This film captures the spirit of the Harry Crews novel quite well. It's odd, disturbing, grotesque, and heartbreaking, but it's also compelling and ultimately life affirming. Paul Giamatti gives one of the greatest performances of his career. "The Hawk is Dying" is rightfully filmed in Gainesville, Florida, where the original book was set. Crews lived there for decades and taught at the University of Florida. He died there in 2012. In many ways, his spirit haunts that town. It also haunts this movie.

Fascinating story. Great cast. Too bad the script gives them next to nothing to work with.

While the story leaves much to be desired Paul Giamatti gives a stunning performance!

An incredibly hard movie for me to care about, despite Paul Giamatti's stand out performance. The hawk gets annoying, particularly when he starts carrying it around. The pace is too slow, despite the sombre events I just lost interest. The scene when his nephew's body is discovered is powerful, beautiful and raw performances make this a stand out scene, I just wish this power had continued throughout the whole movie. A bit of a sleeper.

Weird. Eccentric. But endearing. Enjoyed it.

A warm and wonderful, lesson learning experience.

Not a movie for everyone. It's slow moving, and Giamatti really seems to be forcing his character, I think as a result of Pitt not being allowed enough screen time. Over all, like most films Giamatti is involved in, the story is rich with personifications, and the end is bittersweet.

I thought the acting was very good and the story was interesting, but for some reason, I just couldn't get into it.

So, the premise is this: George desperately wants to train a hawk and, despite failing 4 times resulting in 4 separate hawk's deaths, he is confident that this time will be different. Sideplots involve the death of a handicapped nephew, his failure to earn respect and esteem of his peers, and a budding relationship with a junky college student. It's all quite bizarre, but it's also captivating if for no other reason than Giamatti's performance and the spectacle of a man's relationship with a hawk. The hawk is George's ticket to respect and its presence is an essential extension of his character, and depending on your ability to buy into that (even in strange amusement), the movie is pretty strong.

Paul Giamatti still knows how to entertain as the plot continues on in this film.

I liked the it because Paul Giamatti is an easy guy to watch. He's like your average everyman. He lends an intensity to all his roles. The consensus opinion is wrong. Yes the story isn't a happy fairytale that is watchable by all. It is also not so morose that it isn't interesting. It is a man trying to validate his life in a unique way in spite of lack of support from friends and family.

Giamatti is given a challenging performance by constantly carrying around a hawk. It's a strange film, but interesting because I've never seen something quite like it.

Very, very strange and definitely slow moving. I thought the symbolism was interesting, and I was very moved when I found out the why behind his fascination with hawks. Steer clear if you are easily bored and/or can't stand anything but usual Hollywood fare.

I liked this movie. Very realistic, sad, fabulous acting. The end definitely brought a tear to my eyes. Lovely hawks, as well. :D

I'm a huge fan of writer Harry Crews, but I've yet to read the novel which this movie was based on. I don't know if this is a good adaptation, but I could feel Crews' presence in the untamed and raw emotion and the relentlessness of the main character, George Gattling (Giamatti). "The Hawk Is Dying" is a grim yet uplifting movie about obsession and madness. The movie might be a little patchy, but Paul Giamtti's unflinching performance alone is reason enough to watch it. It's a movie to either endure our enjoy. I enjoyed it, but the avarge moviegoer might find it hard to sit through. Sad, beautiful, and as far as I can tell, classic Crews.

Weird. Eccentric. But endearing. Enjoyed it.

Some good moments, but I guess I´m just in bad need of a blockbuster movie than another indie-come-of-age.

Again--like the non hollywood movies that make you think. It kept me locked in and had moments of greatness.

Some great performances can't compete with the horrendously preachy and pretentious directing.

i embalmed michael pitt while whistling the theme to the andy griffith show.