Griffin and Phoenix
Griffin and Phoenix
| 27 February 1976 (USA)
Griffin and Phoenix Trailers

Griffin has been diagnosed with terminal cancer. Instead of quietly facing his death, he decides to have fun in the time remaining. At a college class on death, he meets Phoenix, who has terminal leukemia.

Reviews
StunnaKrypto Self-important, over-dramatic, uninspired.
Cortechba Overrated
Konterr Brilliant and touching
Teddie Blake The movie turns out to be a little better than the average. Starting from a romantic formula often seen in the cinema, it ends in the most predictable (and somewhat bland) way.
Maddyclassicfilms Griffin and Phoenix is directed by Daryl Duke and is written by John Hill. The film stars Peter Falk and Jill Clayburgh.Geoffrey Griffin(Peter Falk)and Sarah Phoenix(Jill Clayburgh)meet at a lecture, they enjoy each others company; after getting talking they realise they want to spend more time together. Their friendship turns into love. Tragedy lies just around the corner though, because they are both dying.Neither wants to tell the other the truth, they just want to enjoy the time left to them. They are forced to face the truth when Phoenix discovers Griffin has a book about coping with terminal illness; she thinks he has been snooping around in her life and has found out about her illness, the book was actually for him to read for himself. During an emotional confrontation and argument on the beach, they confront and discuss the truth.We see how they deal with their illnesses and how they work on their relationship.This is one of the saddest films I have ever seen. Falk and Clayburgh are both excellent, their performances are so honest; you feel their pain and fear and you want both characters to be happy, even though we know that is only possible for a short time. The argument on the beach is a highlight for me, so powerfully acted. The scene where Falk takes his anger and grief out on his car really got me too. The hospital room sequence completely tore my heart out, beautifully acted by both Falk and Clayburgh.A moving film about love and loss. There is a remake, which is good but doesn't come close to this version.
stevestone624 I first saw this movie in April of 2014, what is sad that Jill Clayburgh, did actually die in 2010 from Leukemia (think that is what she was dying from in the movie), and even though I also found it hard to realize that that is Peter Falk who played Geoffrey Griffin?? The actor sure didn't have his gravely voice at all, and also sure didn't look like Peter Falk, I sure wondered if the right actor was listed but it sure is.Wondered also why there was the emotional lashing out hitting cars with a sludge hammer, why that was in the script, but guess the writers put that into the story to show the emotions Geoffrey Griffin having for Sarah Phoenix dying before him.1976 when this film was made, it sure is yes a sad beautiful story about two troubled souls finding each other and their dying end of their lives.It's well worth seeing this movie if you can.
Reza kazemi When I was an 8 years old boy, owning video set was forbidden in my cursed country, Iran. Those days we were at eight years war with Iraq. In such bad situation, old movies on Betamax video tapes were our family's only fun whereas that was so risky due to country's law .You would have been arrested if it was proved that you have videotapes at home. My father was MD and one of his clients used to rent tapes although illegally. I watched so many great movies, mostly classics, in this way in that time. One of most memorable movies among them was "Griffin & Phoenix: A love story". It was a dubbed version & Its Persian title was "The kite" apparently because of emphasized presence of that motif in the storyline. This name had remained on this movie since before Iranian revoloution in 1979. After I saw the movie; I was stuck into that although I was so little. I watched that Betamax tape over & over again in the next years. Oh my god! It was amazing! The film's impact on me sustained so. I don't know anything about my childish reaction to this movie but now, I certainly can say It's brilliant, a film in the mood of 70s nihilistic cinema with anarchistic characteristics. This movie just made after a highly admired movie, "Love story" by Arthur Hiller, and after that Swedish director, Roy Anderson, Had made his own version of love story in the title of "A Swedish love story". "Griffin & Phoenix: A love story" is a deconstructive adaptation of love story, having less sentiment & added some intelligence with a mentored attitude toward the life. The message is straight: Nothing will be remaining from human except those moments spent on delight and love. I don't believe in an outside realm. All we can get is in this life although all the things have to be faded away gradually, Likewise me, likewise my Betamax videotapes. Unfortunately I have no longer a version of my lovely favorite movie. Sad but true.
Christopher Pike This movie does not strike a single false note. Every touch is right on target. Unfortunately it's almost never shown, so do not miss a chance to see it. Except for the fashions and locations, Griffin and Phoenix has not aged a day. Very beautiful, moving and funny.