Film Overview"Lebanon, Pa". is a 2011 American independent drama movie composed and directed by Ben Hickernell, that explores the cultural space in between city and rural American life and the complexities of household and personal relationships. The title of the movie describes the real-life town of Lebanon, Pennsylvania. The movie stars Josh Hopkins, Samantha Mathis, Mary Beth Hurt, and Rachel Kitson.
Plot SummaryThe movie's lead character, Will (played by Josh Hopkins), is a 35-year-old marketing expert from Philadelphia who discovers himself in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country following the death of his separated daddy. Here, he crosses courses with his teenage cousin CJ (played by Rachel Kitson), who resides in Lebanon and is dealing with concerns of her own. CJ's conservative father Andy, (voiced by Ian Merrill Peakes), squares off with Will's more progressive point of views, creating slow-burning disputes throughout the narrative.
Character Growth and Life ContrastAs Will gets involved in the life of CJ, helping her with her problems including an unexpected pregnancy, he starts questioning his own life and the options he has actually made. He starts to reassess his career, his relationships, and his personal objectives. The film contrasts the fast-paced urban life of Philadelphia where Will comes from with the rural, standard, and slower-paced life in Lebanon, Pa.
. Styles and MessagesA main style in "Lebanon, Pa". is the gray location between best and incorrect, and how it can look different depending upon the perspective. It's about choices and their effects, communication and miscommunication, and about finding one's place in the world. The story explores the conflicts and integration of conservative and liberal values. Additionally, the film looks into teen dilezenmas, unintended pregnancy, and the repercussions of such life choices.
Final Thoughts"Lebanon, Pa". is quite a character-driven film. Through a well-thought-out script delicately layered with a mix of drama and gentle humor, it offers a quietly thought-provoking reflection on household, options, and culture. Director Ben Hickernell masterfully uses the contrast in between city and town life to talk to the wider disconnect between various ways of life in modern America.
The efficiencies by Josh Hopkins and Rachel Kitson standout, with both characters showcasing a substantial improvement throughout the movie. "Lebanon, Pa". tells a sincere story about the complexities of life, the search for individuality, and the battle for comprehending throughout a culture gap. The movie ends on an uncertain note, leaving the audience with much to contemplate over long after the credits roll.
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