This is a visually beautiful post-modern Western, heavy on symbolism (Swedish director) The mature Robert Redgrave (Einar) and Morgan Freeman (Mitch) live in a symbiotic relationship of mutual support in their physical and emotional distress, whose lives become once more meaningful when the young granddaughter is accepted into the home. This leads to the reconciliation with daughter-in-law Jean (Jennifer Lopez) who was accidentally responsible for the death of Einar's son. She rather speedily makes a play for the sheriff and he is part of the idyllic happy ending.
But, in a symbolic sense the main character is the bear. His attack crippled Mitch and when he is captured he is locked in a cage in the town zoo. Mitch however persuades Einar to set the bear free to go back to the mountains as a bear cannot be guilty and punished for being a bear, he represents a force of nature which must be given due respect.
So far so good.
For me the treatment of Jean and her lovers is disappointingly conventional. It seemed to me that Gary, the aggressively violent lover who beat her up, is startlingly like the bear: the same red hair, the shape of the mouth and the snarl that flashes when they are upset, the quick strike of the claw. Jean's face is bruised by him in a way that echoes the way Mitch's is scarred by the bear. It would therefore have made more psychological sense if understanding for the bear's nature could have been reflected in the treatment of the man and he could be offered something of the same redemption. To beat him up, send him out of town and substitute the clean-shaven sheriff as partner is just too easy. Sadly, the potential for something more meaningful was there but ignored. Gary (Damian Lewis) in spite of his dangerous temper was desperate for the woman he loved and, as Lewis is an actor who can project vulnerability as well as violence, some kind of insight into Gary's lack of control would have made more sense of the bear symbolism. The whole point of art is to offer closure to the human dilemma so this leaves me with an empty feeling. An opportunity missed.

In this movie Robert Redford plays a Wyoming Rancher who is working hard to keep his land after losing his son in a car crash. Morgan Freeman puts in a great performance as his old friend and ranch hand that was badly mauled by a grizzly bear. Into their lives comes the woman who he blames for his son's death as she flees from a boyfriend that is abusing her. And she brings with her daughter who we learn is Robert Redford's granddaughter who he knew nothing about.

Robert Redford's character starts off set in his ways and beset with deep anger for the death of his son. As he is forced to face his anger and the blame he has to place on the woman. We see him opened up to his granddaughter and share an adventure with her. Which eventually leads to forgiveness and the building of a family. Morgan Freeman's character is dependent on Redford's daily care and plays a role in helping him on his path to forgiveness. Becca Gardner plays the granddaughter who's life so far as made her tough, yet we can see that she had a good upbringing. It was nice to see a believable little girl who was well--mannered.

There is a sub-plot that has to do with Freeman's characters connection to the bear that mauled him. Which for some reason makes him feel responsible for the creature. His character is always on the sidelines, but is the glue that helps us invests in all the other characters. This is a character driven film that works because of the great acting of all the characters in the movie. This movie is worth watching.

This is not your average 'heartwarmer'. it deals with deep issues at times, such as domestic violence, that makes sure the film does not create the 'fairytale' feeling that comes with the usual heartwarmer,however the beautiful relationships that blossom between the charachters ensure your spirits remain uplifted throughout. this film is definately an overlooked success with great performances from robert redford, Morgan Freeman, and Jenifer lopez (who steers away from her usual 'jenny from the block' persona).

This is a story of the ability forgive others aswell as yourself. Great casts!

"An Unfinished Life" is the inscription on 21-year old Griffin's tombstone. He died in a car accident and the driver was his pregnant wife Jean (Jennifer Lopez). Ten years later, Jean is trying to raise their daughter but is being abused by her boyfriend, Gary. She runs to her husband's father (Robert Redford), a bitter old cowboy who has a ranch in Montana where he cares for his only friend (Morgan Freeman). Einer has never forgiven Jean for his son's death, but grudgingly lets them stay with him. Meanwhile, Gary is searching for Jean and is getting closer.

This little movie is really a gem. It's quiet and gentle and the actors are wonderful. Redford looks the part of the beaten-up old man consumed by hatred and grief. Lopez is also good, and Freeman gives his usual stellar performance. The mountain setting is breathtaking and serene, and there is a nice subplot involving Freeman and a grizzly bear that is quite touching. I don't know why this movie didn't reach a larger audience, but I do recommend it. It's a realistic look at people who need to forgive, be forgiven, and find meaning in their lives. Excellent.