A Real Pain

This one took me by surprise. Many themes and all thoughtfully observed. But, the one theme that stuck with me is how it is possible to continue to love someone when they have failed you or come to peace knowing the love one’s mental illness is beyond your help.

"A Real Pain" is a film directed by Jesse Eisenberg, who also stars in it alongside Kieran Culkin in the lead roles. The story follows two mismatched cousins who embark on a tour of Poland to explore their Jewish heritage and learn about their grandmother's history after her passing. Overall, it was a decent film. It features some funny moments as well as very emotional scenes, and the acting is solid. However, I struggled to understand the film's message or point, as these elements were not clearly explained. Additionally, the film ends on an open note, which added to my confusion. If it weren't for these drawbacks, I would have understood the film more. Nevertheless, if you're in the mood for a funny and emotional experience, I recommend giving it a watch.

I am so glad I passed on this movie and streamed this. I thought this was going to be pretty good to great but kierran culkins character was annoying obnoxious and unkind. I mean a character like this can be fun and likeable..i think john candy nailed the lovable guy that was an extravert. Kirrens charecter portrays a terrible person I mean a real me time jerk. There was 3 min of visiting a haulocaust site..but it was so brief it's barely poinent. If your looking for a jerk filled movie where 1 guy dominates and ruins a groups trip and that's your type of movie than this is for you. There is nothing interesting that happens in this movie except the 3 min holocaust trip. The best part of this movie is how short it is..and at the end the cousin bonding was nil. The fact this was nominated for an award was baffling. I hope this review helps someone. I want my hour and 33min back.

Led by masterful performances from its two leads (particularly Kieran Culkin), A Real Pain doesn't captivate me fully in its story and i wasn't as emotionally connected as i would have wanted, but this is nevertheless a sharp and intelligent dramedy that looks great and handles themes of mental health, trauma and legacy with powerful insight.

Dear Jesse, Thank you so much! Your work, A Real Pain, is truly remarkable. I’ve visited some of those places in Poland on a guided tour, and I deeply appreciate the way you chose to portray them. There was a sense of truth and delicacy in how you presented both the landscapes and the emotional terrain. What struck me most were the dynamics between the brothers. I felt there were many subtle allegories there. The characters and the way others respond to them — it all felt so thoughtfully observed. I personally relate very closely to David’s character. People like me often encounter people like Benji in life. We tend to process things internally, yet are deeply attuned to others’ emotions. Our pain is no less real, it’s just turned inward. Benji, on the other hand, expresses everything so outwardly — he’s vivid, and centered in his own experience. In my family, along with the tragedy of the Holocaust, we also carry the trauma of the Siege of Leningrad. My grandfather was taken for forced labor — they’re all gone now, but on special days, you remember them. And there are “stones,” too, to keep their memory alive. Thank you again for your beautiful, honest film. Warm regards, Iren Elinson

Awful - just couldn't care less what happens to the characters. It tries to be serious, but fails. Maybe too deep for me, but I just didn't engage with the actors at all.

This is a very heartfelt movie that is well done throughout.

I really enjoyed this film. I felt so confused about Benji, he's so loveable but then is an absolute firecracker, and then David has to somehow try to pull him back in. All of the characters were loveable and I would have loved to hear more about their own personal stories. It's a feel good movie with slight discomforts, not necessarily bad discomforts though. It really makes you think about life and history.

I wish Kieran Culkin would have been honored for another part. Yes, he portraits the self absorbed annoying American greatly, but the characters have no depth, there's nothing and no one to root for and no reason to follow the stroy at all. Jesse Eisenberg seems to write the same stories and same characters over and over again and keeps playing them the same way. It's just dull and annoying and soulles and most of all: not funny. Not even a little bit. If anything it's depressing. I gave up after half of the movie.

That this is certified fresh, boggles my mind. Haven’t seen such a superficial movie in a long time. Please avoid.