This Is Martin Bonner

This Is Martin Bonner (2013)

Sub-Genres - Psychological Drama  |   Release Date - Jun 28, 2013 (USA - Limited)  |   Run Time - 83 min.  |   Countries - United States  |   MPAA Rating - R
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Synopsis by Mark Deming

Two very different men trying to restart their lives strike up a friendship in this independent drama from writer and director Chad Hartigan. Martin Bonner (Paul Eenhoorn) is in his late fifties and newly single after a painful divorce that has cost him nearly all his savings. Looking for a fresh start, Martin has relocated to Reno, NV, where he lands a job with a charitable organization that helps recently released convicts transition to productive lives on the outside. When not busy with work, Martin referees children's soccer games, tries to repair his relationships with his adult son and daughter, and buys and sells knickknacks on eBay, and if he sometimes seems puzzled by the nuts and bolts of his new life, he also seems to have achieved some sort of peace of mind. Martin's organization has been working with Travis (Richmond Arquette), who spent twelve years in prison after killing someone while driving drunk; Travis doesn't feel comfortable with Steve (Robert Longstreet), a counselor who is well-meaning but frequently proselytizes about his faith, but he finds a kindred spirit in Martin. As Martin and Travis get to know one another, they each find themselves learning about the hard work of starting a new life following traumatic circumstances. This Is Martin Bonner received its world premiere at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival, where it received the Next Audience Award.

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Keywords

charity, divorce, ex-convict, friendship, starting-over