Yay I've gone bronze and no tanning bed in sight!!
Thanks to everyone for your ratings and comments...
Yay I've gone bronze and no tanning bed in sight!!
Thanks to everyone for your ratings and comments.
I always try to return all ratings and if I promise an E and don't get back to you feel free to give me a poke.
Sue
Member since:30.05.2009
Reviews:410
Members who trust:91
MY SISTERS KEEPER
2002
This is a film only review
There seems to be a little confusion with this film. This category is actually for the 2002 film directed by Ron Lagomarsino and starring Kathy Bates and Lynn Redgrave and not the more recent film by the same name directed by Nick Cassavetes starring Cameron Diaz and Alec Baldwin
This film is a completely different story and is based on a true story of the same name (Not the Jodi Picoult novel) written by Margaret Moorman. The story of the film is tragically like that of Ms Moorman's own life. When Margaret Moorman's older sister, Sally, was first hospitalised with schizophrenia in 1959, her family denied the truth to neighbours, friends and even to themselves. It was only thirty years later, when their mother's death made her Sally's sole carer, that Margaret faced the truth.
This is not a film that has a sparkling plot, great suspense, passionate romance or thrills, what it is though a thought provoking film
about how mental illness affects a family; it is a film that allows the viewer to laugh and cry with the characters and their problems rather than at them.
There have been hints all her life that there is something very wrong with Christine (played wonderfully by Kathy Bates), but the crisis comes in 1974 when, at the age of16, she is taken into hospital after being diagnosed with a Schizo-Affective Disorder. The doctors don't know exactly what is wrong with Christine or what to do to keep her symptoms under control. Some treatments work for some patients some of the time, but mental illness tends to be one of those areas that is rather unpredictable at best. A tragic problem not just for the patient but also for family members who are desperate to help but can't.
The main action in the film is between Christine and her younger sister Judy (played by Elizabeth Perkins) who is fated to be the long-term carer for Christine. Even when her mother (played by Lynn Redgrave) carried the care load for Chrissie, Judy knew that, at some point, she would be the one eventually caring for her sister. Judy was the 'perfect daughter' who put everything into her career. Her mother protected Judy from the daily grind of dealing with the social services. When she moved away and got a high-powered job, she did not leave her troubles behind. Chrissie still who calls her a lot, needs to see her regularly and sometimes must go to the hospital because she either hasn't been taking her medication or the drug stops working. Their mother wants Judy to live her own life, but it's not so easy for her to let herself do that, even when she finds her Mr. Right (played Clark Gregg). When their mother dies suddenly, Judy becomes Chrissies main carer.
What stands out to me in this film is Kathy Bates' riveting performance; it was equally as good as her performance in 'Misery'. She did a wonderful job playing the part of a mentally ill character, a hard role, I'm sure.
Elizabeth Perkins is also strong in her character. She had to play every scene in stress mode Even when things were seemingly going fine, you could see her pain under the surface that is reflective of a live lived never knowing from day to day. Perkins played that optimistic but troubled role very well.
Despite her problems, I really liked Christine. She was clever, big hearted and had a big heart and made friends easily, including Jascha Washington as the friendless Earl. Her passion for animals and dream of starting a shelter was charming. Her plans could be a bit 'OTT' at times, but the principles were good.
I didn't find Judy as easy to like, she seems to hide her worries - which I suppose this is pretty much true to life though, because being a sibling to a mentally ill person must be very hard. Even though the title of the film refers to Judy, the focus is far more on Christine, I can't decide whether that is because Kathy Bates played the part so well or because her character was just more fun.
Overall, I would say that this isn't a perfect film. It is a little slow in places and sometimes rather choppy. On the other hand I do think this is a valuable film that deals with mental illness is dealt with well, not like some of the roles that are often portrayed in. This is not a high action film, or a romantic comedy, the 90 minutes doesn't fly along at great speed. However there are good points, the characters are not saccharine sweet or slyly evil, they are just everyday people. This is more a personal journey and one that gives the viewer a personal and memorable look at an unusual and tragic life we rarely (hopefully) get to see. One ray of hope to people watching the film who may be in a similar position is that it is possible come to terms with mental illness and make a life that does not always centre on the illness.
Summary: I would give this film 3/5 because of the slowness but still recommend it
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Production Year: 2004 - Drama - Director: Nick Cassavetes - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over, 12 years and over - Starring: Rachel McAdams, Ryan Gosling, Gena Rowlands
Production Year: 1997 - Drama - Director: Ronan O'Leary - Original Language: English - Classification: 18 years and over - Starring: James Spader, Anne Brochet, Barry McGovern, Anna Massey
I had great trouble suggesting the other my sisters keeper film because of this one, especailly on dooyoo. lol. I have yet to see this, it does sound like something I would like so will check it out when I get a chance. Brilliant review. Kirsty xxx
catsholiday 31.08.2009 12:42
Interesting - didn't realise there was an earlier film with the same name - - not seen either but have read the Jodi Piccoult book
Two sister's lifelong struggle with illness, daily hardships and their own conflicted ... more
relationship evolves into mutual respect and understanding in this poignant and emotional real life story.Throughout their life, Christine and Judy's stern but dutifu...
Two sister's lifelong struggle with mental illness daily hardships and their own ... more
conflicted relationship evolves into mutual respect and understanding in this poignant and emotional real life story. Throughout their life Christine and Judy's stern b...
Postage & Packaging: £0.00 Availability: 3-5 working days
Advantages: Beautifully filmed, Beautifully acted, and just a fantastic story Disadvantages: You will very likely cry your eyes out. Costs you more money as you have to buy tissues :D
![My Sisters Keeper [DVD] [2007]](http://picnicb.ciao.com/uk/81042879.jpg "My Sisters Keeper [DVD] [2007]")
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