The Way (2010)

"Filmed on location against the gorgeous landscapes of northern Spain, the spiritual journey of American ophthalmologist Thomas Avery (Martin Sheen) begins as he is called from the comforts of his California home to Saint Jean Pied de Port in France to identify the body of his only son Daniel (Emilio Estevez). Avery elects to walk the Camino on behalf of his son, embarking with Daniel’s ashes which he dutifully portions out along the way." From Brian Maurer's excellent review which appears on his blog.

This fine movie is about grief and growth. Few who watch it will be disappointed. Few will forget it. 2010, 2 hours.

Welcome to the Rileys (2010)

From NetFlix: Devastated by their daughter's death eight years ago, Doug (James Gandolfini) and his guilt-ridden wife, Lois (Melissa Leo), lead depressing lives without much meaning. But by forming an unconventional relationship with teen call girl Mallory (Kristen Stewart), the couple begins to rediscover hope. Directed by Jake Scott, this compelling family drama also stars David Jensen, Kathy Lamkin and Lance E. Nichols. 2010 111 minutes

DJE: Fine performances. Convincing. Serious. No wonder it was not a box-office hit, but this film stays with one.

Ordinary People (1980)

From NetFlix:  Everything is in its proper place in the Jarrett household -- except the past. Mary Tyler Moore scored an Oscar nod for her role as repressed mother Beth Jarrett, whose favorite son has died, leaving her with another (Timothy Hutton) she can barely tolerate. The film also netted four Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director (Robert Redford, in his directorial bow), Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Supporting Actor for young Hutton.  1980  124 minutes 

DJE:  This is a powerful film that addresses a death in the family and many aspects of grief.  It is well-worth watching. Superb acting.

Reign Over Me (2007)

"Best movie ever about grief and loss(and I've seen em all)" Dr. Linda Welsh

From Netflix: "Consumed with grief after losing his family in the World Trade Center attacks, a widower (Adam Sandler) runs into his former college roommate (Don Cheadle) -- a married man with two daughters and a dental practice -- and eventually starts down the road to recovery. Mike Binder directs this thought-provoking look at friendship and post-Sept. 11 society, co-starring Liv Tyler, Donald Sutherland, Saffron Burrows and Jada Pinkett Smith." 2007, 124 minutes

I've Loved You So Long (2008)

Il y a longtemps que je t'aime French with English subtitles

From Netflix: "After more than a decade apart, estranged sisters Juliette (Kristin Scott Thomas) and Lea (Elsa Zylberstein) try to rebuild their fractured relationship. But the task is hardly easy, considering Juliette's past. She's been in jail for 15 years -- for killing someone. As she settles into small-town life with Lea's family, the locals can't help but talk. Philippe Claudel's feature film debut garnered him a Golden Globe nomination for Best Foreign Language Film." 2008 1 hr 57 minutes.
NY Times Review . Trailer

DJE: This is a powerfully movie with many important themes. Grief, imprisonment, murder. Beautifully acted, beautifully filmed. Haunting. Perhaps the ending is a bit banal; but then, too, so is real life.