50/50

When life writes powerful stories, they lend themselves to being watched. Seth Rogen did very well by persuading his friend to write the screenplay, and just as well when he took on his best role yet. Although we've seen him as a goofball before and since, he has found his ideal fit in this melancholic comedy where humanity shines alongside uncompromising lines. And because few people are better guides to realistic comedies than Joseph Gordon-Levitt, there is nothing left but to smile contentedly, wipe away a hidden tear, and say one thing: Life. Is. Good. (31/01/2012)

Breaking with tradition, I will begin my comment about a good film by not recommending it. I don’t recommend watching 50/50 on a train. I watched in on the train and I was quietly tearing up by the end, having a hard time not to start sobbing in front of the other passengers. That would have embarrassing :-D. But about the film – very good. Joseph Gordon-Levitt confirms his quality as an actor, but I feel a little sorry for Bryce Dallas Howard, who this year has played an insufferable asshole in already two Oscar hopefuls and I think I will have her forever typecast in that character. The film parades a lot of emotions, from sadness to happiness and joy, it feels natural and sincere, without any award baiting cynicism. If it cut at the strongest moment right before the ending, I would go for five stars. I won’t say the ending ruins the very positive impression, but it does reduce it. Unfortunately. Ambiguity would be fitting for a film called 50/50. (02/12/2011)

Finally, a film about very serious matters, presented in an accurate, balanced optic oscillating exactly between serious drama and black-humored dirty comedy, beautifully showing that even a serious illness can be treated in a different way than with tears and a feeling of helplessness. There are no clichéd platitudes or pathetic emotions, this film is dominated by common sense and a lot of brilliantly staged passages of everyday life. Joseph Gordon-Levitt has great talent and a knack for choosing roles, and Seth Rogen does what he knows best, portraying a clumsy, good-hearted, vulgar schmuck. (01/09/2016)

A movie about life, about everyday reality, problems that need solving and about not surrendering life like it’s some stupid game of tag. 50/50 is a great movie, a brutal tear-jerker, but it was very pleasant to watch. Especially because of the actors who were being just the way I want to know them; being true to themselves and distinctive. Everything in this movie was the right fit and once again, I was able to watch a movie that results in a tremendous joy of life. And that’ll really lift your spirits… (15/11/2012)

Stumbling upon an American film about a serious illness and not being flooded by melodrama is such a remarkable event that it deserves proper recognition. The screenplay was excellent in how it managed to weave a fairly down-to-earth story with a decent dose of humor against the backdrop of drama (sometimes tragedy), allowing me to have an exceptionally good time. Moreover, I could easily relate to the main character because even though my situation is different in terms of diagnosis, the reactions of those around me were unfortunately very similar. Even today, I react extremely irritably to certain words, phrases, or expressions because a person can only handle a certain amount of empty words, which are seen as suitable for a specific situation. I just wish the ending was a bit more realistic. / Lesson learned: If you try, everything will be like it used to be. - Oh, come on! Be realistic. (08/05/2022)