The Spitfire Grill (1996)

Why so much hype?

Very best movie i ever watch

As somebody who had not heard any of this before, it became a curious phenomenon to sit and watch a film and slowly have the realities begin to click into place.

I enjoyed watching this film and would recommend other to give it a try , (as I am) but this movie, although enjoyable to watch due to the better than average acting fails to add anything new to its storyline that is all too familiar to these types of movies.

This is a very touching but bittersweet independent film. Slow and gentle. It concerns a young woman named Percy who wishes to reconcile her unsavory past in the small town of Giliad Maine but she is haunted by the very past that she wishes to overcome. Many people would like a chance to start over but life does not always afford then that opportunity. Nonetheless, we all still do affect others in ways that are not always seen. And therein lies the tale of redemption. A redemption that is sometimes too late in coming. Yet there is still hope in the unfairness all around us. And compassion to be found. Don't expect a Hollywood ending here. But who really wants one in this context? It's been said that Hollyweood films depict life as we would like to see it. But independent films depict life as it is. Small towns are hesitant enough about welcoming newcomers, yet Percy's arrival and her spirit is sensed as being something altogether different and the town finds itself changed forever. The inviting musical score by James Horner renders a sweet ambiance, consoling with a subdued drifty quality that lulls the soul in its wake.

I first saw Spitfire Grill shortly after it came out on video and today I just saw it again on HBO, and so I've confirmed to myself that this movie truly is excellent. The acting, writing, plot, subplots, editing, cinematography, and sound are all of excellent quality which allows one to become immersed in this story.I suppose that one may not like it if they are suffering from Attention Deficit Disorder or similar ailments, because you really need to just be able to sit down, relax, and enjoy the show. Seeing this movie currently rated near 7, is a little disappointing because this movie is so rich. My guess is that the people who gave it a low score probably didn't watch it, or perhaps think only cool special effects and nonstop action make for a great movie.This movie is more akin to Shawshank Redemption in the way it presents itself, without the narration. Shawshank is probably my personal favorite movie regardless of category, and I usually prefer comedies and sci-fi action type movies. But like Shawshank, this movie rates pretty high with me too. So if you're able to enjoy Shawshank Redemption, you'll enjoy Spitfire Grill.

Percy Talbott (Alison Elliot) is a young woman, who has just left jail, and goes to Gillead, a small town in Maine looking for a new beginning of her life. She gets a job in a diner place called Spitfire Grill, owned by Hannah Ferguson Ellen Burstyn). Hannah lost her beloved son Elli in Vietnam, and is a very aggressive woman. Her nephew Nahum Goddard (Will Patton) is the local real-estate broker and has been trying to sell the place for ten years. He mistreat his wife Shelby Goddard (Marcia Gay Harden), questioning her intelligence most of the time. When Percy arrives in town, she changes the behavior not only of Hannah and Shelby, but of the local citizen, and deep secrets are disclosed. I bought the VHS "Spitgrill Fire" in 1998 and only today I have watched it. It is a sensitive story, filmed in beautiful locations in Maine and very supported by the performance by the outstanding central trio of actresses. The story is delightful most of the time and although having a good message in the end, I did not like the fate of Percy. I know life may be unfair, there are many envious and prejudicial people, but the story is fiction so I believe the writer used a very "heavy hand" to conclude the destiny of Percy. I would prefer a most commercial end for her character. My vote is seven.Title (Brazil): "Spitfire Grill – O Recomeço" ("Spittfire Grill – The New Beginning")

Spitfire Grill does a wonderful job capturing the small town New England landscape. The setting for the movie is important as its characters. Both begin to blend from the start of the story. Alison Elliott is by far terrific. At times, Alison Elliott resembles a young Jodie Foster as she plays this innocent, yet troubled youngster as she tries to start fresh with a new life in a new town. At times, the story takes on a biblical tale of forgiveness and loving thy neighbor. A perfect movie about respect and acceptance, The Spitfire Grill takes on a life of its own as the story builds and builds with more secrets. A nice ending that brings everything together and answers all the questions. Alison Elliott is great.