Maryville Pawprint Maryville Pawprint, Maryville University's Student Newspaper
If you were alive or know people who lived during one of the most influential time periods in contemporary American pop culture – you’ll know how much of an impact hippies have had on our society.
Bruce Beresford’s Peace, Love, and Misunderstanding – a delightful tale of love, family, and activism; will be sure to leave audiences mesmorized, laughing, and singing along. The movie, which opened on June 8, is showing at the Plaza Frontenac cinema.
Jane Fonda and Catherine Keener star in Peace, Love, and Misunderstanding. Image courtesy of IFC Films.
Jane Fonda plays Grace, an eccentric, lovable hippie grandma who lives on a farm in Woodstock. She hosts many gatherings where “the magical herb” is shared by guests (yes, this movie’s “R” rating is mostly based on its drug content!)
Grandma is visited by her daughter Diane, played by Catherine Keener. Diane, an uptight conservative lawyer, decides to visit her tree hugger mom with her two kids; Zoe, played by Elizabeth Olsen, and aspiring filmmaker Jake (Nat Wolff.) Together they embark on an adventure that proves to be a culture shock, as they are faced with the grandmother’s hippie life on the other side of the spectrum. On this journey, they meet several friends, including butcher Cole, played by Chace Crawford.
What was meant to be a quick weekend getaway turns into a summer filled with love, adventure, romance, and self-discovery; and may allude to a family secret.
With music of the era, this hippie-tastic tale will be sure to leave you intrigued and wanting more. The film is incredibly powerful with its uplifting messages about family values and letting go of your fears. It will have you wanting to laugh, cry, dance and say “aww” as you watch the characters embark on their journey learning more about themselves.
Even though I personally was not alive during Woodstock, I do have a passion for the music and culture that characterized that time period. Therefore, I went into this film knowing I would like it and I came out having loved it. It was truly one of those few films that I can say I loved every minute. Even if you aren’t a fan of the hippie generation, the storyline and romances will make you enjoy it as much as I did.
Grade: A
