Please Give (2010)

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 Writer / Director: Nicole Holofcener

Stars: Rebecca Hall, Elizabeth Keener, Elisa Ivy, Catherine Keener, Josh Pais, Sarah Steele, Ann Guilbert, Amanda Peet, Oliver Platt, Griffin Frazen



Kate (Catherine Keener) and Alex (Oliver Platt) are a comfortable New York couple who make their living selling used furniture that they pick up at estate sales.



 Kate is guilt-stricken about what she sees as the predatory nature of her business and the fact that they are waiting for their elderly neighbor Andra (Ann Guilbert) to die so they can take possession of her apartment and enlarge their own. 



They have a surly, unhappy teenage daughter with skin issues (Sarah Steele).



 Andra, a selfish and unkind old lady, is cared for by two granddaughters; Rebecca (Rebecca Hall) is dutiful and forgiving, always the peacemaker, while Mary (Amanda Peet) is self-involved and resentful. 



Director Nicole Holofcener's fine film shows how these characters interact with each other, showing that the closely observed details of everyday life can be absolutely riveting. 



Although some characters are more likable than others, they are not presented in black and white. 



There are no easy messages either, although it is interesting to consider how feelings of guilt and obligation figure (or don't) in each character's life.





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