Pieces of April is the directorial debut of Peter Hedges who was the scriptwriter of What’s Eating Gilbert Grape and About a Boy. It is a Thanksgiving adventure. April (played by Katie Holmes), who ran away from home to New York years ago, was going to prepare a Thanksgiving lunch for her family. Of course, there would be some problems for someone who is cooking for the first time in her life, so April had to get help from her never-say-hi neighbours. On the other hand, it was a struggle, both physically and mentally, for April’s dying mother (Patricia Clarkson) to get to her place. The process is hilarious, and the ending is touching.
This film was voted by the audience of Hong Kong International Film Festival as the Most Touching Movie of the Festival. It deserves the recognition.