Although he did an unbilled part the following year in The Legend of Bagger Vance, Jack Lemmon went out with like John Wayne did in The Shootist with a film that shows the man's philosophy of life. As Professor Morrie Schwartz, a college professor dying of Lou Gehrig's disease, he imparts a lot of wisdom to one of his former students, Hank Azaria who is drawn into spending time with him and learning how to really live and love. Azaria looks forward to spending his Tuesdays With Morrie.The film has no real plot, it's basically a two character film with a little time for Azaria's girl friend Wendy Moniz. Both Lemmon and Azaria play beautifully off each other.Azaria at one time wanted a musical career, but he became a sportswriter and one good at his trade. But writing about the accomplishments of athletes whose achievements while lauded by fans aren't really doing anything to make the world a better place. He's so much on the run to various sports events that Moniz just tells him to straighten out his priorities before she commits. Lemmon, a former English professor of Azaria's from Brandeis University, is just the man to do it. Although Lemmon's character is hardly like Theodore Roosevelt, he would agree with the old Rough Rider when he says that 'life and death are part of the same glorious adventure'.Oprah Winfrey produced Tuesdays With Morrie and it earned an Emmy Award to go with those two Oscars that Jack Lemmon got in his long and distinguished career. Lemmon hits so many emotions within the viewer at the same time you watch the film knowing you're seeing not a movie, but a testament.Tuesdays With Morrie is recommended for all film viewers who if they're not fans of Jack Lemmon they will be after seeing this.

This movie does the book justice! Being one who just loves this book, i was skeptical as to whether the movie would do it justice! Both Jack Lemmon and Hank Azaria do a brilliant job and it is just such a beautiful movie! Lemmon is absolutely perfect for the role of wise, old Morrie, whom is just so lovable in this role. All of life's greatest lessons can be learned from watching this and it really captures the essence of life and friendship itself. Really moving, thought provoking and touching. Keep a box of tissues handy, because the tears will be streaming all through it!!A simply beautiful movie that will change your view on life and really teach you what it means to be living!!

One of a kind film that teaches us to enjoy each day and not take anything for granted. Also teaches us about amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and its devastating effects on even the most fun-loving of people (Jack Lemmon) and how someone's illness and imminent death can affect those closest to the victim (family as well as close friends) in both a sad and positive way. I thought this was a beautiful film and Jack Lemmon gave an excellent performance. When he was saying goodby to his "favorite pupil" on his deathbed and lectured him one last time "I'll be buried by a beautiful oak tree, you talk, I'll just listen." This movie has both a sad but beautiful ending in getting across the message that death is a part of living and shouldn't be feared. Maybe this message is too heavy for some of the other so called critics but we all have to face up to it eventually.

This is one of those rare television events that didn't dumb itself down in order to reach a wider audience. It stayed true to the book and the only complaint I could see were minor problems with pacing. All-in-all, I regard this work as what I hope television will become but am fearful these types of shows will remain the exception.