Search - The Yellow Handkerchief on DVD

B.J. W. (analogkid01) from CHICAGO, IL
Reviewed on 7/5/2025...

"The Yellow Handkerchief" is a 2008 film starring the late, great William Hurt, a pre-Twilight Kristen Stewart, and a pre-Oscar Eddie Redmayne. Hurt plays Brett, a recent parolee from a Louisiana prison who is trying to make his way south. He quickly meets up with Martine (Stewart) and Gordy (Redmayne) who are heading his way. Martine doesn't want to be alone with Gordy; Gordy owns the car; Brett could use some cheap transportation.

We learn that Brett was given six years for manslaughter. He accidentally kills a man while arguing with his on-again-off-again girlfriend/wife, May (Maria Bello). The relationship is, as is often the case in some films, frustrating as hell. Brett is clearly not in control of his emotions (read: anger), and although May suffers for it, she also is way too forgiving than any woman in her position should be. Instead of giving May any agency, however, the writers decide to make her the long-suffering type in order to set up the "happy ending." Fuck that noise. May, you can do much better than Brett, girl!

The film is an interesting combination of veteran and newbie actors. It makes sense, especially from a financial perspective (how much of the budget went to Hurt?), but the characters are so under-developed that the viewer isn't really given an opportunity to see "the kids" match acting skills against Hurt. Martine and Gordy are given the flimsiest reasons to be on the run, they're basically just there to watch in awe as Brett Does The Right Thing.

And - it's never really clear where they're actually *going*. They seem like they're just driving in circles.

Skip this one.

Grade: C-minus

Lydia Z. (grandmalydia)
Reviewed on 8/15/2024...

Good movie!

Sharon F. (Shar) from AVON PARK, FL
Reviewed on 8/24/2022...

A great movie about finding yourself and your way.

3 of 3 member(s) found this review helpful.