adam-may-bower 'Lars and the Real Girl' is a beautifully unique story of acceptance and mental illness. Going into this film, I knew it was going to be quirky and odd, but I never expected it to be so beautiful and funny. Ryan Gosling plays the broken character of Lars exquisitely and it is definitely one of his best-acted roles. Additionally, Emily Mortimer's kind face and strong performance is also a perfect choice for the film and contributes to the purity of the film. Hilariously and harmfully written by Nancy Oliver, this film well-deserves it's Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay, as well as Gosling's Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor. The plot of this film is original and simple, with an unpredictable ending that warms up your heart. The true brilliance of the film is that it teaches an important lesson of kindness and tolerance and does so without preaching to the audience. The only criticism I have with the movie is that it's gentle simplicity can feel a little bit dry with a running time that is just a bit too long. Had ten minutes of the film been chopped off, it would have been perfect. Some scenes are not necessary and can drag on. Thankfully, this is not the the detriment of the film and it remains to be a heart-warming and unique narrative with great acting on by Ryan Gosling, Emily Mortimer and Patricia Clarkson.

percyporcelain Agreed (with another reviewer), there is a serious point to this film. I think it is that in 21st century Western society we are anxious to accommodate all sexual variations, never to judge or denounce, always to accept. As recently as 20 or 30 years ago, all Lars' friends and neighbours would likely have shunned and ostracised him as a lonely misfit who can't get a girlfriend. Now we bend over backwards (no pun intended) to accept his choice of a silicone doll for a partner, inviting her to parties, the church, and even (without wishing to spoil the story) sharing his grief when she 'dies'. Now either this will make you rage and want to throttle all these dumb liberals, or it will make you rejoice in human tolerance. Anyway fine performances from everyone and a reflective rather than an exploitative movie

susan-317 This movie exemplifies the triumph of the human soul to overcome trauma and move forward.Ryan Gosling has shown himself to be a fine actor in all of his more recent Hollywood outings. In Lars and the Real Girl, he proves that he's an exemplary actor and, as far as I'm concerned, has answered all questions about his skills -- forever.Lars is an introverted and shy boy who lives in an outbuilding on his family property. His brother and his brother's wife have the main house to themselves. The wife, played by Emily Mortimer - always wonderful - is pregnant. Lars' mother died during his birth, which lead him to attempt to cope by developing a relationship with a sex doll. This sounds wacky, but it's not. Instead, it is wonderful as the small town rallies to support him.I can't say more without creating "spoilers", so I'll just suggest you watch this move and fall in love with Lars, like I did.Enjoy!

theotherrob This is my 'Go-To Movie' for finding the courage I need to get through embarrassment, or those times when I have needs that aren't being met by my self, that I cannot yet find the words or the courage (maybe both) to express so that I can get the help I need. That is what happens to Lars. Due to a traumatic loss of his parents at a young age, he cannot trust that anyone will stay, that he's safe to be a grown up now, that he has become a man. A mind-numbing routine has set in, and he isn't any closer to solving anything for himself. What he is feeling and how his mind must come to terms with what is true and real in the world are the subject of Ryan Gosling's tour-de-force performance in this courageous, life-affirming, brilliantly pitch-perfect film. A must-see for any man struggling with what it means to be a man, or to become one if you're not sure yet.