Watch Life as a House

Life as a House is a heartwarming and emotional drama film released in 2001, directed by Irwin Winkler. The movie features an incredible cast including the likes of Hayden Christensen, Kevin Kline, and Kristin Scott Thomas. The plot follows the life of George Monroe, a struggling architect who has recently been diagnosed with terminal cancer. With the help of his estranged son, Sam, he sets out to rebuild his dilapidated home and reconcile with his family.

George Monroe (Kevin Kline) is a man who seems to have given up on life. He was once a successful architect with a bright future, but years of neglect and bad choices have led him to his current state of unemployment and isolation. When he is diagnosed with terminal cancer, he decides to use his remaining months of life to make things right. George becomes determined to rebuild and restore his old dilapidated house to its former glory before he passes away.

His plans are met with resistance from those around him, especially his ex-wife Robin (Kristin Scott Thomas) and his son Sam (Hayden Christensen). George and Robin had a tumultuous marriage that ended in divorce, leaving Sam emotionally damaged and without a relationship with his father. Sam resents George's sudden interest in his life and struggles to understand his father's motives. Robin is skeptical of George's plans and initially opposes his idea of rebuilding the house.

As the story unfolds, the audience is taken on a journey of self-discovery and healing for each character involved. George's attempts to fix his home become a metaphor for his personal quest for redemption, while Sam's involvement allows him to confront and heal from his own emotional traumas.

The relationship between George and Sam is the heart of the film. Through their work on the house, they begin to bond and form a connection that they had never had before. Sam learns to forgive his father for past mistakes and sees him in a new light. They both come to realize that time is precious, and that it's never too late to make things right.

The movie explores themes of family, love, redemption, and the power of healing. It is a poignant story that tugs at the heartstrings and reminds us of the importance of healing old wounds and making amends before it's too late. The film's characters are complex, and their stories are relatable, making it easy for the audience to become invested in their journey.

The acting in Life as a House is top-notch. Kevin Kline delivers a powerful and nuanced performance as George, bringing depth and authenticity to the role. Hayden Christensen also shines as Sam, deftly portraying the character's struggle with anger and pain. Kristin Scott Thomas portrays Robin with sensitivity and grace, adding depth to her character's emotional journey.

The cinematography and music also contribute to the film's emotional impact. The beautiful shots of California's coastline and the sweeping score by Mark Isham help to enhance the film's themes and add to the overall emotional experience.

In conclusion, Life as a House is a moving and emotional film that offers a reminder of the power of healing and the importance of family. The incredible cast delivers strong performances, and the story is both heartwarming and thought-provoking. It's a film that will stay with you long after the credits roll.

Life as a House is a 2001 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 6 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4 and a MetaScore of 45.