Michael Neumann This unassuming sleeper is being sold as an inspirational 'feel good' movie because of a minor miracle tacked awkwardly onto the final scenes, but the film is more about those moments of transition in our lives when anything can happen, tracing 24 fateful hours in the life (and death) of an old New England shipyard facing imminent closure. It's the sort of small town, ensemble character drama where the writing and acting are more than usually critical, and (fortunately) this one has both: an original, unpredictable script and a strong cast led by veteran Arthur Kennedy, still a tough bird at age 75. Under John David Coles' direction the film is delicate but never fragile, sensitive but never sentimental, and whimsical without ever losing its grip on reality. Because it doesn't call much attention to itself some word of mouth would clearly have helped the film reach an audience but, considering the throwaway release it received, viewers today will have a difficult time tracking it down

Steve Skafte In one sense, "Signs of Life" is a fantasy, full of vibrant photography and off-center characterizations. But it is also grounded in a dramatic sense, with a collection of fantastic actors all providing convincing performances. Aging shipbuilder Owen Coughlin (Arthur Kennedy) is the central focus of the ensemble cast. Every character, regardless of minimal screen-time, feels perfectly fleshed out. It was a real pleasure to watch Vincent D'Onofrio, Beau Bridges and Mary-Louise Parker especially."Signs of Life" is a collection of individual short stories, all weaving together to make a surprisingly coherent whole. Mark Malone's script is brilliant in how it manages this without losing interest. But it's entirely possible that an even better film could exist based solely around the Kennedy character. The dialogue really lets you get under the skin to the real human sides of these people. Two elements of the production stand out specifically well. The soundtrack by Howard Shore is understated and engaging. Elliot Davis photographs the film perfectly, using color and light in fascinating and revelatory ways scene after scene. And the direction by John David Coles is also good, giving the right balance to both fantasy and reality.There's always more than enough to keep the viewer interested, fascinating, and entertained. Something about "Signs of Life" really moved me. I hope it will do the same for you.

ian_ison As with so many modern US films, there has to be a supernatural element to the plot, but if you just let that go, this is a tale with heaps of charm and a kindly heart cased in a crab shell.We are presented with a scene of a town in an economically depressed area struggling to find anything to be happy about. Beau Bridges' character is really up against it with a family on the increase, a nil bank balance and a brother-in-law who's sold out to a big business chain which he secretly hates, but in which he is willing to rub Beau's nose. D'Onofrio finds his rather surface Bubba lifestyle cramped by having to look after his 'blessed' baby brother, Joey, and is itching to escape the shackles of this dead hick town. Their boss's business is closing down (much against his will) because of a lack of new customers and he is haunted by memories of his father as he builds up the tension towards his own attempt at self-destruction.Joey, who had seemed to personify the curse on their lives, is lost at sea - believed drowned - in a freak accident. His miraculous restoration to them by the Portuguese trawlermen whose boat they had just built and launched (perhaps symbolic of an angelic crew), is the sign they've been waiting for and they all decide to give life one last throw of the dice.There is a beautiful brooding mood throughout this work which excelled in holding our attention as brilliantly as 'The Shipping News'. There are other parallels with the later work, too, which lead one to suspect a touch of a remake. I like 'Signs of Life' for its simpler, less contrived story and star performances from actors working at their craft rather than to be noticed as stars.

DougR-2 I first saw "Signs of Life" on PBS as an American Playhouse presentation. It's a wonderfully written, ensemble production with terrific performances by Michael Lewis as Joey and Vincent D'Onofrio as his brother, Daryl. Arthur Kennedy, in one of his last roles, is also excellent as an aging shipbuilder whose family business is about to close. The rest of the cast which includes Beau Bridges, Kathy Bates and Mary-Louise Parker give remarkable clarity and substance to their characters.The direction is subtle and effective. I've watched this movie several times over the years and would very much recommend it. A beautiful piece of filmmaking.