Watch Lives Well Lived

Lives Well Lived is a documentary film released in 2018, directed by Sky Bergman. The film provides an intriguing window into the lives of people aged 75 to 100 years old, with the aim of celebrating their vitality and experiences. The film's cast includes 40 people from all walks of life, with diverse backgrounds and perspectives. The three central characters, Rose Albano Ballestero, Susy Eto Bauman, and Ciel Bergman, share their remarkable life stories that offer humor, wisdom, and inspiration.

Throughout the film, each person shares their story in a candid and personal way, offering insights and lessons learned over their long lives. Through interviews, archival footage, and personal photographs, the audience is swept along into an array of experiences shared by the people in the film. Viewers will come to appreciate the depth and wealth of knowledge that comes with advancing age, and the importance of cherishing the experiences that make us who we are.

The film starts with a narration by the director, who sets the scene by introducing the subjects and summarizing the central theme of the documentary. She explains that the idea for the project came to her after her grandmother celebrated her 100th birthday. The filmmaker decided to capture the stories of other seniors, fascinated by how they live, learn and continue to grow, despite the challenges they have faced.

The film's first star, Rose Albano Ballestero, is a charming 100-year-old woman, who shares her life's story with great enthusiasm. Rose's story is particularly gripping, showcasing the power of resilience and the ability to overcome obstacles. She tells her story with great humor, and it proves to be a source of joy for the audience.

Susy Eto Bauman, another central character in the film, is a writer, origami artist, and Nisei who was interned with her family during World War II. Her story offers a glimpse into the struggles of the Japanese American community during that era. This theme is an important part of the film, as it highlights the challenges people faced and overcame. Susy Eto Bauman's story, accompanied by detailed origami designs, adds an extra layer of poignancy to the film.

Ciel Bergman, the Director's mother, is the final central character and offers a distinctive voice in the film. Ciel was a professor and worked as a researcher on Jewish art, and weaves together her experience to present another important perspective in the film. She talks about her work, her family, and how she has achieved a balance between her professional and personal life.

Lives Well Lived also features a bevy of other fascinating people, and their stories are all bound together by their shared humanity. The film is a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of the experiences we share with our loved ones. In particular, the film emphasizes the importance of cherishing our elders and the lessons they have to offer.

The film takes the viewer on a journey filled with joy, humor, pain, and wisdom. It celebrates the history and achievements of each of its sixty and over cast members, sharing their experiences, memories, and advice.

Overall, Lives Well Lived is a touching documentary that inspires a love of life and stresses the importance of aging with grace. The movie's message is one of hope, highlighting the many opportunities that await us in our golden years. The film encourages the audience to embrace the challenges we face, learn from them, and come out stronger in the end. It is a beautiful tribute to the elderly and their remarkable life stories.

Lives Well Lived is a 2017 documentary. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.0 and a MetaScore of 66.