Peace, Love & Misunderstanding

Peace, Love & Misunderstanding is a heartfelt and invigorating 2011 drama-comedy film directed by notable filmmaker Bruce Beresford, who also directed well-acclaimed movies like Driving Miss Daisy and Tender Mercies. Showcasing a blend of humor, drama, and romance, the central characters are brilliantly played by a trio of talented leading ladies, Jane Fonda, Catherine Keener, and Elizabeth Olsen.

The movie opens with Catherine Keener playing Diane - a successful but uptight Manhattan lawyer, who finds herself in a challenging situation as her long-term marriage irretrievably breaks down, leading her husband to ask for a divorce. Looking for a place of solace to glued her teetering life together and to give her two teenage children, Zoe and Jake, some sense of normalcy, she impulsively decides to take them on a journey upstate to her estranged, hippie mother.

Jane Fonda unforgettably portrays the character of the free-spirited matriarch Grace, Diane’s mother, who is presented as an unreformed hippie resolutely living in the by-gone era of the 60s in Woodstock. She's full of life, eccentric, who continues to celebrate her counterculture values boldly, surrounded by like-minded friends and an overall peaceful community.

The estrangement between the mother and daughter, born out of a deep misunderstanding several years before, serves as the emotional hub of the movie. After almost two decades, Grace is thrilled to have her family visiting again, but Diane, held captive by her past grievances, finds it difficult to even communicate with her mother. The gap between the uptight city-dwelling Diane and the easygoing, pot-selling Grace, creates comical, touching, and engaging dynamics.

Elizabeth Olsen, who plays Zoe, Diane's vegan and fervently feminist daughter, shifts her perspective after meeting a charming local butcher, going through her journey of self-discovery and her tumultuous love interest. On the other hand, Jake, portrayed by Nat Wolff, finds an outlet for his hidden passion for filmmaking in the arms of a free-spirited young woman from Woodstock.

In essence, Peace, Love & Misunderstanding is an inter-weaving narrative of different generations, presenting the contrasting personalities, their ideologies, lifestyles, and the complexity of familial dynamics. This upstate sojourn becomes a journey of self-discovery for each character, leading to personal transformations and reconciliation where peace, love, and yes, understanding, plays the crucial role.

The characters in the movie are finely etched and take you through a rollercoaster of laughter, tears, romance, and personal transformations. Catherine Keener is exceptional as Diane, the urban career woman frazzled by her personal upheaval, bringing depth and nuance to her character. Jane Fonda shines throughout as the vibrant, life-loving Grace. Her portrayal of a woman unapologetic in being her true self is infectious and endearing. Elizabeth Olsen delivers a noteworthy performance as the young and idealist Zoe, showcasing the subtle nuances of a young woman’s journey towards self-discovery.

The film also gives a unique perspective of the village of Woodstock and pays homage to the hippie culture prevalent in the 60s. The vivid backdrops of the countryside beautifully presents a stark contrast to the concrete buildings in Manhattan. Bruce Beresford masterfully uses these rural settings to drive home the message of peace and tranquility against the harsh realities of the modern corporate world.

Providing great dialogue and well-paced storytelling, the central theme resonates around letting go of the past, making peace with oneself and others, and ultimately, evolving. Infused with moments of emotional intensity and delicate humor, this film invites viewers for experiencing the characters’ growth, their reconciliation, and the love that binds them, despite their differences.

With an impressive cast, engaging storyline, and brilliant performances all around, Peace, Love & Misunderstanding offers a heartwarming look at second chances, love, relationships, and family reconciliation. It is an endearing film with relatable characters, each dealing with their internal conflicts while navigating a path towards harmony and understanding. The essence of the film is beautifully summed up in its title, encapsulating the conflicts, bonds, and understanding that form the core of human relationships.