When Fall is Coming- My Recommended Movie for Seniors

My Recommended Movies for Seniors

When Fall Is Coming - A Quiet Film for the Autumn of Life

Recently, I watched a French film on Prime Video with English subtitles, When Fall Is Coming. It is not the kind of movie that grabs you in the first five minutes. There are no loud scenes, no dramatic music pushing you along. Instead, it unfolds slowly, almost gently and before long, I realized I was completely absorbed.

At this stage of my life, I find myself drawn to stories like this. When I was younger, especially during my professional years, I preferred films with strong plots, clear direction, and a sense of accomplishment at the end, much like my own life at that time. But now, at ninety-one, I appreciate something different. I look for reflection rather than resolution.

This film is about relationships, particularly family and how complicated they can become over time. It touches on aging, memory, regret, and the quiet tensions that exist even among those who love each other. Nothing is spelled out clearly. Instead, the film leaves room for interpretation, which I found both intriguing and very true to life.

What stayed with me most was the uncertainty. Was what happened intentional, or simply an accident? The film never fully answers that question. And as I thought about it afterward, I realized how much of life is like that. We often look back and wonder about our own decisions what we meant to do, what we actually did, and how others experienced it.

In my own life, I have seen many seasons, raising a family, building a career, and now living a quieter, more reflective existence. These days, my happiness comes from simple routines: playing bridge several times a week, writing my daily blogs, and hearing from my children. The pace of life has slowed, but in many ways, it has also deepened.

When Fall Is Coming feels like a film made for this stage of life. It does not rush. It does not try to impress. It simply observes, much like we do as we grow older watching, remembering, and occasionally questioning.

This is not a movie for everyone. Some may find it too slow or too subtle. But for those who are willing to sit with it, especially those of us in the later chapters of life, it offers something meaningful: a chance to reflect. I recommend it highly for senior citizens. 

And perhaps that is what autumn, whether of the year or of life, is really about.

Meanwhile, here's the AI Overview: 

When Fall Is Coming

 (original French title: Quand vient l'automne) is a 2024 film directed by François Ozon that blends a quiet retirement drama with the undercurrents of a psychological thriller. 

Plot Overview

The story follows Michelle (played by Hélène Vincent), a retiree living a peaceful life in a Burgundy village. Her tranquility is disrupted when her estranged daughter, Valérie, visits with her grandson, Lucas. 

• The Catalyst: During the visit, Michelle prepares a mushroom dish that accidentally poisons Valérie. While Valérie recovers, she uses the incident to forbid Michelle from seeing Lucas again.
• The Turning Point: Michelle finds new purpose and companionship in Vincent, the son of her best friend Marie-Claude, who has just been released from prison.
• The Mystery: As their bond deepens, a tragic "accident" occurs, leaving the audience to question the true nature of Michelle's past and whether certain events were coincidental or calculated. 

Key Themes and Style

• "Autumncore" Aesthetic: Critics noted the film's lush, earthy color palette and cozy rural setting, often described as "autumncore" or "cottagecore".
• Deceptive Calm: While the film appears to be a gentle character study, it is a "tonal bait-and-switch" that slowly uncovers family secrets, guilt, and moral ambiguity.
• Ambiguity: Ozon purposefully leaves key moments off-screen, forcing viewers to decide for themselves who is "guilty" or what truly happened.
• Ageism Rejection: The film is praised for portraying an older female protagonist with complexity, agency, and a "complicated past" rather than as a one-dimensional "sweet grandmother". 

Critical Reception

The film has been highly praised, holding a 92% rating on Rotten Tomatoes as of early 2025. Reviewers from The Guardian and Variety highlighted Hélène Vincent’s performance as masterfully nuanced film that doesn't rely on typical thriller.

REVIEWS

“French filmmaker François Ozon has cooked up a little mystery and an enigmatic heroine. A sleek, modestly scaled entertainment about families, secrets and obligations, it features fine performances and some picture-postcard Burgundian locations…Looks can be deceiving, though, as we’re reminded, and as Ozon’s movie goes along, that picture grows amusingly slyer.”
– Manohla Dargis, The New York Times

“[A] crackling autumnal thriller…France’s most prolific filmmaker returns with another crisp delight.” 
– David Opie, IndieWire

★ ★ ★ ★ “A small gem of a mystery…Hélène Vincent is a treat as a devoted grandmother who isn’t quite what she seems in this understated tale of family dysfunction…This spry little French-language picture, which delights in subverting our expectations and leaves us with teasing questions about culpability and a crime, shows the director at his most understated, the better to foreground the excellent, intriguingly layered performance from Hélène Vincent.”
– Wendy Ide, The Guardian

“A darkly funny French drama worth savoring…has a number of Ozonian elements that devotees of the prolific French auteur will cherish: intentional plot holes that keep things spicily ambiguous; characters who appear boringly bourgeois but are hiding secret pasts or proclivities or both; a tiny dash of the supernatural; and an irony in all its forms that runs through everything…a rock-solid demonstration of his control over storytelling, technique and ability to get the best from actors.”
– Leslie Felperin, The Hollywood Reporter

“An elegant, slippery game of tonal bait-and-switch, WHEN FALL IS COMING finds the ever-unpredictable Ozon in mellow, pensive mode…Nobody is exactly who they appear to be, but Ozon’s nimble, perceptive little film takes that as a given: When winter and mortality are beckoning, the past only counts for so much.”
– Guy Lodge, Variety

Lastly,  Why is 'My Way' popular?

"My Way" is a timeless classic that has remained popular across generations due to several factors:

Universal themes: The song's themes of self-reflection, perseverance, and individuality resonate deeply with listeners worldwide.
Iconic melody: The song's catchy and memorable melody, combined with Paul Anka's English lyrics, has made it an enduring favorite.
Cultural significance: "My Way" has been associated with various cultural icons, including Frank Sinatra, who popularized the song in the late 1960s.
Timeless appeal: The song's message and melody transcend genres and age groups, making it a staple in popular culture.
Versatility: "My Way" has been covered by numerous artists, including the Virtuosos Talent Show's version featuring Placido Domingo, José Carreras, Dimash Qudaibergen, and HAUSER, introducing the song to new audiences.

These factors combined have cemented "My Way" as a beloved classic that continues to inspire and entertain people worldwide.

Oscar Winner- Best Documentary Film

From My Recent Readings on the Oscar Winners, 2026

MR NOBODY AGAINST PUTIN is a powerful reminder of what authoritarianism looks like up close and why the world must continue to stand firmly against Vladimir Putin.

MR NOBODY AGAINST PUTIN tonight won the Oscar for Best Documentary.

This is not just a documentary. It is a window into how Putin’s regime operates through fear, indoctrination, propaganda, and violence. It shows how even ordinary spaces like schools can be turned into instruments of the state, used to normalize war and condition the next generation to accept lies as patriotism.

The film was shot over roughly two years by Pavel “Pasha” Talankin, who worked at a primary school in Karabash as both videographer and events coordinator. After Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Talankin began more seriously documenting what was happening around him as the Kremlin imposed new demands on schools. 

Patriotic spectacles became mandatory. Teachers were expected to push state-approved lessons defending the invasion. Schools had to upload video proof of compliance to a government portal. That requirement, ironically, gave Talankin the cover he needed to keep filming what was unfolding without immediately drawing suspicion.

He originally planned to leave his job rather than help carry out the regime’s messaging. But after connecting with director David Borenstein, he chose to stay and continue gathering footage. That decision transformed the documentary into something even more powerful: not simply an outside critique of Putinism, but an inside record of how dictatorship invades daily life and corrupts institutions that are supposed to educate, not indoctrinate.

And that is why this story matters.

Putin is a violent dictator whose rule has brought death, repression, and devastation on a massive scale. Millions of lives have been upended by the wars, displacement, and destruction tied to his regime. Families have been torn apart. Communities have been shattered. Children have grown up amid trauma and fear because of one man’s obsession with domination and imperial conquest.

Too many people still try to sanitize Putin by describing him as merely “strategic” or “strong.” He is neither admirable nor misunderstood. He is the head of a brutal authoritarian system built on coercion, lies, and bloodshed. MR. NOBODY AGAINST PUTIN exposes that system in a way that headlines alone often cannot.

The courage behind the film only deepens its impact. In the summer of 2024, Talankin secretly fled Russia after evidence emerged that police were surveilling his home. With help from the film’s producers and Borenstein, he escaped and sought asylum in Europe. That fact alone says everything about the kind of regime Putin has created: one where telling the truth can force someone into exile.

This film matters because it shows that art can confront power. That truth still matters. That documenting evil is itself an act of resistance. And that in the face of dictatorship, silence is not neutrality it is surrender.

We should say this clearly and without hesitation: we stand against Putin.

We stand against political repression. We stand against propaganda disguised as patriotism. We stand against the destruction of Ukraine and the normalization of authoritarian violence. And we stand with those brave enough to expose it.

Meanwhile, here's Pope Leo XIV's message last Night:

Pope Leo XIV's recent message is about standing firm in the face of power and pressure. He went live at 3 a.m. to address a threat he received from a powerful political figure, choosing to speak directly to the public without a script or intermediaries. He emphasized the importance of conscience and faith, stating, "I will not step back." The Pope highlighted the challenge of navigating influence and power, warning that silence under pressure can become consent.

In other recent messages, Pope Leo XIV has 

Called for a Ceasefire: Urging an end to violence in the US-Israeli war with Iran, saying "Cease the fire! Let paths of dialogue be reopened." He emphasized that violence doesn't lead to justice, stability, or peace.

Advocated for Peace in the Middle East: Expressing concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and other territories, and calling for diplomacy to silence weapons and chart futures with works of peace.

Shared Spiritual Guidance: Delivering a message about pausing for 20 seconds to experience God's presence and spiritual transformation, encouraging devotion, reflection, and obedience to God's call.

Overall, Pope Leo XIV's messages convey a sense of courage, conviction, and compassion, urging people to prioritize peace, dialogue, and faith in the face of adversity.

Finally, My Music Video of the Day: Monti's Csardas for Violin and Piano

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Pope Leo XIV- The Quiet American and Trump

The Quiet American and the Weight of a Gentle Voice

This morning, as I read The Wall Street Journal, my attention settled on an article titled “The Quiet American.💚” It reflects on Pope Leo XIV, a pontiff from Chicago described not as a thunderous moral crusader, but as something far rarer in today’s world: a quiet presence willing to push back, even against figures as forceful as Donald Trump.

💚https://www.wsj.com/world/american-pope-leo-donald-trump-relationship-c5e7e0a1?gaa_at=eafs&gaa_n=AWEtsqe-RubUAJeTIcjt7XOTvfBVCDigfTjEij7IFunAye-TWbQP4rTrPBCgsErR0WM%3D&gaa_ts=69bef65c&gaa_sig=fS8OGrHNqEpBe9gtpnxEdMk3ZgAWwF27Sc7UcgKLgscre1UxoVqBYnd4f9i9eFzufdf1Jqb5UhBWV7AA1mM-bg%3D%3D

At ninety-one, I have lived long enough to see many forms of power. In my professional years, including my time with the FDA and in the aftermath of 9/11, I witnessed firsthand how authority is exercised sometimes loudly, sometimes behind closed doors. Power often announces itself with confidence, certainty, and volume. But influence true influence can be something altogether different.

The question posed in the article lingers: Can a quiet American pope make a difference in an era of raw power politics?

It is a fair question. We are living in a time where strong personalities dominate headlines, where speed often overtakes reflection, and where conviction is measured in decibels rather than depth. In such an environment, a quieter figure can easily be underestimated.

But I would suggest that history tells us otherwise.

Think of leaders who did not rely on bluster but on moral clarity. Their strength was not diminished by their tone; it was amplified by their consistency. A calm voice, when grounded in principle, has a way of traveling farther than we might expect. It may not trend on social media, but it lingers in the conscience.

As I reflect on my own life, now in its later chapters, I find myself valuing a different kind of strength than I once did. In my younger years, achievement and recognition brought satisfaction. Today, it is the quieter rhythms that matter more: a thoughtful conversation, a handwritten blog, a weekly massage that reminds me of the healing power of human touch, a game of bridge shared with friends who have also seen the passage of time etched into their days.

There is wisdom in quiet persistence.

If this Chicago-born pontiff represents anything, it may be this: that leadership does not always need to compete with noise. Sometimes it needs to offer an alternative to it.

Will he change the course of global politics? That may be too large a burden for any one individual, no matter their title. But can he influence hearts, nudge conversations, and remind us of values that transcend political cycles?

I believe he can. And perhaps that is enough.

In the end, I have come to see that the most enduring changes in life, whether in institutions, relationships, or within ourselves, rarely arrive with fanfare. They come quietly, almost imperceptibly, until one day we realize something within us has shifted.

A quieter world may not be a weaker one. It may, in fact, be a wiser one.

Pope Leo XIV- The Quiet American-AI Overview:

Pope Leo XIV

, born Robert Francis Prevost, is the first American to serve as Pope. Often referred to as "The Quiet American," his papacy has been characterized by a reserved, traditional style and a focus on global diplomacy rather than personal celebrity. 

Background and Election

• Early Life: Born and raised in Chicago, he was an Augustinian missionary who spent decades serving in Peru.
• Dual Identity: He holds dual citizenship in the U.S. and Peru and has been called the "least American of the Americans" due to his deep international ties.
• Election: Formerly the Prefect for the Dicastery for Bishops, he was elected in May 2025. 

Key Characteristics of His Papacy

• "The Quiet American": He is known for a low-profile approach, using measured language and rarely granting interviews.
• Diplomatic Focus: He has been increasingly vocal about international conflicts, particularly the Russia-Ukraine war and tensions in the Middle East, advocating for the "rule of law" and peace.
• Tradition: He has reversed some of his predecessor's departures from tradition, such as returning to the use of traditional papal garb and showing a more moderate stance on the Latin Mass.
• Political Counterbalance: While maintaining a quiet demeanor, he has emerged as a moral critic of certain U.S. political directions, particularly regarding the treatment of migrants and refugees. 

Related Resources

Several books and biographies have been published detailing his life and the early months of his reign:

• Leo XIV: Portrait of the First American Pope by Matthew Bunson and Edward Pentin, providing an authoritative look at his path to the papacy.
• Pope Leo XIV: The First American Pope, a hardcover coffee-table book featuring photography of his journey.
• Leo XIV: The Pope from Both Americas, which explores his dual cultural heritage. 
• Finally, Featuring new Capabilities of Chat GPT on Image Editing: 
• 
  Minor Editing to make me a little bit younger 
  
  
  Major Editing to make Me 50 years Younger 
  
  
  MY Selfie taken the Other Day, During Our THD St Patrick's Day Happy Hour