“Ithaca 2015” follows a young boy’s journey from innocence to maturity during World War II. As he becomes a bicycle messenger, he delivers news of both heartbreak and hope, navigating through the ups and downs of life like a steering wheel. Along the way, he discovers that with every trial comes an opportunity for growth, much like a caterpillar transforming into a butterfly. In the end, he learns that love and loss are two sides of the same coin and that life is precious, fleeting and worth living to the fullest.
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Review
Friends, lend me your ears and gather ‘round as I share with you a tale of the silver screen, a story that will transport you to another time and place. It is a tale of bravery in the face of adversity, of love and loss, and of growing up in a world that is not always kind. The movie I speak of is “Ithaca,” a film that will leave you spellbound and enraptured.
The storyline of “Ithaca” takes us back to World War II, where we meet our protagonists, a family living in the small town of Ithaca. Our main character is Homer Macauley, played by the talented Alex Neustaedter, who at only 14 years old takes on the job of delivering telegrams to families whose sons have been killed in action overseas. Homer’s father has also gone off to war leaving his mother (played by Meg Ryan) and siblings behind.
As we follow Homer on his deliveries around town, we witness the devastating impact that war has on families left behind. We see how some families are able to come together and support each other while others crumble under the weight of grief. The plot thickens when Homer receives a telegram from his own father who he thought had died in combat.
The cast is simply phenomenal with performances that tug at your heartstrings. Meg Ryan’s return to acting after several years is masterful as she delivers an emotive performance of a mother struggling to keep her family together during wartime. Sam Shepard offers up equal parts humor and heart as Homer’s Uncle John who returns from the war injured.
“Ithaca” also boasts an incredible score by composer John Mellencamp which perfectly captures the mood and tone of this poignant film. Director Meg Ryan managed to capture stunning cinematography with sweeping shots showcasing both Ithaca’s beauty and its pain.
Unfortunately for this wonderful film, it failed to make much of a splash at the box office, a fact which is quite puzzling given its critical acclaim and star-studded cast. Perhaps it was simply overshadowed by other films at the time, or maybe it just didn’t generate enough buzz to get people into the theaters.
Regardless of its commercial success, “Ithaca” remains a timeless classic that is bound to leave an indelible mark on any viewer. It is a film that reminds us of our humanity and encourages us to seek out hope even in the darkest of times. There are several stand-out scenes which you will find yourself replaying over and over again long after the credits have rolled.
One such scene is when Homer receives his father’s telegram. It is a moment when we as an audience are reminded of just how much soldiers sacrifice for their country and the families left behind. Homer’s reaction to this news is gut-wrenching and Alex Neustaedter delivers a performance that will leave you breathless.
Another notable sequence in “Ithaca” takes place during Uncle John’s wedding where we see glimpses of joy amidst all the tragedy. The scene provides much-needed levity and humor before we are plunged back into the realities of war once again.
“Ithaca” has received several award nominations including Best Film at both the Savannah Film Festival and Heartland Film Festival. While it may not have taken home any top prizes, these accolades serve as proof that this film has resonated with audiences both critically and emotionally.
Despite its achievements, “Ithaca” did receive some criticism for its pace which some reviewers found slow-moving. However, I found this to be one of its strengths as it allowed for quieter moments which added depth to each character and gave us insight into their innermost thoughts.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a powerful film that will stay with you long after you’ve watched it then “Ithaca” is the perfect choice. It’s a stirring reminder of the sacrifices made by both soldiers and their families during wartime, and a testament to the enduring power of love and hope in even the darkest of times.
Technical Data
- Release : 2015-10-29
- Runtime : 96
- Genre : Drama
- Cast : Sam Shepard as Willie Grogan, Hamish Linklater as Tom Spangler, Alex Neustaedter as Homer, Meg Ryan as Mrs. Macauley, Jack Quaid as Marcus Macauley
- Crew : Tom Hanks as Executive Producer, Meg Ryan as Director, Andrew Dunn as Director of Photography, Gary Goetzman as Executive Producer, Erik Jendresen as Screenplay
- Revenue : 0
- Budget : $5,000,000
- Company : Pilothouse Pictures, Apple Lane Productions, Bron Studios
- Popularity : 9.008
- Summary : In a small town in California’s San Joaquin Valley, 14-year-old Homer Macauley is determined to be the best and fastest bicycle telegraph messenger anyone has ever seen. His older brother has gone to war, leaving Homer to look after his widowed mother, his older sister and his 4-year-old brother, Ulysses. And so it is that as spring turns to summer, 1942, Homer Macauley delivers messages of love, hope, pain… and death… to the good people of Ithaca. And Homer Macauley will grapple with one message that will change him forever – from a boy into a man. Based on Pulitzer Prize-winning author William Saroyan’s 1943 novel, The Human Comedy, ITHACA is the quintessential wartime tale of the Home Front. It is a coming-of-age story about the exuberance of youth, the sweetness of life, the sting of death and the modesty and sheer goodness that lives in each and every one of us.
- Tagline : One message will change everything.
