The Way We Get By (2009)
Average Rating: 7.5/10
Reviews Counted: 24
Fresh: 22 | Rotten: 2
The Way We Get By is a thoughtful, poignant look at some unsung American heroes.
Average Rating: 6.5/10
Critic Reviews: 8
Fresh: 7 | Rotten: 1
The Way We Get By is a thoughtful, poignant look at some unsung American heroes.
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Average Rating: 3.8/5
User Ratings: 1,118
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Movie Info
American service men and women are a frequent sight at the Bangor International Airport in Maine; many troops returning from overseas assignments pass through the airport as they make their way home or to their next mission. Since the United States invasion of Iraq in 2003, over 800,000 U.S. soldiers have arrived at Bangor International, and nearly all of them have been met by Bill Knight, Joan Gaudet, and Jerry Mundy. Calling themselves "the Maine Troop Greeters," Knight, Gaudet, and Mundy are
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All Critics (24) | Top Critics (8) | Fresh (22) | Rotten (2)
It is straightforward work. Yet over time, it becomes clearly, steadfastly about the existential.
Top CriticWatching them issue hugs produces an involuntary response. You want to hug them, too.
Bring your handkerchiefs.
Although it has affecting moments, the film can't quite decide whether it's about aging or about the effects of war on the home front, and its modest scale is more appropriate for TV than the big screen.
Unfailingly modest and profoundly humane.
Aron Gaudet's film rages with quiet dignity against the dying of the light.
The earnest documentary is filled with many small moments that are heartfelt.
plucks every heartstring but never in a manipulative or maudlin way.
Both a moving testament to the elderly folks who meet the troops and an interesting look at the troops themselves.
A poignant and lovingly constructed documentary ... and, even though it doesn't wear its politics on its sleeve, it is quite a patriotic picture.
This is a nice documentary about nice people who are doing a nice thing.
I can't recall when I last noticed such a lovely and distinct color palette used in a documentary...a poetic reflection on man facing his mortality.
These remarkable individuals contribute to a story that is not just indescribably moving but is a timeless metaphor for our country.
A heartfelt, mildly fascinating documentary that lacks sufficient insight to keep you thoroughly intrigued and enlightened.
Contains more useful, homespun philosophizing and genuine sentiment than a year's worth of narrative films. That it's so well made is a bonus.
The Way We Get By stays focused on the greeters' mix of loneliness and determination, the pleasure of feeling needed and the pain of growing old.
The Way We Get By is neither pro- nor anti-war; it's a somber study of perpetually unsettled lives.
A beautiful, affecting documentary with an appropriately sweet original sound track.
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July 16, 2009:
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