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• 'Driving Miss Daisy' is a gem posted on 12 Aug 2009

  "Driving Miss Daisy" is a classic American movie. Jessica Tandy is Miss Daisy, an aging woman who can no longer drive on her own. Her son, Boolie Werthan (played by Dan Aykroyd), hires a chauffeur, Hoke (played by Morgan Freeman) on his mother's behalf.In the beginning, Miss Daisy resents Hoke since he represents her inability to drive. However, as the years progress, their friendship becomes strong.The racial references are critical to the era in which the story takes place. While the comments are politically incorrect by today's standards, censorship or the removal of specific elements would reduce the realism in this excellent movie. Furthermore, the portrayal of bigotry in this film demonstrates the progress American society has made since the early to mid twentieth century.You will enjoy every detail in "Driving Miss Daisy", from the top notch acting, the antique automobiles, Miss Daisy's southern home (you can even call it a mansion), the comedy, and the drama. Don't miss this ride; an excellent movie you will enjoy watching over and over.

• A Truly Heartwarming Story About Two Life-Long Friends posted on 10 Jun 2009

  As I said about "Steel Magnolias", it seems 1989 brought forth quite a few good movies, from "Steel Magnolias", to "Parenthood", to "Driving Miss Daisy".This movie is a great rendition of the stage play. I went to see the stage play sometime afterwards, but I tend to like movies based on plays much better.I've been a fan of Morgan Freeman's ever since he was on the "Electric Company" back in the 1970's. I do believe this was one of his best movies he has ever done. He and Jessica Tandy made a great team and I was glad Jessica won an award fro her role. This was the first award of it's kind awarded to her and she joked that maybe it was her age that prompted them to give it to her. Sadly, she died shortly after the movie was made.

• Oscar Winner For Best Picture Is Hard To Resist posted on 11 Apr 2009

  In an era of mega blockbusters, and sci-fi extravaganzas, this little drama is like water in the desert. "Driving Miss Daisy" will appeal to people tired of noisy, mindless over-produced films. The film's plot is very simple: a wealthy Jewish woman and ex-teacher (Jessica Tandy) wrecks her car (for the umpteen time), and his son (Dan Akroyd) decides that it is time for her to have a chauffeur. Unfortunately for the driver (Morgan Freeman), his boss is a high-strung woman, who refuses to give up her independence, making his job more difficult than what it needs to be. Moving, delicate and genteel exploration of bitter rivalry that blossoms into genuine friendship. Race relations is a big part of the story, but one could argue that the movie is mostly about how one soul could impact another. Tandy won the Oscar and she is wonderful, and Freeman is her match; their great chemistry is the key to the film's appeal. It's a sweet, heartwarming film, more complex than what it appears to be at first glance. It's very funny too. Not a great technical achievement but solid entertainment, competently done by great professionals.

• Something for Everyone posted on 27 Mar 2009

  It has become fashionable to knock movies like this, a low-decibel kind of personal memoir that offers no lofty message and keeps to straight linear episodes over a given span of time. Yet this is a movie that one celebrates for the sheer beauty of its filming, its gentle sentiment that does have a basic moral, easily understood.Another quality present in this film is uniformly fine acting by all the characters. Morgan Freeman does ham it a bit, but that is rather in keeping with the script given him. Jessica Tandy IS Miss Daisy, just as she IS Ninny Threadgoode two years later in Fried Green Tomatoes. This is not type-casting, just very fine acting. Some of the lines, especially the ones expressed by Freeman and Tandy in the car after the bombing of the temple, are Classic with a big "C." Anyone who was living over the time period represented will also appreciate the generally accurate sets, right down to the appliances and dishes. The "goofs" are few and far between. One comes away from viewing the film with a deep satisfaction that it was indeed the way things really were back in the 40's, 50's, and 60's. If some are offended by that, it is more a reflection on the evils of the time rather than of this excellent filmed representation.

• Historically Accurate posted on 21 Mar 2009

  Unlike some period films that confuse or mix styles and dates together (another Dan Aykroyd film, "My Girl", was a good example of that kind of error), Driving Miss Daisy was carefully constructed to show an accurate account of life in the Atlanta area from the 1940's through the early 1970's, though it would help viewers if they knew a bit about the city (a good example was Miss Daisy's reference to teaching Mayor Hartsfield (who had the airport named after him), or her comment about business along downtown Forsyth Street), and throughout, the film presents an historical aspect of the area that is accurate, but not overdone, in the post-World War II South.On the other hand, today's African-Americans (especially those much younger) might think the frequent "Yes'm" replies made by Hoke to be overdone or even insulting, but, though only 50 years ago, life for a man of his background at that time meant an existence not much more than being a freed slave, especially for those of Hoke's or Idella's generation.Here in Florida during the late 1960's and into the very early 1970's, life wasn't much different than up South, and it was still widely known at that time that a job for an older and uneducated black man or woman usually meant a life as a Gardner or maid - again, employment that often meant having to say "Yes Ma'am" to someone of wealth.If someone is looking for an action film, they will not find it in this story, but, boring, it is not - if they look at it from a human and historical standpoint.Florida2

• Great acting performances help to spin a deeply touching story. posted on 27 Dec 2008

  A delightful film, this one - it's involving, funny and emotional, all at once. The performances from Morgan Freeman and Jessica Tandy are wonderful, and the supporting performance of Dan Aykroyd leaves nothing to be desired either. It's very quiet; not a popcorn film by any stretch of the imagination; but the characters are simply wonderful.I won't spoil it by saying what happens, or what it's about, but the main focus is the two characters; on one hand, an aging lady who is determined to remain independent of anyone else's help in her life, and on the other hand a loyally stubborn driver, who is determined to help her out.The development is wonderful, the performances are stellar, and the film is touching and memorable. Highly recommended.

• I cry every time posted on 09 Dec 2008

  This movie has many wonderful scenes, but the most touching is when "Miss Daisy" finally admits to Hoke that he is her best friend. All of her pretensions are gone because of her senility and she can say out loud what she must have known and felt many years earlier. Anyway, from that point on, I always see the rest of the movie in a blurry of tears. It is easy to understand how this movie could win award after award. It is a good story with good character development. True, it is slow, but very enjoyable for those who would live to savor a good movie. It is too bad that a good story is lost on those who only want special effects and aliens in their movies.

• Slow-moving film, only saved by two lead actors' performances posted on 31 Oct 2008

  After just seeing this movie, I have to wonder why this is so popular and widely regarded as a good film. Maybe I would have understood it if I lived during that time, maybe if I knew anyone who were at the very age of the main characters. It starts off looking like a pretty good comedy, but after the first ten minutes or so, the pace goes incredibly slow, and stays slow for the rest of the film. The developing relationship between Tandy and Freeman was good, but I never found myself liking or even just slightly caring about the character of Daisy, or what happened to her. Maybe I'm too intolerant, but I honestly couldn't stand her... and that's a real problem, since she's on-screen for the better part of the film. The plot is fairly good, but it moves so slowly that it's hard to pay attention to it, unless you really understand and feel for either or both of the main characters, neither of which I did during the film. The acting is all pretty good, with Tandy and Freeman giving outstanding performances(which is pretty much the only thing that made the film watchable for me). The humor is almost non-existent(had to mention it, this being part comedy, after all). All in all, probably good for those who can remember the times when this is set, and/or those who are about the same age as either of the two leads. Barely watchable, had it not been for the acting, for everyone else. I recommend this to people who experienced the years this is set in or those of the same age as either of the main characters(which, by now, is pretty much the same group of people). 7/10

• Tandy and Freeman Make Movie Magic! posted on 22 Sep 2008

  Age before beauty. That's always been the saying. But what do you do when a movie is so beautiful, it becomes instantly ageless? Such is the situation with this movie.Jessica Tandy once again shows why she was considered such a great actress. And Morgan Freeman shines as her chauffeur. And this movie also starred Esther Rolle, my favorite black actress, who died of complications due to diabetes on Nov. 17, 1998.The story is simple:After accidentally backing her car over a small embankment, Daisy Werthan's son, Boolie, decides it best if a chauffeur was hired to drive her. Fearing a loss of independence, she refuses to allow herself to become friends with Hoke Colburn, an african-american man hired by Boolie.But after a series of events, including the death of her cook, Idella, played by Esther Rolle, and the burning down of their synagogue, she realizes that it's not a loss of independence that she feared most, but the fact that through all that happened, she found herself liking this black man with whom she ends up sharing twenty-some years with.This movie shows how prejudice can be brushed away when we allow ourselves to look beyond the color of the person, and see the character within. And the character of this movie can be summed up with one word: Priceless.

• Like this film? Watch soap operas. That'll give you what you want and on a daily basis. posted on 20 Aug 2008

  Once again, a really BORING movie that is so over-rated the whole thing makes intelligent people laugh. If you want to watch people ramble on about nothing for 2 or 3 hours, try All My Children, One Life To Live and General Hospital one right after the other. That should do the trick.

• Wonderful posted on 05 Aug 2008

  This movie has taken on a new meaning for me after watching it for the third time. The tender loving care taken by Mr. Morgen Freeman's character leaves me totaly disarmed for words. His sensitive acting in the role of a driver for a cantankerous old lady, who shows little appreciation for a loyal and tolerant servant Despite the fact that Morgan Freeman's character has been shown low tolerance all of his life, he shows the love and affection to this lady that he has been denied. Yes he is enthralled by his granddaughter and her talents. This appreciation is demonstrated within his own people, not by white society. His character has risen above this intolerance. His long enduring innate goodness, that the human race can develop, when they rise above their station in life. The final scene is devastating. This could only be done by two actors that have risen above their peers. Can we arise above intolerance and have the strength of these two people ? That is what the author has left us with.

• One of my all time favorite movies. posted on 06 Jun 2008

  A nice gentle moving about a moving relationship built up between two people from completely different backgrounds in their declining years."Driving Miss Daisy" is a joy to watch with excellent performances (oscar nominations all around), nice soundtrack and excellent direction.Make no mistake. This moving is not for action/adventure lovers. It is, though, a sweet, touching movie about the kind of friendship so few of us have and so many of us need.

• Reunion imagery posted on 26 Jan 2008

  This is yet another example of a typical Hollywood reunion picture. Hoke is what author Donald Bogle would call a "mammie". He essentially subjugates his own identity to that of the white matriarch, takes care of her, and is utterly desexualized. The thing about this "heartwarming" tale is that unity comes with HER deciding that black people are OK after all, not with any positive, forward moving action that Hoke takes. He just continues being the "magical", shaman type of mammie that accepts his position of subservience and continues on cheerfully. I am not saying that her character is deplorable. Latent racism was obviously (and still is) ever present, and she was socialized into that type of outlook by her surroundings. But this movie would have us accept the notion that this type of societal arrangement is somehow worthy of nostalgia. Hoke, and his counterparts in real life, undoubtedly did not enjoy second-class citizenship. They abhorred it. It is interesting that this film came out the same year as Do the Right Thing. That film is an honest, poetic, symbolic portrait of race relations. Driving Miss Daisy is a film designed to make the abuse of African Americans in this country more palatable to white people. Some things never change.

• The very definition of greatness! posted on 07 Sep 2007

  This movie is not one of the greatest, it defines greatness. Moving and touching, in some manner this movie will bring to life memories and emotions we all have. From start to finish, you will become part of this wonderful story as if it were your own. It teaches many of life's lessons and will make the viewer examine his own actions in life. Before seeing this movie, I thought it was a woman's story. Now I know that it is everyones story. If you haven't yet seen this wonderful experience, do yourself a favor and see it.If you think your heart is hard, give this movie a chance to prove you wrong. Next time I see it, I will need my wife next to me. This was my mothers favorite movie. My only regret about this movie is that I never saw it sitting next to her. I love you mom.....

• Great Tandy Drive **** posted on 03 Jun 2007

  Just what we needed in motion pictures. A wonderful relationship between a cantankerous retired teacher and her African American chauffeur.Jessica Tandy, in an Oscar-winning performance, is that crusty matron Ms. Daisy. Bitter but realistic, Tandy pulls out all the stops as Daisy, a person who regarded her former pupils as stupid.The film is set in a changing south as the battles of integration are coming. Even Ms. Daisy's synagogue is bombed.Morgan Freeman is just right as the chauffeur and Daisy comes to rely upon. His dedication to her is unmatched as the years begin to take their toll on her. Descending into senility, he will visit her in a facility where she is placed.Another surprise in this best picture of 1989 is a strong performance by Dan Akroyd, who usually is known for comedy. Here, he plays it straight as Daisy's son, a true businessman of the south.Well directed by Taylor Hackford who did not win the director award that year.

• Sensible and fascinating movie excellently acted and directed posted on 13 May 2007

  This is a gentle portrayal based from the play by Alfred Uhry about twenty and some years friendship among a Jewish old lady(Jessica Tandy married to Hume Cronyn) and the sweet-natured African-American chauffeur (Morgan Freeman) forced by her son(Dan Aykroyd) to take him .It's set in Georgia from late of 40s until the winds of change of customs and racial prejudice.The development of story is sensible, intelligent, thought-provoking and pretty entertaining. Concerning on the relationship between the starring trio, Tandy, Freeman and Aykroyd, they're frankly marvellous.And the latter, Aykroyd, quite effective in a diverse kind of role from his usual humorous assignment. Riveting, plenty of sense and sensibility musical score by Hans Zimmer. Colorful and glamorous cinematography by Peter James.The film won various Oscars, well deserved for actress, Jessica Tandy, adapted screenplay, make-up and picture, among them. And Golden Globe to actor Morgan Freeman and many others. The motion picture is skillfully directed by Bruce Beresford, this is his best movie. He's an Australian director with success(Breaker Morant)in Outback . Since the 80s , he has worked mainly in Hollywood and far away places(Mister Johnson, Black robe) with hits(Double jeopardy, Crimes of the heart, Tender mercies) and misfires(Silent fall,Her alibi, King David); however his own film-making has been overlooked. Although a number of actors have been prized in his movies, he has obtained too many flops.

• More than meets the eye posted on 22 Apr 2007

  This is a film about a lot of things - old age, relationships, assimilation and change. Some will say its too saccherine, or not a realistic look at the civil rights struggle, but they miss the point. Miss Daisy is part of a smaller minority within a majority; while not mistreated the way Hoke would be, she's still an outsider. It takes her until the end of the movie (and, since she's in her 90's, her life) to realize that she and Hoke are perhaps more similar than they thought.I recall that Dan Aykroyd did the role of Booley for union scale pay, he was so anxious to play a serious role; it paid off handsomely, as Dan was nominated for an academy award. Tandy is wonderful, and I don't think it's humanly possible for Morgan Freeman to turn in a bad performance. Some have criticized Freeman for being such a subservient character, but they also miss the point of what it was to be an older black servant in the 1950's. A fine effort and a great family movie.

• I wish reviewers would review the movie that is and not the movie they think it is posted on 05 Mar 2007

  This is a small, lovely film which deals with greater issues only as they are reflected in the perspective of the individual characters. History impacts all of us in its own way. This film is really about two very different characters finding common grounds and eventually friendship.In my opinion, there's no evidence that Miss Daisy is racist (any more than most well-intended people unconsciously are). Her resistance to Hoke isn't racial; her resistance to Hoke comes from her dogged independence. Any racism that does exist creeps in through the eaves of Miss Daisy's character as contradictory asides, and isn't central to it.Another reviewer made much of the fact that all the servants had to call her "Miss Daisy", not bothering to learn that all southern women "of a certain age" are given that title. Jimmy Carter's mother was eternally "Miss Lillian". My great-grandmother's childhood friend (an African-American lady) was Miss Marigold.I find it interesting that, in arguing against the film's "Hollywood" depiction (not a simplistic, trite moment in the lot, nor a car chase) there is an assumption of what makes for "American" films...a racist assessment in and of itself while arguing against racism.

• One Of The Best Movies Ever Made posted on 24 Feb 2007

  'Driving Miss Daisy' is a powerhouse of a movie... never has such a film gone the distance of drama and comedy both whirled into one as this one. Worthy of every ounce of attention it has gotten and its 4 Academy Awards. Jessica Tandy is brilliant in a unforgettable performance. It is NOT possible to out-weigh this movie. If for some stupid reason u don't like this movie, u must not have a heart or a mind for movies... Brillant BRILLIANT work of a movie and will long be a masterpiece in film making and looked back on for inspiration. Everything about this movie wins u over from to beginning to end.....

• A beautifully done picture posted on 10 Jan 2007

  Morgan Freeman stars as a chauffeur for Jessica Tandy in this beautifully made film that documents their 25 year friendship. With just the right amount of humor, drama and respect shown between the two main roles, this is a well acted well photographed film. Won Best Picture along with actress for Tandy and two other oscars.. 9 of 10