Years before Jeff Bridges won an Academy Award for his portrayal of a recovering alcoholic country singer in Crazy Heart, Robert Duvall did the same thing in Tender Mercies. Duvall gives one of the best performances in his career with his low-key style that fits the overall low-key aesthetic of the film perfectly. The rest of the cast (including Wilford Brimley and a young Ellen Barkin) is excellent as well but this is Duvall's show all the way. Director Bruce Beresford includes a lot of beautiful shots of the Texas landscape and they add a lot to the films wide open feel. Tender Mercies is ultimately a simple tale of redemption, spirituality, love and music. It isn't going to appeal to everyone due to it's methodical pacing and lack of showmanship but it's also a great display for Duvall's talents and well worth checking out on Netflix streaming.
Rating: 4/5
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