Ulee’s Gold (1997)

In this slow-burning character study, Peter Fonda is Ulee, a widowed Vietnam vet who spends his days working the family bee hives and cares for his two grandchildren whose father is serving time for a bank robbery. When his son’s accomplices surface looking for money that was hidden after the robbery, Ulee is pried out of the shell he has kept himself hidden in and must deal with the risk these men pose to his family. The film relies solely on Fonda’s performance and it’s a strong one. It is indeed slow to get going, but is satisfying in the end.

Oscar Nomination: Best Actor in a Leading Role