Nunez (Ruby In Paradise, A Flash Of Green) is an independent film-maker who makes the sort of character-driven pieces that actors and worthy critics often love. This, the story of beekeeper Ulee (Fonda) and his family troubles, is no different. Its slow, honey-clogged pace makes the first hour positively soporific. But stay awake past this hurdle and you'll start to care about the characters, who make the remaining third of the film truly rewarding.
Fonda, who based his role on actor father Henry, has already been lobbed a Golden Globe Award for his slow-burning turn. Richardson (a familiar face from television comedy Home Improvement) is a revelation as the nurse who befriends him. For all but the remarkably patient, Ulee's Gold will be bloody hard work, but it's worth the effort.
