Rating summary

Movie		4.5
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		3.0
Overall		4.0

Broken Flowers Blu-ray Movie Review

A quiet gem featuring one of Bill Murray's best performances

Broken Flowers is an offbeat and original indie gem which explores the strange world of a former “Don Juan” named Don Johnston (Bill Murray) as he receives a mysterious (and anonymous) letter in the mail from an old flame claiming that he has a son. Without knowing who his son is and how to get in contact with him, Don sets out on a quest to discover himself and to meet his son by traveling on a epic road trip to meet his old ex-flames.

Before setting out on his epic quest, Don's close friend Winston (Jeffrey Wright) helps inspect the letter (with a trusty magnifying glass in hand). The two are befuddled by the letter and who the son could be. As Don sets out on the road, he takes a trusty cup of coffee and puts on some music as he travels (often with flowers in hand) to go meet his previous flames and discover the identity of his son.

Don's currently going through another break-up with his latest girlfriend, Sherry (Julie Delpy). The rich, laid-back Don made a fortune on technological investments and simply enjoys sitting around at home, lounging through life on his comfortable couch (whilst his hair is frazzled) as he watches black-and-white films on television. His wake up call in life is the surprise letter (presented on pink paper).

As the story unfolds, Don once again encounters his beautiful ex's: Carmen (Jessica Lange), Penny (Tilda Swinton), and Laura (Sharon Stone). He also meets Laura's cute daughter, Lolita (Alexis Dziena). From one encounter to the next, old memories and connections are rekindled on his surprisingly introspective journey. With flowers in hand, Don rediscovers and reexamines his life.

The film is a tribute and love letter to star Bill Murray. In Broken Flowers, Murray is the epitome of cool: wearing bad-ass shades, carrying himself with subtle charm, and listening to a great mixtape on the road, Don is simply a cool and laidback dude. It's not hard to understand why Don became a“ Don Juan” or why close friends like Winston think so highly of him. This is a great performance by Murray which is full of nuance and sophistication. Murray also manages to bring a quiet comedic sensibility to each scene.

The cinematography by Frederick Elmes (Blue Velvet, Paterson) is the work of an incredible talent that cannot be understated. Each scene's photography was carefully designed with the upmost thought and care to the story. This is a beautiful looking film which grasps hold of some rare magic which is not so easily duplicated. There is impeccable craft on display with the film's visual aesthetic.

Broken Flowers features an eclectic soundtrack which combines a range of music genres, from jazz (as highlighted with the inspired score music composed by Mulatu Astatke) to classical and even classic rock from The Allman Brothers Band or soul from Marvin Gaye. The film's character and charm is exponentially more layered with its accompanying soundtrack. You can truly feel the energy of the story through the music. The music helps the journey feel more rewarding.

As one of the best original voices in cinema, writer-director Jim Jarmusch (Night on Earth) has crafted a surprisingly intimate film out of a concept which could have been played for some cheap laughs with a less talented auteur at the helm. Broken Flowers is not some cheap, low-brow comedy. It's a intimate character study, a comedic gem, and a introspective story of self discovery.

The framing of each scene is both exquisite and personal. Broken Flowers takes audiences on a journey which demands one's attention. Sometimes you see a film and you know right from the start that it's something special. Without a doubt, Broken Flowers is that rare kind of cinematic experience which never lets go.

Broken Flowers Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Broken Flowers is presented with a 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded presentation in the original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.85:1 widescreen. The release features a pleasant and naturally filmic presentation that preserves the independent stylistic nature of the filmmaking and cinematography. Grain is a bit on the heavy side but it never detracts from the experience. This is an organic and pleasing video presentation. The film has the trademark style of Jarmusch all over the cinematography. This is a strong encode which is a big upgrade over the old DVD release. In fact, the presentation looked so much more detailed on Blu-ray that my love of the film grew revisiting it with this high-definition upgrade.

Broken Flowers Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The film is presented with a strong 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio presentation. The surround sound field is much more interesting in sound design than one might expect for this type of feature. While the rears are mostly utilized for ambiance and for the beautiful music accompanying the film, the surround presentation dramatically enhances the experience. This release has a significant boost in clarity, depth, and detail. Dialogue is clear and easy to understand throughout.

Broken Flowers Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

"Girl on the Bus" extended sequence (SD, 1 min. 41 sec.) focuses on the two college-age girls on the bus which was taken by Murray's character as they further discuss their rapid-fire thoughts. A silly if entertaining piece worth checking out.

Farmhouse Featurette (SD, 4 min. 20 sec.) provides insights from writer/director Jim Jarmusch as he discusses his process as a filmmaker and artist. It's great to hear Jarmusch detail little aspects of his directorial process. Any fan of the filmmaker should enjoy this piece.

Start to Finish: Outtakes (SD, 7 min. 40 sec.) is edited like a music-video (featuring a lot of director clapboard shots before a scene begins) as edited together with occasional bits of humorous goof-ups from the behind-the-scenes filming on set.

Theatrical Trailer (SD, 2 min. 5 sec.)

Broken Flowers Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

There are films in life which have the power to stay with you for years. Broken Flowers is such a film. Simply put, there is something magical about it. 

The performance by Bill Murray is one of the actor's best in his entire career. The film finds a way to grab hold of you with its intelligence and charm. Acclaimed writer-director Jim Jarmusch (Night on Earth, Mystery Train) has one of the most distinctive and original voices in cinema and his sophisticated filmmaking is on full display with this gem.

For audiences willing to go on an unforgettable journey that only a master like Jarmusch can take you on, Broken Flowers is a completely absorbing character-study and one of the best films of the 2000's. Simply roll with it. It's a quiet gem that has never left me since seeing it back in 2005. The Blu-ray release features a strong presentation and some quality bonus materials. Highly recommended.