska" might have been like if he'd managed to turn his life around.