The Straight Story

This is the David Lynch I admire and respect. A recital by the incredibly likeable Richard Farnsworth, whose character is etched deeply, deeply into my heart and memory. This is one of the most beautiful, moving, and best made films I've ever seen (and not just among road movies). Visually and musically captivating. (21/01/2014)

Quite atypical Lynch, at least in terms of surface touch... A captivating story about a stubborn grandfather who one fine day grabs a tractor and takes a long ride through the world to reconcile with his brother. The typical road movie form in Lynch's hands is not boring at all, the sequence of poetic and funny stories has enormous inner strength, and the cheerful wisdom of an old and gnarled man, played brilliantly by Richard Farnsworth. But there are also traditional "Lynch" hallmarks (the deer scene) in the film. Pleasant, smooth, poetic. A beautiful film. (27/07/2004)

We can hide from the most essential and innermost connections for as long as we want, but they will eventually catch up with us. Lynch attacks exactly these bonds - and successfully. He captivatingly unfolds the story of one man with interesting supporting characters around him, allowing the viewer to relax, let the story flow, and even make fun of himself (the crawling yellow lines). The only passage where the story loses its charge is the lawnmower repair with "kind strangers", where Alvin struggles not with family disagreement, but with a distant trauma, which didn't fit well with the rest of the story. However, Straight Story emotionally affected me a lot and deserves praise for this surprise. (17/02/2007)

Not only the most beautiful road-movie I have ever seen, but also a moving film about the autumn of life that inevitably awaits each of us and about brotherly love, for which even failing health and an uncomfortable journey on a tractor over great distances is no obstacle. Even very ordinary things can be extraordinarily beautiful when presented in such a sensitive way. David Lynch is a very wise man... (02/03/2008)

It's not often that a director like David Lynch can move an audience to tears (except for Elephant Man, of course). The Straight Story is such a sensitively and, above all, civilly told story with beautiful music that not one of my eyes remained dry. An excellent Richard Farnsworth in his final role. (20/05/2009)