The Yellow Handkerchief

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Courtesy of Samuel Goldwyn Films
USA • 2008 • in English • 96 min • PG-13

A love story at its core, THE YELLOW HANDKERCHIEF is about three strangers of two generations bound by loneliness who reach out to one another. After embarking on a road trip through post Katrina Louisiana, their relationships forge and change in a myriad of ways, leading to the possibility of second chances.

Brett Hanson (William Hurt) dealing with a painful past, crosses paths with a lonely and troubled teenager Martine (Kristen Stewart) and her new ‘ride’ Gordy (Eddie Redmayne). The trio head out together, each motivated by reasons of their own. Martine yearns to escape her family, Gordy hopes to get closer to Martine and Brett must decide whether he wants to return to the uncertainty of the life and the woman he left behind, his ex-wife May (Maria Bello).

A deeply humanistic and emotionally rich film, THE YELLOW HANDKERCHIEF is directed by Udayan Prasad (MY SON THE FANATIC). Produced by six time Academy Award® winner Arthur Cohn (THE GARDEN OF THE FINZI-CONTINIS, ONE DAY IN SEPTEMBER). THE YELLOW HANDKERCHIEF stars Academy Award® winner William Hurt, Golden Globe® nominee Maria Bello, TWILIGHT star Kristen Stewart and Eddie Redmayne (THE GOOD SHEPHERD). The film is loosely based on a short story by renowned writer Pete Hamill.

Club reactions by city:

moderated by Matthew Bernstein

It's a film that pulls you in gradually, which is its strength. I didn't care about the characters in the beginning and cared a lot about them by the end. The desolate empty places make a brilliant backdrop.

Excellent movie that was willing to take its time to let the story develop. Good story about the mysteries of love (I don't know what she saw in William Hurt but there you go – a mystery).

The loneliness and the need for human connection was palpable. Acting was amazing. Shows how the more you get to know someone, the more (or less) attractive they become.

moderated by Brittain Smith

I loved it! A great selection for Valentine's Day. I loved the ending. Cinematography was excellent.

Eddie Redmayne was really spectacular. Loved it. Thank you!

William Hurt was exceptional. More powerful than I would have thought. Strong acting and interesting slow unraveling of an emotionally powerful story.

moderated by Mike Budd

Photography superb, acting great, story slow in the beginning but came together at the end.

How wonderful that three sad and lonely people were able to share time and help each other find some hope and happiness.

Slow in developing, but worth the effort. Well done.

moderated by Patrice Petro and Gilberto Blasini

An interesting twist on the road story – 3 damaged people thrown together by circumstances – does avoid many clichés. The visual mood and the soundtrack balanced the tale.

The character development was extraordinary. Despite an ongoing lack of understanding for some of the main players, I grew to love and care for them all. Very interesting choice!

Very enjoyable. Good story and good cinematography!

moderated by Michael Kerbel

Loved the movie -- so great to see William Hurt again in something worthy of his talents! I wish there were more such movies.

William Hurt delivered an exceptional performance. The character development was so well done and paced perfectly. Three strangers -- all rather odd -- coming together. Tension, friendship and finally a beautiful love story really. A tale of how much we all need to be connected. Fabulous movie. I loved the ending!! Loved it! Well done!

What a great film! I loved every aspect of it: the acting, cinematography, soundtrack and especially the acting and story! Great location too. William Hurt's quiet, understated performance was powerful and carried the film. What a great cast of complex, diverse, lovably flawed characters. A terrific choice -- thanks! p.s. I always love a film if I want it to continue and see what happens to the characters!

moderated by Rod Armstrong

One of the rare happy/tearjerker endings that feels earned. Whether it feels realistic or not is up for debate. One can't deny, though, that all aspects of the film feel very lived-in and authentic.

Beautiful movie driven by an incredible acting ensemble. Superb direction. A quiet film with such feel, wrapping up with a satisfying epiphany that isn't sentimental.

Nice small film with an authentic sense of place and characters who are believable and revealed scene-to-scene in an interesting way. Well-cast, atmospheric.

moderated by Diane Carson

Excellent, poignant images, like boot on post. Wonderful interweaving of flashbacks. Beautiful treatment of humans groping for connection, with a metaphoric background of the descruction of lives from hurricane.

I found the characters well developed. Hurt's character as a loner was complex. He had much insight into people except maybe himself. Best thing about the movie was seeing how the "wisdom" shifted. The idealism of youth "trumps" the practicality of age and its cynicism.

This movie was intensely emotional. Not many movies can bring a tear to my eye but I did water up a little at a couple of different points through the film.

moderated by Desson Thomson

I loved this movie! All actors were outstanding. A sweet, but not sappy tearjerker and a very compelling story.

As a coming-of-age, roadtrip movie- a very good film. Not only the kids were coming of age and becoming self aware. Music was not intrusive; In fact, at times I was unaware of any. A little 'corny' in places (deer scene), and flashbacks are a much overused technique to tell a story in film. Still, overall very good and worth seeing. Pacing good. Ending touching.

I miss William Hurt. He is such a moving and gifted actor. His presence lifted this film that was otherwise mediocre in every way.