Good condition DVd of an early Resse Witherspoon outing in a bittersweet coming-of-age movie

Robert Mulligan's graceful coming-of-age drama, set in rural Louisiana in 1957, explores the change in the relationship between two sisters when both fall for the handsome new boy next door, Court Foster (Jason London). The younger sister, 14-year-old Dani (Reese Witherspoon), gains Court's friendship and a brief kiss but not his romantic affections, which he delivers to college-bound Maureen (Emily Warfield). The once-close sisters turn into rivals while learning some painful lessons about growing up. But when a sudden tragedy strikes, they are forced to draw strength from their powerful familial bond. Witherspoon gives a moving performance in her film debut, and Mulligan demonstrates once again his graceful and tender knack (shown in previous films such as SUMMER OF '42 and TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD) for capturing the bewilderment, awkwardness, and fresh excitement of adolescence.

This poignant story is one of the most beautiful coming of age portraits ever filmed. It is set in rural Louisiana during the 1950's and is beautifully photographed and filled with love and tenderness. The focal point of director Robert Mulligan's (To Kill a Mockingbird, Summer of '42) story is a very young Reese Witherspoon in a role that should have made her a household name. This story of first love and the tragedy that follows will touch you in a way you'll remember for a long time.

Sam Waterson is perfect as the gentle and kind husband and father Matthew who knows his two daughters are growing up faster than he can blink and has another one on the way. Tess Harper has another fine turn as his loving wife Abigail. There is a sweet and peaceful feel to this film that gets into your heart slowly in much the same manner as "The Spitfire Grill". It is that good.

Dani (Reese Witherspoon) is the spunky but tender hearted younger sister who is beginning to cross the waters from kid to young woman at 14. Her adolescent crush on Elvis changes to something real when 17 year old Court Foster (Jason London) enters the picture. They both like to swim in the lake and become something more than friends but something less than a couple. Their relationship is handled in such a sweet and thoughtful manner you find youself embracing this film with your heart early on.

But as much as Court cares about her she is to young for him and when chance brings he and her older sister Maureen (Emily Wakefield) together nature takes it's course and someone's heart is bound to break. This is a good and loving family and Dani and her older sister Maureen are close. They bicker as sisters do but Dani secretly worships Maureen and wants to be like her. Maureen loves Dani just as much but can't pass up the love of her life no matter how hard she might try.

Court is also prtrayed as a very decent kid with the weight of the world on his shoulders who is trying to do the right thing and still be happy. Everthing about this feels real as there are no good guys and bad guys, just a truthful portrait of young love and growing up. Witherspoon is amazing and you can truly feel her heart breaking as she begins to disappear, only her memories of the lake and her first kiss to comfort her.

It will take even more than a tragedy to bring Dani and Maureen back together and it is the wise and gentle father who takes Dani fishing and talks to her in a way every father hopes he will talk to his daughter under similar circumstances. Everyone is wonderful in this fine film and I am amazed it is not more widely known. It is truly something special.

I can not reveal what happens in the last part of this film but at the beginning we find Dani and Maureen talking on their front porch about 'The Man in the Moon'. Their mother always told them when they were young to tell their troubles to 'The Man on the Moon' and just keep talking untill they were all gone. Both Dani and Maureen discover when things are bleakest that 'The Man in the Moon' is truly each other.

This film is warm, sweet, and heartrending. It is a wonderful find and different from just about anything else you will see on the subject matter. It is a film you'll want to own and watch over and over. Pick this one up today....