Matialth Good concept, poorly executed.

MoPoshy Absolutely brilliant

Cooktopi The acting in this movie is really good.

Lollivan It's the kind of movie you'll want to see a second time with someone who hasn't seen it yet, to remember what it was like to watch it for the first time.

ematerso The writer is maybe better as an actress. The story told was overlong and disjointed. Why did the seemingly very acceptable, lover/boyfriend become an assailant and why did his girl friend submit? Why was her new male interest so very apathetic while at the same time being totally available? The difficulty of having a blended family and also caring for a critically ill person was very well expressed. while at the same time the heroine, seemed unnecessarily testy with the patient, her father. And this is maybe a silly complaint but the people who were supposed to be related by blood bore no physical relationship to each other. That was disconcerting. Still kudos to a writer/director/actress for putting it out there. My family also has a budding film maker so I realize what a rocky path it is.

leenyc99-1 In Negri's quiet film debut, you feel as if you're entering her character's living room and watching the actions play out in a very intimate way, as if you're part of the family . Negri and Robert Vaughn give strong, understated performances that feel truthful and pull you in close. The film has so many beautiful and tender moments that feel very personal, even autobiographical. I think it's an amazing debut achievement with a distinct voice and I look forward to future titles by this director.

countryshack If you are ever having a bad time in your life, watch this miserable movie. It will make your life seem like a great day at Disney World. The movie starts off slow and depressing and then goes down from there. I challenge any guy to keep his eyes open for the whole hour and thirty minutes that this misery is on screen. I noticed that 3 people rated this anchor a 10! What? Is there another movie named Gold Star or something? Because this complete waste of time is a 3 at best. The acting is good so maybe it would be something for a student to watch or something. Other than than, avoid this waste of film and watch Anything else.

Jennifer Fiore Victoria Negri's partially autobiographical narrative feature film debut, "Gold Star," is an honest, artful, and nuanced portrayal of how the illness and loss of a much older parent impacts a young Juilliard dropout's self-perception, identity, and ability to connect with those around her. Negri plays Vicki, who initially wants nothing more than to continue her life in New York City with her boyfriend. She resents the set of circumstances that requires her to move home to Connecticut to become the primary caregiver to her elderly father who has suffered a stroke, is confined to a wheelchair, and has lost his ability to speak. The father is masterfully played by Oscar-nominated actor Robert Vaughn (The Young Philadelphians, The Magnificent Seven) appearing in his final film role before his death.Negri's raw scenes skillfully portray Vicki's alienation from her father and her exasperation at not understanding what he needs. Assuming the responsibility of being a caregiver does not come naturally for her, causing her to question not only how her parents raised her, but also whether she could be a good wife and mother in the future. However, amidst the tense complexities of family dynamics, the journey home moves Vicki out of her paralyzing self-absorption and discontent, and allows her to see and understand the importance of compassion and the responsibility that adult children have toward aging parents. The film's artful cinematography, polished direction and editing, together with moments of humorous relief add special texture and human warmth to the film. Vaughn's performance is remarkable in that he speaks no audible lines in the entire film, instead "voicing" everything through his powerfully expressive eyes. Vicki's revealing conversations with her new friend and prospective love interest, Chris (Jacob Heimer) complement the silent "speaking" of her father.Thematically, "Gold Star" traces how Vicki, new to adult life, realizes that she has more in common with her father in the last stage of his than she could have ever imagined. By learning how to care for and communicate with her father, she in turn, comes to a mature appreciation of relationships that are healthy, and finds the courage to end those that are not. "Gold Star," with its well-crafted script, notable performances, and thoughtful filmmaking, poignantly entertains, moves, and engages the audience from beginning to end.26 June 2017 Jennifer Emily Fiore (United States)