
Limbo
1999, Drama, 2h 6m
39 Reviews 250+ RatingsYou might also like

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Where to watch
Limbo Photos
Movie Info
After a traumatic accident years ago that left others dead, Joe Gastineau (David Strathairn) has lived a life full of guilt, leading a solitary existence as a fisherman in Alaska. After he meets lounge singer Donna (Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio), he starts to fall for her and open up. However, when Joe's half brother (Casey Siemaszko) returns, asking for help, it sends Joe, Donna and her daughter, Noelle (Vanessa Martinez), on a boat ride that will change their lives.
Cast & Crew
Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio
Donna De Angelo
Donna De Angelo
David Strathairn
Joe Gastineau a.k.a. Jumpin' Joe Gastineau
Joe Gastineau a.k.a. Jumpin' Joe Gastineau
Vanessa Martinez
Noelle De Angelo
Noelle De Angelo
Kris Kristofferson
'Smilin' Jack Johannson
'Smilin' Jack Johannson
Casey Siemaszko
Bobby Gastineau
Bobby Gastineau
Kathryn Grody
Frankie
Frankie
Critic Reviews for Limbo
Audience Reviews for Limbo
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Jun 30, 2013John Sayles' Limbo is a fascinating film on many levels. It's a drama in the truest sense of the word, with interesting characters, relate-able situations, realistic world building, and character dynamics that interweave seamlessly to create a really compelling story. At the same time, Limbo is markedly different from other dramas. It utilizes a unique narrative format, unconventional in its approach. It shifts between characters, juxtaposed with other story-lines, but all in an inner-connected and coherent way. So unconventional is this approach, that Limbo almost mesmerizes the viewer with its story and themes. We are never so much concerned about the plot developments as we are the characters themselves, and how they are feeling in any given moment, a hallmark of excellent direction, and any intelligent drama. As such, Limbo's script is both intelligent and often ingenious. It clearly has a point, but underscores it in a very subtle way. The dialogue took a while to get used to, but remains consistent and true to itself, in such a sort of stylized way, that it becomes part of the film. The acting in Limbo is also quite strong, with a terrific ensemble cast. This is headlined mainly by the underrated David Strathairn, with one of the best dialed-down (as his characters often are) performances of his career. He is matched well with Mary Mastranton and Vanessa Martinez, in an especially impressive performance. The one aspect of Limbo that some are bound not to like is it's ambiguous ending. Some may look at it as a cop-out. Such criticisms are valid to an extent, although I found it daring. Had the film not earned the moment, I'd be upset, but, as it were, it felt in-line with what the film was trying to convey, an enormous sense of uncertainly, with both characters and the physical world. 4/5 StarsJeffrey M Super Reviewer
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May 10, 2013An ex-fisherman falls in love with a singer, but their relationship is tested when they are stranded in the Alaskan hinterland. This film is two films in one. The first is a continuation of <i>Silver City</i> set in Alaska, and the second is a mildly compelling survival tale. I side with the anti-corporate political points director John Sayles elaborates on in the first part of the film, but like <i>Silver City</i> and anything Richard Linklater has ever done, the politics seem preachy and aren't especially compelling as a story. The survival tale is pretty good, but it doesn't reach the levels that films like <i>The Edge</i> or even the less compelling <I>127 Hours</i>. Other critics have called the ending of the film "contrived" and a "cop-out," and only because they have commented on it, I'll weigh in with my agreement. Sure, the ending fits with the title and maybe even the film's theme (this is a place in between modernity and tradition), but I ultimately just rolled my eyes during the credits. Overall, I think fans of John Sayles know what they're getting, and most people would only find this film because they like Sayles.Jim H Super Reviewer
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Apr 04, 2009An absorbing story about appealing, rounded characters. The more you think about the way it ends, the more you realise that any other ending would betray the purpose of the story.Robert F Super Reviewer
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Sep 24, 2008Another winning film from Sayles.Anthony V Super Reviewer
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