On Golden Pond

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Mark H A beautiful film with great acting, fine direction, a bucolic setting and a gorgeous score. The only criticisms are about the theme, because the movie is intentionally sentimental and moving. I find that view puzzling. Horror movies are intended to be scary, comedies funny and sappy tearjerkers are supposed to be sappy tearjerkers. I personally feel these criticisms are coming from people who are simply uncomfortable with being moved to tears. Many people are. Some people called this movie “manipulative.” That’s taking it a bit far, but they aren’t exactly wrong. The movie is deliberately sad and moving. If it was absurd, or wasn’t realistic or believable, those criticisms would make more sense. It’s almost as if the movie being successfully moving is precisely what some viewers didn’t like. Henry Fonda is perfect as cantankerous octogenarian, Norman Thayer. The cast is excellent, and the realism generated by Jane Fonda and her father in many ways portraying their own relationship is memorable. I love the lake. I grew up visiting a lake every summer with my family and now I live part time at the same lake. I may adore this movie in part because I see myself in Norman Thayer, retiring to the calm beauty of the lake in 20 years. Rated 4.5/5 Stars •  Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 07/30/25 Full Review Martin B What can you say everything about it was perfect from the setting on a lake, a star laden cast and reuniting Henry and daughter Jane in a movie. Hepburn as usual made it all work softening any negative elements plus providing her usual spark of energy. Jane a star in her prime melding effortlessly in a lesser role to the two powerhouses because it was necessary to make it all work. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 05/18/25 Full Review Bill R On Golden Pond transcends the boundaries of conventional storytelling, offering a profound exploration of life's intricate tapestry through the intertwined journeys of its two legendary leads, Henry Fonda and Katharine Hepburn. Their on-screen chemistry elevates the film, capturing the tender realities of aging, memory, and the enduring nature of human connection. Henry Fonda delivers a performance imbued with quiet introspection—a blend of strength and vulnerability that invites the audience to reflect on a lifetime of experiences. Alongside him, Katharine Hepburn offers a portrayal that is both graceful and powerful. Her nuanced performance radiates warmth and wisdom, capturing the essence of a character who embodies both resilience and grace in the face of life's inevitable challenges. Beyond its superb acting, the film is a visual and auditory feast. The breathtaking scenery serves as a symbolic backdrop that mirrors the internal landscapes of its characters, echoing themes of time, transformation, and renewal. Complementing the visual narrative is a beautifully composed soundtrack, whose subtle yet evocative motifs deepen the emotional resonance of each scene. In essence, On Golden Pond is not merely a film—it is an immersive reflection on the human experience. With masterful performances from Henry Fonda and Katharine Hepburn, the movie invites viewers to ponder their own journeys through life, the passage of time, and the enduring impact of genuine human connection. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/01/25 Full Review Larry K Slow, but a good story. Great acting Rated 3.5/5 Stars •  Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 12/08/24 Full Review Ernie K A heartfelt portrayal of advancing age and the realization of the value of relationships, and the sheer beauty of the simple wonders of life. Henry Fonda's performance is particularly wonderful; straightforward, humorous, discovering, wistful. Check your preconceived notions, use your imagination, and lose yourself in the rich moments and emotions. Rated 4.5/5 Stars •  Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 11/27/24 Full Review Tony P Reading through reviews of this movie, there seem to be two sorts of folks who criticize it: those who are too cool to admit sometimes a story can be straight forward, sentimental, and simple and still work; and the sort of folks who are getting old, themselves, and seem to hate the film because it reminds them of that fact. I'm 60; no youngster by any means. But On Golden Pond doesn't scare me nor make me want to gag. I appreciate the simplicity. And in this day and age of franchises and the gulp of CGI swallowing verisimilitude whole and without shame, On Golden Pond reminds me there once was a time when people could sit still for a couple hours without their endorphin meters continuously pegged. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 08/19/24 Full Review Read all reviews

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