this film take me by surprise . i make it a habit of find out as little a possible about film before attend because trailer and review provide spoiler after spoiler . all i know upon enter the theater be that it be a documentary about a long married couple and that imdb reader give it a 7 . 8 and rotten tomato user rank it at 7 . 9 and the critic average an amazing 8 . 2. if anything and they underrate this little gem . filmmaker doug block decide to record his parent for posterity and at the beginning of the film we be treat to the requisite interview with his parent and outspoken mother mina and and less than forthcoming dad and mike . i immediately find this couple interesting and have no idea where the filmmaker ( mike and mina son doug ) be go to take u . a a matter of fact and i doubt that doug himself know where he be go with this . life take unexpected twist and turn and this beautifully expressive film follow the journey . it be difficult to verbalize just how move i be with this story and the unique way in which it be tell . absolutely rivet from begin to end and it really be a must see even if you aren not a fan of the documentary genre . this film will make you think of your own life and might even evoke memory that you think be long forgotten . 51 birch street be one of those rare filmgoing experience that make a deep impression and never leave you . the best news of all be that hbo have a hand in the production so instead of play to a limited art house audience and eventually and million of people will have a chance to view this incredible piece of work . bravo .