Jacques (Brian Cox) is the cynical, angry, and lonely owner of bar in a slummy part of New York City. He has no patience and can blow up at any time sending his blood pressure zooming. While recuperating in the hospital after his fifth heart attack, he still refuses to stop smoking and drinking. The staff can't wait for him to go home since he gives them such a hard time.
After meeting Lucas (Paul Dano), a quiet young homeless man who slit his wrists in an unsuccessful suicide attempt, Jacques comes up with a plan that will be of benefit to both of them. Meanwhile Lucas, grateful for a second chance to make something positive out of his life, signs the papers to donate his organs after his death; it seems to be a fitting way to help others. The staff is sad to see him leave, and they give him some money for the start of his new life. Lucas gives it all away to other homeless people.
Jacques and his German shepherd dog track him down and make him an offer he can't refuse. The bar owner want him to take over the business when he dies and so he volunteers to teach him the tricks of the trade. He also gives Lucas his own room. It really does seem like this lucky young man has found a new lease on life. However, it is not easy being around Jacques when gets angry or treats a customer like dirt. The rules of the establishment are: Don't try to be friendly with the regulars, no new customers, and no women allowed. But when April (Isild Le Besco) shows up one night drenched and with nowhere to spend the night, Lucas decides to help her out. She takes his bed, and he sleeps on the floor. With a new person in their lives, what will become of Jacques' plan to pass the bar on to Lucas?
The Good Heart is an oddly affecting drama that presents us with two lead characters we would stay clear of if we saw them on the street: Lucas, the homeless young man who sleeps in a box, and Jacques, the misanthropic and jaded man who doesn't like or trust anyone. But thanks to the sensitivity and empathy of Icelandic writer and director Dagur Kari, we are able to build bridges to the lives of these two as they interact and respond to the changes that keep them moving from one challenge to another.
Quiet yourself down during the closing credits. Close out the world. Drop down into your heart. Feel the glow and the power there. Let go of separation and fear. Put your hand over your heart. Leave the theatre with the intention of warming others with the light you carry within.
Special features on the DVD include behind the scenes of the Good Heart; and "HDNet: A look at the Good Heart."
