Diane Keaton & Morgan Freeman in 5 Flights Up

 5 Flights Up Review

 By Tinsel & Tine Contributor – Linda Visconti

Living well as you age can seem like a contradictory balance between being cautious and throwing caution to the wind. The employed are urged to plan early for retirement so that the money saved can be spent with abandon as they age. Seniors are admonished to safeguard their health so that they can defy the athletic odds as they grow older.

 “5 Flights Up” is a love story built on 40-years of marital commitment lived out in a scenic Manhattan apartment. The increasing difficulty of climbing five stair flights is the catalyst for this couple to consider a move to an aging friendly apartment with an elevator.  The plot ends up being less about moving and more staying true to ideals without submitting to the reality of aging prematurely.

Morgan Freeman (Alex) and Diane Keaton (Ruth) live their love for one another with a quick credibility of tenderness that easily draws you into their reflective search for a new apartment. Freeman a lifelong artist, Keaton a retired elementary teacher void the awareness of racial difference,quickly with their quiet understanding and powerful love for one another .They walk you effortlessly through this seeming ordinary plot that unfolds as an allegory of life and love.

Two subplots help this journey:

One is the unfolding of a terrorist act close to their home being reported by the news media as potential buyers arrive. The integrity of Freeman’s compassion for this young terrorist sets him apart from the angry rhetoric all around him.

The other is the couples’ loving commitment to their dog, aging as they are and needing surgery to be able to continue to walk. The crescendo of fear and triumph as they get the news that Dorothy is walking plays softly through with an unexpected feeling of joy as they celebrate the news.

 5 Flights Up is like cool jazz at its best: relaxing you as it vibrates your emotions and leaves you feeling better than when you started.

Linda Visconti is an educator who simply enjoys writing. Having grown up in Philadelphia, she recently returned and loves the University City community.

T &T’s LAMB Score: 4 out of 5 

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