On Golden Pond (released in 1981) - starring Henry Fonda, Katherine Hepburn, Jane Fonda and Doug McKeon

Released in 1981, the screen play was adapted by Ernest Thompson from his play. Directed by Mark Rydell this movie boasts of a stellar cast of Henry Fonda, Katherine Hepburn, Jane Fonda and Doug McKeon.
Have you got tired of watching mindless revenge drama's, lust, anger and sex? Then you need to get hold of On Golden Pond. The simple nuances of love, relationships, kinship and mortality is presented in this film that leaves the viewers spellbound. You leave the movie not with tears but with an uplifting feeling in your soul.
The story begins with the sexagenarian couple Norman and Ethel Thayer arriving at their summer cottage at the golden pond to spend their vacations as they had done for the last fifty years. Norman is a grouchy old professor who ribs everybody in the wrong way. Ethel, his ever suffering wife understands his behavior and sense of humor. Some great scenes about their camaraderie comes through creating cinematic history. Ultimately Norman knows that Ethel understands and completes him.



Arriving at the cottage is his middle aged estranged daughter, Chelsea to celebrate his birthday She is accompanied by her fiancée, Coleman and his son eight year old Billy. Norman's acid tongue and repartees soon make the situation tense, but the night passes on. The next day Chelsea and Coleman depart to Europe for a vacation leaving Billy in the cottage.
Norman and Billy are forced to spend time together and Norman grudgingly accepts his young friend. In Billy he finds a chance to parent a young child as he had never tried to do with Chelsea. Norman does not leave this chance and takes young Billy under his wing, teaching him fishing and reading treasure island with him. Billy with his silly childish ways builds a bond with Norman with Ethel.
Soon they are enjoying the vacations, with occasional mishaps like a boating accident bringing them closer. Meanwhile Chelsea arrives from Europe sans her fiancée and the good news that she is married. Seeing her father and Billy together, she confesses her resentment about Norman. She feels that she was neglected always because Norman wanted a boy. But a heart tot heart talk with Norman calms her troubled heart.
Norman too is confronted with his mortality as he suffers a mild heart attack. Ethel and he understands the value of the time spent together. Chelsea and Billy depart with a promise of staying in touch. Norman and Ethel also depart hoping to comeback next summer.
This is the last movie of Henry Fonda and no better curtain call could be there for his illustrious career. He won an Oscar for his portrayal of Norman Thayer. On Golden Pond went on to win 5 Oscars with 10 nominations. Katherine Hepburn and Jane Fonda were among the winners. It also went on to win the Golden Globes, BAFTA and other prestigious award. The viewers also gave it a thumbs up as the movie grossed $119,285,432 at the box office.
A good feel good movie for all ages.