After Life - Ricky Gervais 'A society grows great when old men plant trees...' Scene

[milnr]

“A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in.” -Greek Proverb

[luthienx]

After Life, helped me A LOT in matter of the copping with my feelings and depression, living with a suicidal mind, it helped me to feel less alone somehow.

[khorinus]

"Happiness is amazing. It's so amazing it doesn't matter if it's yours or not". That hit me hard. Like even if I'm not happy myself, the least I can do with my life is to try to make others happy in whatever small ways possible. Because it's not all about me.

[davidkaaa]

0:19 - "Good to have a backup". With that glance and tone, she tells so much about her character. Probably contemplated suicide and the same argument so many times herself, that it's almost trivial for her to understand Ricky's character. Great acting by Penelope Wilton.

[LarryHanson-ciig]

“If your plan is for one year, plant rice. If your plan is for ten years, plant a tree. If your plan is for one-hundred years, educate children.”

[TheThetrimby]

I got autographs from both of them. Amazing people.

[michaelredding]

That line about the trees is brilliant!!!

[MRG]

Anna's the strongest character of the series and the things she says are always the most important lines of the script.
She deserves a cult following like that of Sister Michael from Derry Girls.

[tanzeelanoreen]

This scene reminds me of an Asian proverb: a young Sultan was passing by when he saw an old man planting an (olive?) tree. He asked the old man why he was bothering planting it as he would never see the tree bear fruit. The old man said that when he was young someone had planted it and he had benefited, he was just returning the favour. The young Sultan was so impressed with his foresight he gave the man some money from his purse. The old man smiled and said, "See? It has already benefited me in this life".

[georgegeoffrick]

I love these small talks between Tony and her. It's so meaningful and deep and she's such a lovely woman

[bigh]

Anne was spectacular in this role. She brought compassion and real warmth to the role. The writing and the acting was truly superb Ricky. Thanks….

[Tkokat]

This scene really got me. It felt genuine, not hand-fisted like so many other series and/or movies. You feel for the main character because he's not a bad person, but he's not in a right place right now. He doesn't care anymore and yet he cannot dismiss the fact that he actually gives a fuck about the people that he loves. He's hurting, but he finally understands.

As much as I love the second season, as it's full of heart-braking, touching moments, I would've been happy if it ended after episode 6 'cuz Tony's arc was beautiful to watch and experience.

[twelveoaks]

Penelope Wilton is such an amazing actress! Loved her performances in Downtown Abbey as well.

[waynelyles]

This show, this episode...saved my life. U.S. Army Airborne...All The Way!!

[singhishandeep]

zero dislikes after two weeks...thats how brilliant this scene was...

[phillipmills]

Probably my favourite scene. Beautifully crafted.

[adderz]

I was crying but grinning so much. Best scene in the series.

[davecespedes]

I feel exactly like Tony... this show is fucking amazing, it's incredible how it makes me cry and laugh at the same time. Can't wait for the second season (:

[lolololawsaalh]

I love those two strangers building this friendship/chemistry. Wow. I love Ricky Gervais. And that lady!!!

[beefy]

This scene quite literally saved my life.