Oscar Watch: 'Manchester by the Sea'

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Manchester by the Sea (out now on Blu-ray Combo Pack plus DVD and Digital HD, DVD, Digital HD and On Demand) tells the story of a Boston janitor (Casey Affleck) who returns to his hometown after his brother dies to become the guardian of his teenage nephew (Lucas Hedges). The movie is nominated for six Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Actor for Affleck, Best Supporting Actress for Michelle Williams and Best Supporting Actor for Hedges. Kenneth Lonergan is nominated for Best Director and Best Original Screenplay. Affleck may be the favorite for Best Actor, having already won the Golden Globe, BAFTA and Critics' Choice and National Board of Review awards.

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Lee Chandler (Affleck) left Manchester after a tragic incident that led to has divorce from his wife Randi (Williams). He's sleepwalking through life when his brother Joe (Kyle Chandler) dies suddenly and Lee has to take responsibility for Joe's son and estate.  The story of the family's life before tragedy is told in flashback.

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In this uncensored scene from the movie, Randi demands that Lee throw his friends out of the house. It's a scene full of cursing unless you're from Massachusetts: then it's just normal conversation.

Affleck's character is suffering from post-traumatic stress and the film details his attempt to overcome his condition. Manchester by the Sea doesn't shy away from the complications of the situation. There aren't any easy solutions for a guy like Lee Chandler and the movie doesn't offer any simple answers.

There's not a lot of action in the movie but that's the point: it's about the fallout that comes after the action.

 

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