Most people do not want to grow up to be like their parents, but no one wants to be different more than Wade (Nick Nolte), who was raised under an alcoholic, abusive father (James Coburn). Affliction is the story of how Wade painfully turns into the man he doesn't want to be, and pays the price for it.

Affliction is a story in disguise. The back of the box may say that this is the story about a mysterious death, but this is just a backdrop to the real conflict, Wade's inner character. Nick Nolte brings Wade to life with vivid detail in his Oscar nominated performance. He is absolutely stunning as the abrasive father with a lack of control. But shadowing him is James Coburn, who won an Academy Award for this performance, and frankly, he deserves it. Coburn is breathtaking.

The movie itself has some nice direction. Wade flashes back to his childhood, and those scenes involve grainier film, and are a little quieter. They are very effective. Otherwise, Affliction has the look and feel of Fargo, only it isn't a murder mystery (it appears to be, but it isn't).

Affliction is a very good movie with very good acting.

Review by Erik Samdahl unless otherwise indicated.