Watch Ashes

Ashes is a 2012 British drama movie that tells the story of a young man named Frank (played by Ray Winstone), who is dying of cancer. He decides to spend his last days with his estranged son, James (played by Luke Evans), whom he abandoned after he was born. Lesley Manville plays the role of James' mother who has moved on with her life and has started a new family.

The story opens in the year 1980 when Frank was a promising boxer, but he gave up his career to take care of his ailing wife. After she dies, Frank spirals into depression and starts drinking heavily. He eventually abandons his family and disappears from their lives. 30 years later, James has grown up and become a successful photographer. He gets a call from his mother, who informs him that Frank is dying and wants to see him. James is initially hesitant but decides to go, hoping to get some closure about his father's abandonment.

As James spends time with his father, he learns more about the demons that haunted Frank and the reasons behind his abandonment. He also discovers that his father has another son, who is estranged, and decides to find him. In the process, James confronts his own demons and comes to terms with the choices he has made in his own life.

The movie is a poignant and moving exploration of themes such as family, forgiveness, redemption, and death. It is beautifully shot, with stunning landscapes of the English countryside and evocative music that sets the mood for each scene. The acting is superb, with Winstone delivering a powerful performance as the flawed and tormented Frank. Evans is equally impressive as the conflicted James, who struggles to reconcile his feelings for his father with the pain of his abandonment. Manville brings depth and nuance to the role of James' mother who has also suffered because of Frank's actions.

One of the strengths of the movie is its realistic portrayal of relationships, especially those between parents and children. The movie doesn't shy away from the complexities and contradictions that exist in these relationships, and it shows how they can be both a source of comfort and joy as well as a cause of pain and heartbreak. The movie also highlights the importance of forgiveness and how it can be a healing force, even in the face of great suffering.

Overall, Ashes is a touching and emotionally charged movie that will resonate with anyone who has struggled with issues of family, love, and loss. It is a tribute to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of forgiveness to transcend even the most painful of circumstances.

Ashes is a 2012 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 41 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.5.