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Limbo (1999)

Limbo (1999)
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Writer/director John Sayles once again takes his audience to a place they may never have been before (this time both psychologically and geographically). Joe Gastineau (David Strathairn) lives in Juneau, Alaska, where his life has been stuck in neutral for about 25 years. When he was young, Joe was involved in an accident on a fishing boat that led to the death of two crewmembers, and he's never recovered from the blow. When Joe meets Donna De Angelo (Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio), however, he starts to come out of his shell. Donna is a lounge singer who goes from job to job, wherever she can get work. Her life has been built around being able to pick herself up when she falls and learning to be comfortable wherever she lands -- a gift that her teenage daughter, Noelle (Vanessa Martinez), does not share. Donna and Joe become attracted to each other, and her example leads Joe to take a job on a boat again. However, just as Joe's life is starting to get back on track, his ne'er-do-well half-brother Bobby (Casey Siemaszko) arrives to ask Joe a favor. One disaster leads to another, and Joe soon finds himself stranded on an island with Donna and Noelle, trying to hide from a group of men out to kill him. Shot on location in Alaska by award-winning cinematographer Haskell Wexler, Limbo also features a soundtrack with a new song by Bruce Springsteen, "Lift Me Up"; Sayles directed three Springsteen music videos in the 1980s. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

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Starring:
Mary Elizabeth MastrantonioDavid Strathairn, (more)
Director(s):
John Sayles
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
R
Format(s):
DVD  | Digital SD
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Synopsis of Limbo

Writer/director John Sayles once again takes his audience to a place they may never have been before (this time both psychologically and geographically). Joe Gastineau (David Strathairn) lives in Juneau, Alaska, where his life has been stuck in neutral for about 25 years. When he was young, Joe was involved in an accident on a fishing boat that led to the death of two crewmembers, and he's never recovered from the blow. When Joe meets Donna De Angelo (Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio), however, he starts to come out of his shell. Donna is a lounge singer who goes from job to job, wherever she can get work. Her life has been built around being able to pick herself up when she falls and learning to be comfortable wherever she lands -- a gift that her teenage daughter, Noelle (Vanessa Martinez), does not share. Donna and Joe become attracted to each other, and her example leads Joe to take a job on a boat again. However, just as Joe's life is starting to get back on track, his ne'er-do-well half-brother Bobby (Casey Siemaszko) arrives to ask Joe a favor. One disaster leads to another, and Joe soon finds himself stranded on an island with Donna and Noelle, trying to hide from a group of men out to kill him. Shot on location in Alaska by award-winning cinematographer Haskell Wexler, Limbo also features a soundtrack with a new song by Bruce Springsteen, "Lift Me Up"; Sayles directed three Springsteen music videos in the 1980s. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

Theatrical Feature Running Time:
127 mins

Complete Cast of Limbo


Director(s):
John Sayles
Writer(s):
John Sayles
Producer(s):
Maggie Renzi
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
R(Adult Language, Questionable for Children, Adult Situations)
Categories:
Independent Films
Limbo Awards:
  • 1999 - National Board of Review - Outstanding Indies
Warning:  This product is intended for mature audiences only. It may contain violence, sexual content, drug abuse and/or strong language. You must be 17 or older to purchase it. By ordering this item you are certifying that you are at least 17 years of age.

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Member Reviews
 
Deb J.

I, too, was shocked for a moment at the ending, or rather, lack thereof, but upon further review, and learning the secret of the diary, it makes perfect sense. Well cast, great music and scenery, excellent character development. Not for everyone. Stirs deep emotion and thought.

Yes   |   No

 
Rita W.

Wow, this movie created what if scenario discussions with my family...the after movie dialog was great. Sleeper....r

Yes   |   No

 
Anthony G.

I admire the reviews below and agree with bits and pieces of each. First instinct on the ending is "what the hell". 2nd instinct is to seek out the director's commentary and pick his brain. He unveils that he's also left room for a "Limbo 2" - OK, I'll buy that but also that with risk there's always uncertainty and that's what you are left with "uncertainty'. Excellent character studies, cinematography, adventure..the whole shooting match. I will state, though you never see close up of the men who killed Joe's brother, from afar one does look like Kris K if you look close enough. I don't buy the story he was paid to look for the stranded but rather he knew they were there the whole time..think about it, makes sense.

Yes   |   No

 
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