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- All about Rage Against the Darkness
- Montreal's retirement home just for artists
- More movies about seniors and retirement homes
He calls it "one of the most difficult films I've ever had to make ... putting a parent into a retirement home or nursing home is an agonizing decision and process for most people."
Toronto film producer John Kastner's 90-minute documentary Rage Against the Darkness was named best full-length Canadian film at Toronto's 2003 Hot Docs festival. It focuses on two sisters separated for the first time in 30 years. Maxine, 67, or "Bunny," is hospitalized after a debilitating stroke and waits months for a nursing home bed. Her sister Leona, 72, moves to a retirement residence.
IN-DEPTH REPORTSIndependent living retirement homes with movie theatres
Amica Dundas
This luxurious retirement home in Dundas, a short drive from Hamilton and the Niagara region, offers active living for seniors, with a variety of amenities including fine dining.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
Belmont House
A superb retirement home nestled in Toronto proper, featuring a variety of apartments and suites, along with a fitness room for active seniors, an on-site convenience store and more.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living
The Briton House
Family-owned and operated, the Briton House is dedicated to the highest standard service for 50 years. Offering a full continuum of care, rich amenities and suites, home-cooked meals, and a 15,000 sq. ft. indoor garden.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
Forestview Retirement Residence
Forestview Retirement Residence offers elegant, comfortable senior living in Downsview, Willowdale, and North York, with personalized care, flexible services, vibrant amenities, and a warm, connected community.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
Amica Unionville
Located on the charming Main Street of historic Unionville, Amica Unionville blends heritage-village ambiance with upscale senior living, providing a backdrop for connection, activity, peace of mind, and relaxation.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
Amica London
This uniquely luxurious London, Ontario retirement home offers elegant dining, indoor fitness facilities, scenic walking trails and many other features for active seniors
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
Queenston Place Residence
This Niagara Falls retirement home features local activities and scenery in a luxury environment offering a comfortable lifestyle, care and peace of mind.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
The Dunfield Retirement Residence
The Dunfield Retirement Residence has established a new standard in senior retirement living in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) with 177 spacious apartments. Where people come to LIVE!
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
McCowan Retirement Residence - Metta Lifestyles
McCowan Retirement Residence is a vibrant and family oriented retirement home located in Scarborough. With team members who have been here since we opened in 2004, you can expect a warm welcome and a feeling of home.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
Amica Riverside
Premium 11-storey retirement residence with a beautiful waterfront setting, located on Riverside Drive East, just south of Wyandotte Street. Overlooking the Detroit River, with views of Belle Isle and Reaume Park.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
The Village at University Gates
Now welcoming our Retirement Home Residents to the Village. We offer Waterloo a range of services for today's Senior including Retirement Apartments, Assisted Living, Memory Care and Long Term Care.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care
The Shores of Port Credit - Verve Senior Living
The Shores is designed for vibrant living with the highest quality of personal care. Amenities include pool, fitness & exercise club, restaurant, bistro & cafe, a golf simulator lounge & wine cellar.
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
Hawthorn Park Retirement Community - Verve Senior Living
Living at Hawthorn Park Retirement Residence means you have choices & can customize the services you need, as you need them. We offer three lifestyle opportunities; supportive living, assisted living & complex care.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care
Berwick On The Park
Nestled on the hillside, Berwick on the Park offers stunning panoramic mountain, valley and river views and flexible retirement lifestyles, including independent living and assisted living.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
Berwick Comox Valley
Berwick Comox Valley offers a resort-style retirement residence in a convenient downtown setting. This is West Coast living at its finest, truly affordable luxury.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
Berwick Parksville
At Berwick Parksville, we strive to change the perception of retirement living by empowering our Residents to live their best life with us. We think of it as inspired retirement living.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
Prince of Peace
Enjoy prairie and mountain views at Prince of Peace Retirement Community, Alberta’s ideal senior living with personalized care from Independent Living to Memory Care in a safe, comfortable setting.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
The Roxborough Retirement Residence - Verve Senior Living
The Roxborough Retirement Residence is both elegant and cozy with a dedicated and caring team that go above and beyond for your well-being and happiness. We offer Independent living and Independent Supportive Living.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living
Delmanor Northtown
Delmanor Northtown is a full-service boutique retirement community located in the heart of North York, catering to active and independent seniors.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living
Delmanor Prince Edward
Situated in a treed ravine setting overlooking the Humber River, Delmanor Prince Edward provides vistas that vary from the serenity of the adjacent valley to the resplendence of the Toronto downtown skyline!
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
Greystone Manor Retirement Residence
Named one of the top 3 retirement communities in Maple Ridge, Greystone is a premier Park Place residence, with the comfort and services you need to maintain your active lifestyle in a warm and welcoming community.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living
Holland Gardens - Verve Senior Living
Located in the heart of Bradford, Holland Gardens offers a luxurious resort lifestyle where you can age gracefully with Independent Living, Independent Supportive Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
Parkland on the Glen
Parkland is located at Mississauga and The Collegeway next to the Glenerin Inn. We are surrounded by beautiful green space. For the past 6 years we've been awarded one of the top 3 Retirement Communities in Mississauga.
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living
Riverwalk Retirement Residence - Verve Senior Living
Riverwalk Retirement Residence is centrally located in the Cliff Bungalow-Mission community of Calgary. We offer a continuum of care including Independent Living, Premium Assisted Living and Memory Care.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
Richmond Hill Retirement Residence - Verve Senior Living
Richmond Hill Retirement Residence is full service including meals, housekeeping, independent and independent supportive living. Our focus is on maintaining good health, great food, new friends & lots of laughter!
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living
Berwick On The Lake
At Berwick on the Lake, residents enjoy red seal chef prepared meals in their choice of 3 dining rooms. Beyond our beautiful amenities, our residents also enjoy a full wellness program. Resort style living at it's best!
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
Living Water Retirement Residence
A Resort Style Community Served by a Team With Loving Hearts. We commit to providing an exceptional, caring experience for all residents with a culture that is people-centred, actionable love, compassion, and humility.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living
Sorrento Retirement Residence
Welcome to Sorrento, a luxury take on retirement living in downtown Bolton. Inspired by the picturesque town of Sorrento, Italy, we bring the Italian zest for life to this unique community.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
Grandview Retirement Living
In the heart of downtown Stoney Creek, Grandview Retirement Living offers a variety of suites, delicious dining and unsurpassed amenities. Inclusive, customized independent and assisted living service packages available.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
Emerald Gardens Retirement Residence
A premier retirement community located in the heart of Grande Prairie, Alberta focused on independent living. Emerald Gardens provides quality services to enhance your current lifestyle.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living
Berwick by the Sea
Berwick by the Sea offers you the freedom to spend your time doing the things you love most. Every area of the community has been carefully designed to offer something for everyone. Come join us on your next adventure!
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
The Heritage - Verve Senior Living
The Heritage Retirement Residence encompasses an active living & entertaining lifestyle with supportive & assisted living measures, Our highly skilled registered health care team will provide assistance when you need it.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
Crown Ridge Retirement Residence
Located on the east side of Trenton in a quiet neighbourhood. Enjoy beautiful suites of various sizes & layouts with advanced safety features. Elegant dining plus snacks & beverages included.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
Verve Aspen Woods
Located in one of Calgary’s most desirable neighbourhoods, with the Rocky Mountains outside and beautifully appointed amenities within, Verve Aspen Woods offers the perfect setting for your active enjoyment of life.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
Amica Taunton
AMICA Taunton offers a full continuum of care from townhome condos to Memory Care. We have 24/7 nurses and a visiting doctor. Residents choose to dine between 7am-7pm and enjoy special menus created by our Red Seal Chef.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
Parkland Ancaster
At Parkland Ancaster, we will offer a luxurious, vibrant, social lifestyle in a beautiful safe, premium home. Enjoy upscale amenities, creating a supportive space for you to thrive socially and lead fulfilling lives.
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
Berwick Qualicum Beach
Berwick Qualicum Beach offers an array of amenities and engaging programs in our beautifully appointed community. Join our vibrant community today and enjoy an active and healthy lifestyle with some new friends.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
Carp Commons Retirement Village - Verve Senior Living
One visit to Carp Commons Retirement Village and you’ll see the difference in terms of amenities, food, services, programs, and the little touches that make it feel like home.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
The Residence at Orchards Walk
The Residence offers service-oriented living at its finest. With a shopping plaza and stunning views, Orchards Walk is Kamloops’ premier new neighbourhood. Choose between spacious studios and one or two bedroom suites.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living
Four Elms Retirement Residence - Verve Senior Living
Four Elms is an elegant Retirement Residence offering the finest in Senior Living. Choose a suite style that is perfect for you and enjoy an active lifestyle, fine dining and the company of good friends.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
The Village of Taunton Mills
The Village of Taunton Mills in Whitby presents several levels of service from seniors' apartments with full kitchens, retirement apartments with meals and services to memory care, assisted living and long-term care.
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care
OPAL Vancouver
OPAL Vancouver offers luxurious senior living with 30,000+ sq. ft. of amenities and a full continuum of care, creating a vibrant, connected community designed for comfort, wellness, and aging in place.
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Long-term care
Parkland on Eglinton West
Parkland on Eglinton West offers Lifestyle Apartments, All-Inclusive Lifestyle and Supportive Lifestyle options for seniors. Parkland makes it easy for you to do more of what you love!
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
The Village of Humber Heights
The Village of Humber Heights is a retirement community that offers various lifestyle options and levels of services ranging from independent living with meals, to assisted living, memory care, and long-term care.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care
Thornebridge Gardens - Verve Senior Living
Thornebridge Gardens is one of New Westminster’s finest retirement residences, providing luxurious, worry-free surroundings with life enriching services that inspire healthy senior living. Many options are available!
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
White Cliffe Terrace - Verve Senior Living
Discover Independent, Assisted, and Independent Supportive Living at our award-winning Oshawa residence. Enjoy tailored care, spacious suites, nearby parks, shopping and peace of mind. Readers Choice Winner, 2016–2019.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
Parkland Ajax
Parkland Ajax offers independent and supportive options! Beautifully designed spacious suites, exceptional on site amenities and professional staff on site 24/7, Parkland is where you can live your best life!
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care
Hazelton Place Retirement Residence - Verve Senior Living
Luxury and quality fill every corner of Hazelton, from its elegant lobby to its inviting Bistro & Bar. With exceptional amenities and tailored services, Hazelton empowers you to define and enjoy your ideal lifestyle.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
Delmanor Aurora
Delmanor Aurora provides a new twist on retirement living, in a five-star resort-style setting. Extensive amenities including saltwater pool, fitness centre, theatre, spa, market, ground floor patio and rooftop terrace.
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living
Port Credit Residences - Verve Senior Living
Port Credit Residence offers a resort-inspired lifestyle with an oversized pool, wellness centre, physiotherapy, movie theatre, library, spa/salon, and more. Offering Independent & Independent Supportive Living.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living
Arbourside Court
Welcome to Arbourside Court, a retirement home in the heart of Surrey, BC. Proudly serving our senior residents since 2001. Many activities to enjoy and new friendships to be made, we are always bustling with laughter.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living
Amica Stoney Creek
Amica Stoney Creek celebrates its rich heritage on the site of Stoney Creek Dairy, a local treasure from 1929 to 2012. Stroll to shops, pubs, or Olde Town Stoney Creek, or take a trip to nearby Hamilton or Niagara.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
The Village of Tansley Woods
At The Village of Tansley Woods, we offer the full continuum of care - Independent Living Suites, Retirement Apartments, Full Service Retirement Suites, Assisted Care, Memory Care and Long Term Care all in one village.
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
Evergreen Retirement Community - Verve Senior Living
A stylish Mississauga retirement home offering Independent, Independent Supportive, and Assisted Living, tailored to seniors' lifestyles, featuring a hair salon, onsite bistro, and more.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
Southbrook Retirement Residence
Southbrook is all about choices - We celebrate independence in senior living but, are always here to provide assistance when you need it. Southbrook - come be a part of our community, our family and meet new friends!
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
Delmanor Wynford
A full service 5-star retirement community centrally located in Toronto - features extensive common areas, a rooftop putting green and a variety of other amenities catering to today's active seniors.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living
New Horizons Tower
A well-established not-for-profit, NHT is committed to enriching the lives of seniors. Gracious dining & café, the Terrace Garden, daily fitness, vibrant Concert Series - there is plenty for residents to enjoy at NHT!
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
Delmanor Elgin Mills
Award Winning Delmanor Elgin Mills, has proudly served the Richmond Hill community since 2002, offering Independent, Assisted Living, and Memory Care options, you can choose from a variety of well-appointed sized suites.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
Berwick House
Berwick House offers comfort, security and our usual high standard of affordable luxury. Steps away from a mall, cinema and other conveniences, you’ll find everything you need for an independent and active lifestyle.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Long-term care
VIVA Thornhill Woods
Vaughan's premier all-inclusive rental retirement community! Enjoy bright, spacious suites, modern amenities, delicious dining, and a Team devoted to Making Today Great! for you and your family! Book your tour today!
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
The Village of Erin Meadows
We feature a unique full continuum of care with a vibrant Main Street offering Independent Living, Retirement Apartments, Assisted & Memory Care suites . Our retirement community represents a diverse ethnic population.
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
River Ridge Seniors Village
A premier Park Place residence in the heart of Medicine Hat offering independent living, supportive living, and long term care options. With spectacular views and services, River Ridge is a warm place to call home.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care
Wintergreene Estates - Verve Senior Living
At Wintergreene, you'll discover a combination of independence, privacy, activities, health and wellness programs & friendly companionship to savour throughout your retirement.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
Don Mills Retirement Residence - Verve Senior Living
A luxury senior living community in the heart of North York. Be inspired by beautifully appointed amenities in our state-of-the-art building offering exceptional care, intelligent technology & exciting life enrichment.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
Amica Little Lake
Set on the shores of Little Lake in Barrie, Amica Little Lake offers beautiful views, a vibrant community, and a comfortable place to call home, with independent, assisted and memory care, dining, programs, and support.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
Chartwell Riverstone Retirement Community
Riverstone supports an independent retirement lifestyle in a brand-new community built for you. Choose from retiree apartments, one-floor villa townhomes and retirement suites coming Fall 2023!
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living
Stouffville Creek Retirement Residence - Verve Senior Living
Stouffville Creek offers cozy living with exceptional dining, tailored care, and nearby highways, shops, and trails. Choose Independent, Independent Supportive, or Assisted Living for a fulfilling retirement.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
Berwick Royal Oak
Luxurious, Resort-Style Retirement Living where you can age in place; You’re Home at Last at Berwick Royal Oak on Vancouver Island in beautiful Victoria, BC.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Long-term care
Chartwell Dorchester Terrace Retirement Community
Dorchester Terrace offers area seniors a variety of suite choices, wellness support services, medication administration, housekeeping services, physiotherapy and daily dining in an open restaurant-style dining room.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living
Delmanor Glen Abbey
Delmanor Glen Abbey celebrates 20 years! Country club style, surrounded by nature, birds and bees. Minutes from downtown Oakville, hospitals and senior’s centres. Truly an inspired retirement living experience.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living
Chartwell Westhill Retirement Community
The Westhill is an inviting atmosphere of new friends and great times, with personalized support services for better living. The Westhill is conveniently located in Waterloo, near The Boardwalk shopping area.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living
Canterbury Place Retirement Residence - Verve Senior Living
Canterbury Place offers Independent & Independent Supportive Living and suite styles in an elegant condo-like building for active adults. Unique healthcare programs available for our residents including palliative care.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living
Chartwell Palermo Village
Palermo Village is a luxurious condo-style residence offering Independent and Independent Supportive Living. Enjoy a vibrant community, expert care, and support tailored to your well-being.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living
Delmanor West Village
Delmanor West Village is a retirement residence in Etobicoke, Toronto, offering independent living, assisted living, respite stays, renovated suites with full kitchens, an Aquafit pool, and chef-prepared dining.
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living
Ashley Oaks Retirement Residence
Ashley Oaks offers a vibrant and active lifestyle. Our new community has a touch of European charm with spacious suites, delicious cuisine, and a variety of amenities. It's not just a place to live but a place to thrive!
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
All about Rage Against the Darkness
Over the ensuing year, the sisters seem to switch personalities - Leona blossoms to emerge from her lifelong introversion, while Bunny's physical and mental health weaken after her long-awaited transfer to a nursing home.
"You've done more things in the last six months than you've ever done in your whole life!" Bunny, a former beauty and society hostess tells her quiet, unmarried sister. "You look wonderful, Leona. God, you look better than I do."
Rage Against the Darkness is frank and unapologetic in its portrayal of the sisters.
"All demons emerge and all powerful issues surface when a family member goes into a retirement home - even if it's been planned years in advance," says Kastner, 49, a three-time Emmy winner.
His mother, Rose, who passed away in 1983 at age 70, pushed him to make the film. "I later realized she had an agenda about her son seeing these places she was so terrified of.
"She piled up the research on this subject. I couldn't go near it for years and years after she died; I found it so disturbing," he says. "But, I figured anything that disturbed me so much would make a good film.
"My mother had prejudiced me, and I was pleasantly surprised to find the places were nice and the staff were great. It takes a special kind of person to work in geriatrics," he says.
Kastner has entered Rage Against the Darkness for consideration in the 2003 Academy Awards. It also will be part of a five-hour miniseries he has compiled for CBC that is set to air in spring 2004. The issues dealt with in the film are the kinds of issues frequently dealt with here, too, as we strive to provide a complete picture of life inside retirement homes.
Montreal's retirement home just for artists
In Montreal, filmmaker Carole Laganiére took another look at the elderly.
She says the fate of older artists inspired her 65-minute documentary, Un toit, un violon, la lune (The Moon and the Violin). It was named best Canadian short documentary at the Hot Docs festival.
"There are a lot of jokes about this place - that when you have problems as an artist, this is where you will finish your career," she says of the retired artists' Montreal residence, Chez-Nous des artistes. "I'm preoccupied with the idea of what you do when you are old, or when you have no more contracts, and cannot express yourself as an artist.
"I mean, you are still an artist. It was that idea I wanted to illustrate," Laganiére says of the subjects in her film who all strive for a comeback. Of the group - three jazz musicians, a pair of singers, a writer and a painter - only the musicians realize success. "That was a great moment because, after 15 years, it was like they had never quit," she says.
More movies about seniors and retirement homes
compiled by Jane Van der Voort
Alive And Kicking (1959) starring Sybil Thorndike, Kathleen Harrison and Estelle Winwood tells the tale of three elderly ladies who meet an Irish millionaire when they try and hide out in his cottages after escaping a retirement home.
Age Of Consent (1969) starring James Mason and Helen Mirren, is the story of an elderly artist who discovers his muse in a young girl when he travels to an exotic island to regain his prowess as a painter.
Cocoon (1985) starring Don Ameche, Wilford Brimley and Hume Cronyn, features a group of seniors who discover the regenerative effects of the neighbour's swimming pool - which harbours the cocoons of aliens waiting to be taken back to their home planet.
Tough Guys (1986) starring Kirk Douglas and Burt Lancaster, unfolds around two elderly ex-cons who prefer a life of crime over life in a retirement residence.
Driving Miss Daisy (1989) starring Jessica Tandy and Morgan Freeman, focuses on an elderly widow who grudgingly agrees to the black driver her son hires, and spans the pair's 20-year relationship.
Grumpy Old Men (1993) starring Walter Matthau, Jack Lemmon and Anne Margret, tells the zany tale of two neighbours whose 50-year rivalry heats up when a gorgeous widow moves on to their street.
Iris (2001) starring Judi Dench, Jim Broadbent, Kate Winslet and Hugh Bonneville, is the true story of the lifelong romance between novelist and eventual Alzheimer victim Iris Murdoch, and her husband, professor John Bayley.
Bubba Ho-Tep (2002) starring Bruce Campbell, finds Elvis Presley in a retirement home and teaming up with fellow resident President John F. Kennedy to battle an evil Egyptian entity who hunts in their long-term care facility.

