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East of the Mountains

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East of the Mountains

Released Sep 24, 2021

1h 33m

Drama

Adventure

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Popcornmeter

100%

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21 Reviews

55%

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Fewer than 50 Ratings

Ben Givens (Tom Skerritt), a retired heart surgeon and recent widower who learns he has terminal cancer. Determined to navigate his final days on his own terms, he shares the news with no one--not even his daughter (Mira Sorvino)--instead traveling back to his boyhood home in Eastern Washington with only his dog in tow. But the journey does not go as planned; the familiar landscape triggers memories and a connection with a kind stranger (Annie Gonzalez) inspires new insight. Based on David Guterson's best-selling novel and unfolding against the scenic vistas of the Columbia Basin, this compelling character study offers a long-overdue showcase for one of cinema's greatest treasures.

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Frank Scheck

The Hollywood Reporter

With a lesser actor, East of the Mountains could have come across as tedious or maudlin, or both. Instead, Skerritt delivers a performance of such understated eloquence and dignity that it emerges as a quiet gem.

Sep 24, 2021

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Simon Abrams

RogerEbert.com

Tom Skerritt's low-key warmth gives director S.J. Chiro and screenwriter Thane Swigart a charming, nuanced performance that's worthy of their considerate and moving adaptation.

Rated: 3/4

Sep 24, 2021

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Lisa Kennedy

New York Times

[An] engaging if familiar drama...

Sep 23, 2021

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Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat

Spirituality & Practice

A deeply rich and tender-hearted drama about an elder's experience of compassion.

Rated: 4.5/5

Dec 1, 2021

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Dennis Schwartz

Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews

More rewarding for Skerritt's dignified performance (the best one of his career) than the telling of such a low-key story.

Rated: B

Nov 14, 2021

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Anne Brodie

What She Said

This superlative film, graced by Skerritt's work is a joy - a meditation on the important things, revisiting the past with kindness and reclaiming family.

Oct 20, 2021

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Bruce H

It's a simple story, but not predictable, well told and very very well acted. I've been watching Tom Skerritt on screen since the 1970s (MASH, Alien, Top Gun, Contact) and this is far from a swan song but a high - the most deeply moving, raw and vulnerable performance of his career. He must be up for a good few nominations, although timing of the release may not help that. This movie is a slow burner with subtle performances, and you have to stick with it (which I suspect a few of the younger or megaplex reviewers on here didn't). You get pulled in and quickly care about and are invested in his story and how it will end. You will very likely shed a few tears over the journey. And all this against the backdrop of some beautiful locations.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/24/22

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Audience Member

I enjoyed the story and the characters. They developed as the movie went on and I realized my rating would be higher than the audience

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

12/01/22

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Audience Member

Spectacular. Performance of his career; beautiful photography.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/22/23

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Audience Member

I'm 62 years old so for me this was very relatable. It's about facing your own mortality which brings about a certain melancholy. Thank goodness I don't have cancer though. The scenery was absolutely gorgeous and don't worry Tom. You will always be Captain Dallas to me.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

02/11/22

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Audience Member

Beautiful and hard, deeply moving.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/19/23

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Audience Member

He's terminally ill and decides to take his own life back where he grew up. He takes only his dog - but when he's forced to seek help from a local vet, he gets insight into more about what the end of his life could be. I see you Mira Sorvino.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

01/12/23

Full Review

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S.J. Chiro

Director

Tom Skerritt

Ben Givens

Mira Sorvino

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East of the Mountains: Trailer 1

1:26

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Synopsis

Ben Givens (Tom Skerritt), a retired heart surgeon and recent widower who learns he has terminal cancer. Determined to navigate his final days on his own terms, he shares the news with no one--not even his daughter (Mira Sorvino)--instead traveling back to his boyhood home in Eastern Washington with only his dog in tow. But the journey does not go as planned; the familiar landscape triggers memories and a connection with a kind stranger (Annie Gonzalez) inspires new insight. Based on David Guterson's best-selling novel and unfolding against the scenic vistas of the Columbia Basin, this compelling character study offers a long-overdue showcase for one of cinema's greatest treasures.

Director: S.J. Chiro
Producer: Jane Charles, Mischa Jakupcak, Lynn Hubbard
Screenwriter: Thane Swigart
Distributor: Quiver Distribution
Production Co: Phantom Rock Films
Genre: Drama, Adventure
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Sep 24, 2021, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Sep 24, 2021
Runtime: 1h 33m

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