Still Mine is an appealing film with great heart that is highlighted by a wonderful performance by James Cromwell as an ageing family man who is caught up in a battle with the local bureaucracy when he tries to build a new house for himself and his wife. Filmed in the New Brunswick town of St. Martin's as well as locations in Ontario, I found the characters of the man and his wife, Irene, played superbly by Genevieve Bujold, to be honest and even inspirational. Cromwell's character, Craig Morrison, was totally devoted to his wife and in building a new house for use in their advancing years, he took on a job few men of 87 would even consider. In doing so, he found his dedication to quality questioned by the local authorities who wanted lumber, for example, stamped to signify proper building codes. The fact that his own lumber surpassed the codes in many cases did not meet the letter of the law. Cromwell found himself under a great strain trying to deal with his wife's dementia and the expectations of his family, while battling the authorities. The two leading characters had great affection for one another and it was very moving to witness the attraction they felt and the love they shared. The supporting acting was generally good with family friends, Margaret and Chester, middle-aged children, Ruth and John, and the attorney, Gary, who didn't bill his client and in return, was granted a parcel of land by the generous farmer. Films about older couples seem to be trending upward in recent years; however, it is refreshing to see how elders perceive their lives and cope with a world that often treats them as an annoyance.
Review of Still Mine
