Watch The Yellow Handkerchief

The Yellow Handkerchief is a 2008 drama film that tells the story of three strangers who embark on a road trip together through rural Louisiana. The film is based on a 1971 short story of the same name by Pete Hamill. The film begins with Brett Hanson (played by William Hurt), a middle-aged ex-convict who has just been released from prison. He is aimlessly wandering through rural Louisiana, unsure of where to go or what to do with his newfound freedom. As he stops to rest at a roadside diner, he meets a teenage girl named Martine (played by Kristen Stewart) and her boyfriend Gordy (played by Eddie Redmayne).

Martine and Gordy are also on a road trip, but they are heading in the opposite direction to New Orleans. Martine is trying to escape her troubled home life, while Gordy is hoping to make it as a singer-songwriter in the city.

Despite their initial reservations about each other, the three strangers decide to travel together for a while. As they journey through the Louisiana countryside, they begin to open up to each other and share their personal stories and struggles.

Along the way, they make several stops, including at Martine's childhood home, where she hopes to reconcile with her estranged mother (played by Maria Bello). The interactions between Martine and her mother are particularly poignant, as they try to mend their broken relationship while also acknowledging their past mistakes and regrets.

Throughout the film, Hurt's character Brett serves as a sort of wise old mentor to Martine and Gordy, offering them advice and guidance based on his own experiences and mistakes. He also wrestles with his own demons, including feelings of guilt and regret over his past crimes.

The Yellow Handkerchief is a character-driven drama that explores themes of redemption, forgiveness, and the power of human connection. The film is beautifully shot, with stunning images of the Louisiana landscape and a haunting soundtrack that perfectly captures the film's melancholic mood.

The performances are all top-notch, with William Hurt delivering a quiet and understated performance as the troubled ex-convict. Kristen Stewart also shines as the restless and conflicted Martine, perfectly capturing the teenage angst and uncertainty of her character.

Overall, The Yellow Handkerchief is a deeply moving and heartfelt film that examines the complexities of human relationships and the resilience of the human spirit. It is a must-see for fans of character-driven dramas and poignant road trip movies.

The Yellow Handkerchief is a 2009 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 42 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7 and a MetaScore of 62.