This is the only film I have ever seen which (thanks to Jamey Sheridan's performance as the title character) portrays a man straddling the middle of the Kinsey scale on sexuality whose fear of being gay leads not only to expectable denial, but who can destroy the object his same sex affection and build a false memory that he even had a role in it. It is a magnificent acting job of focusing so much on the man you want to be - a man you can't really be - and not noticing that although you have the trappings of a "normal" life, you have never really connected with those who are ostensibly "close" to you. Harry straddles distance/intimacy with his son, with a waitress at his local diner, and the inference that he is divorced would indicate an intimacy failure there, too, although it produced a child. Sheridan takes all these contradictions in Harry's character and makes them credible in a single person. It is a portrayal on a par with the complex masculine characters created by Sam Elliot in "Lifeguard" and Warren Beatty in "Shampoo". Harry is flawed, real, exasperating, admirable and detestable all at once. This movie deserves a theatrical re-release and for more people to see it. I saw it on YouTube and it is now one of my favorite movies.

Slow-moving, slightly posturing drama.

I really enjoyed this movie..... Came across it by accident, and I am glad I did.

This film wasn't difficult to predict, but that's not to say it was obvious. Regardless, the story was compelling and so very sad.

Formulaic, but fair.

I saw Steve Buscemi's name attached to this, and admittedly, that was my sole reason for watching it. He appeared in it for only about five minutes, but I didn't mind; I kept watching. This is an incredible film, brave with its subject matter and the way it handles it. It's so much more believable than many other films dealing with homosexuality and homophobia.

Terrific study of love, betrayal and regret from the eyes of a former Navy soldier who faces his past when an old Navy buddy calls him from his deathbed. Well-written, very understated, realistic and smartly directed, this is a must-see film.

Life has never looked so sad!

This is a small gem of a film with a memorable ensemble cast practicing the best of low key modern American film acting style, a brilliant script, a great story that unravels like the best of mysteries and a solid, secure director who understands that the film isn't about camera moves and quick cuts. She's not afraid to let the camera sit unmoving, with a cruel, unsympathetic stand for as long as it takes to help the film breathe or to reveal a hidden moment. It's about moral courage, or more properly, the lack of it when a good and decent man succumbs to powerful social and psychological pressure and unwittingly sells out a friend and lover.

An interesting story. Acting is good, but the storyline isn't the most exciting. Decent, but seems to drag on, and on. Heavy-hearted ending.

This film wasn't difficult to predict, but that's not to say it was obvious. Regardless, the story was compelling and so very sad.

Well into middle age, Harry Sweeney(Jamey Sheridan) is doing well for himself in his business as an electrician and has no plans to retire soon. Thomas Kelley(Steve Buscemi), an old pal from the navy who he has not talked to in 30 years, is not quite so lucky, as he lies dying in a hospital bed. Before he goes, he wants to apologize to a former crewmate, Kagan, of theirs who along with three others they brutally beat. But Kelley dies before he can locate him, leaving the task to Harry with a little help from Kelley's daughter(Emily Donahue) who provides him with her research. First stop, Peter Rheems(John Savage), another former crewmate. "Handsome Harry" is a low-key and meditative movie that is helped by a relaxed lead performance from Jamey Sheridan, along with a very good supporting cast that also includes Aidan Quinn, Campbell Scott and Titus Welliver. All of which is in the service of a story that seeks to explore the nature of forgiveness from an occasionally religious angle.(Harry confesses he wanted to be a priest at one point.) In short, are there some acts that cannot be forgiven? In any case, can we forgive ourselves or does guilt take over at some point? At one time, macho attitudes would not have allowed men to ask these questions of themselves but times are changing. So what may once have been impossible is now possible.

It's a strange movie, it takes time to see exactly what is going on. Steve Buscemi is always good and the characters are well done.

Solid cast who gave stellar performances. The storyline was well done if not a bit too predictable. Must say I did not really enjoy it though as I found it boring and did little to catch my interest.

A talented cast and good story makes this movie a good watch. Jamey Sheridan shines here.

Not what I expected at all.... Really slow paced but very well acted

There's nothing really creative about the premise/plot/narrative but I really enjoyed the movie for being the most subtle movie about the subject matter I've probably ever seen. No really amazing performances but I think there is something amazing about a cohesive cast. I don't know... I'd watch it again.

This is a small gem of a film with a memorable ensemble cast practicing the best of low key modern American film acting style, a brilliant script, a great story that unravels like the best of mysteries and a solid, secure director who understands that the film isn't about camera moves and quick cuts. She's not afraid to let the camera sit unmoving, with a cruel, unsympathetic stand for as long as it takes to help the film breathe or to reveal a hidden moment. It's about moral courage, or more properly, the lack of it when a good and decent man succumbs to powerful social and psychological pressure and unwittingly sells out a friend and lover.

Another overlooked indie gem. How come I didn't know this one sooner? A reflective slice-of-life drama with solid casts and a climax that I didn't expect from this type of movie. The slow burn that builds as Harry visits one old friend to the next paid off.

A predictable drama road trip film, about a man visiting his old navy buddies in seek of redemption for gay-bashing in his youth. --- http://bachtiarmovies.blogspot.com