Cast
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Robin Tunney
as Zoe
Tim Blake Nelson
as Daly
Brad Hunt
as D.J.
Liz Phair
as Brynn
Jason Priestley
as Andrew
Nora Dunn
as Bell
Lindsay Crouse
as Therapist
Kenny Kwong
as Yung
Ricardo Gil
as Max
Stephen Polk
as Joyce
Kelvin Han Yee
as Officer Yee
Karena Davis
as Woman in Bar
Scott Breitenstein
as Officer Ruiz
Tim Griffin
as Officer Griffin
Kathleen Stefano
as Head Prison Guard
Crew
Director
- Finn Taylor
Writer
- Finn Taylor
Producer
- Johnny Wow
- Mark Burton
Reviews
Wuchak
***Offbeat crime drama/comedy/thriller with Robin Tunney and Tim Blake Nelson***
A young woman from San Francisco (Robin Tunney) is abused by an obsessed stalker, which leads to an inadvertent crime and she is unjustly placed under house arrest in a glorified warehouse. The deputy who monitors her ankle bracelet (Tim Blake Nelson) becomes infatuated by her. Will the real criminal be discovered and prove her innocence?
“Cherish” is a quirky dramedy/thriller with similarities to Tarantino’s “Jackie Brown” (1997), although not as good. But it ain’t bad and hardly a rip-off. Tunney looks great and has the charisma to pull-off the lead role while Blake Nelson is effective as the besotted officer. The peculiar story, the eccentric characters and the soundtrack keep you entertained. Liz Phair has a small role and is delectable.
The film runs 1 hour, 39 minutes and was shot in San Francisco/Berkley/Oakland. Brad Hunt and Jason Priestley are also on hand.
GRADE: B
Feb 11, 2019
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Cherish examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Finn Taylor brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2002, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Cherish took approximately 17 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 99 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 131 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 8 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 6 weeks before filming began.
- The film contains approximately 1672 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 2002, when this film is released:
- Digital technology was disrupting traditional media and entertainment.
- Environmental concerns were becoming more mainstream.
- Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.
How This Film Stands Out
While Cherish shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Made for Each Other, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Cherish subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Baby on Board and The Sentinel explore similar territory, Cherish stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: January 17, 2002
- Runtime: 1h 39m
