Levity (2003)

An all-star cast play vivid characters in Levity, about an ex-con named Manual Jordan (Billy Bob Thornton) who finds the sister (Holly Hunter) of the young man he killed many years ago, seeking forgiveness. By accident, he gets involved with a preacher (Morgan Freeman) who has his own demons; Jordan ends up as the custodian of a soup kitchen with a parking lot that also serves patrons of a nearby club, so long as those patrons are willing to sit through 15 minutes of a sermon by the preacher. The narrative depends on a lot of coincidences and some implausible behavior--but the story is secondary. Levity focuses on the characters, which are brought to life by the excellent cast (including Kirsten Dunst as a self-destructive club-goer). The movie lays out its themes of redemption and atonement a bit heavily, but it creates some very human moments along the way. --Bret Fetzer Amazon.com

Powerful but with a flaw

This movie pulls you into the story and holds you there. You may even start talking to the characters. I hate movies that are predictable (I can usually predict what is going to happen next in a Hollywood movie), but this one was SO REFRESHING, because I was constantly surprised by each upcoming scene and dialog!!!
It is a movie about an adult trying to make amends and trying to receive forgiveness after killing someone while young and immature. It stirs up plenty of emotion, and had me weeping a few times.
The area where the movie shows weakness in the script is where some of the characters said they didn't believe in God. If that's really how they believed, then why seek forgiveness from a stranger? Why show any compassion or remorse at all? In fact, you might as well kill whoever you like IF there's no final judgment and IF God isn't watching! The problem is that the characters actions didn't always line up with that belief system. (And of course, there is going to be a judgment, just read the Bible for yourself if you have any doubts. The apostle Paul, who was once anti-Christian, later spoke with the risen Jesus, and willingly died for his faith in Jesus. Paul said we will ALL be judged by Jesus, and that EVERY knee shall bow to Jesus.)
Nevertheless, I give this movie a strong 5-stars. I plan to keep this in my movie library and watch it over and over. The people are likeable, the plot is good, the acting is believable, and the whole movie is refreshingly different and thought provoking. November 26, 2008

Good idea, badly executed

Didn't even bother finishing this. Acting is fine - lots of great actors, story just takes itself far too seriously and turns you off quickly. Morgan Freeman, as usual, is very annoying. If you're a fan of Morgan Freeman, it's unlikely you will dislike this movie. January 18, 2008

SMILES OF A WINTER NIGHT

LEVITY is the first movie written and directed by Ed Salomon. In spite of the presence of Billy Bob Thornton, Kirsten Dunst, Morgan Freeman and Holly Hunter, the film didn't do well when it was theatrically released so let's just hope that the DVD market will give it a second chance. Because LEVITY simply deserves a second chance.

LEVITY is a fable with these characters who seem to be all protected by a visible or, for some of them, an invisible presence. So, Billy Bob Thornton, with the help of Morgan Freeman, will be able to find peace in his mind and Kirsten Dunst, Holly Hunter and her son will be able to make peace with their past thanks to Thornton. The buckle is closed and, as in a fable, LEVITY delivers a strong moral message. It could have been a Disney movie but it's not because Ed Salomon's characters are multidimensional and the director scatters light symbolic notes throughout his movie, just think about how Billy Bob Thornton has to deal with his incapability to understand the numerous jokes people say to him or his inability to simply smile.

A DVD zone hidden treasures. March 29, 2007

Billy Bob just doesn't shine, he glows in this gem!

I will definitely echo the sentiments of others here, and what has been said. When I picked this up at a clearance sale at my local video shop, I had no clue what I was getting into, especially when at the time I was still skeptical of Billy Bob Thornton. I will admit that I did enjoy his work in "Monster's Ball", but I still needed more convincing. "Levity" confirmed that he is indeed a talented actor worthy of my respect. His work in this film was nothing less than outstanding, and this role seemed to be tailored just for him. Strong and moving performances by none other than Morgan Freeman, Holly Hunter and Kirsten Dunst. A must see!

February 5, 2007

Very well made anti heroe movie.

I was really surprised by this film. Its so good to see this kind of movies with such beautifull stories behind them. May 1, 2006

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