An excellent movie that depicts the true meaning of caring and ...
350793
An excellent movie that depicts the true meaning of caring and valuing others more than oneself.  It's a good example of modern day diversity and inclusion.
2419428
one of the best movies ever with a great meaning behind it...well worth watching...the acting was supberb
4340963
I ordered two copies of this movie after watching it online myself.  It is my desire to share it with as many people as I can.  Of course, it is not easy to convince some people that there are those in our government and the pharmaceutical and medical world that would actually allow so many people to suffer and die, when there are natural non-toxic treatments in existence that have actually cured many people of cancer...even after the medical doctors have given up on them.  I think of the fathers, mothers and children who are taken from us early because of our failed system of treating cancer.  Many of my own family and friends have died from cancer, after receiving the "best" that medicine has to offer.  We watched helplessly as they suffered through agonizing pain and nausea, being brave and hopeful to the end.  And then to watch their families suffer their loss for years.  I finally learned about Dr. Burzynski and others like him, amazingly gifted doctors and scientists, who have studied the nature of cancer and how to help our body's natural healing processes to prevent and kill cancer cells.  I've read several books and researched the subject on the internet.  I didn't believe at first that such a thing could happen in this country.  I couldn't believe that human beings could be evil enough to allow so much suffering and death.  But, after months of reading and pondering, I now understand that for some people, money is the only thing that matters.  Even though they bring about the tragic, unneccessary death of many, many trusting people.  If you watch this movie for the first time, you will be blown away with the truth.  But even so, it is truth that we must face.  Only when people in great numbers come to see the truth about our situation, will we be able to rise up and demand changes.  We are all accountable for how we serve our fellow beings.  Now is the time for all good men and women to come to the aid of their country.  This movie is very, very well done, and is our best hope for a real cure for cancer (and any other disease) today.  Incidentally, an excellent book on the subject of alternative non-toxic cancer treatments (if you only have time to read one) is "Outsmart Your Cancer" by Tanya Harter Pierce. It took me a long time to finish it, as I was really studying it, but it taught me so much about how the body works and how to avoid disease and what to do if cancer strikes.  I definitely recommend that book as well.
3813721
This is one of the best movies I have ever seen! Iam a caregiver for my husband and I feel ALL CAREGIVERS should see this movie. There is so much meaning, laughter,scary and true moments and it blows my mind that it's based on a true story!! I can't believe no one told me to see this movie when it was in the US. The French film uses subtitles and they didn't bother me at all. Both of the main actors were endearing and loveable especially in the funny scenes. Bravo for the film's director and cast. I also bought a copy for my best friend and she loved it as much as I did as we laughed and cried. Later I told a whole Caregiver's Retreat Group to go and rent this movie!!!!
2645959
This is a movie which is a good cross between how movies are made today and how they were made in the decades gone by: There's a bit of the absurd, not unlike "American Beauty" or "Boogie Nights" but there's no denying the care that was taken in developing the relationships between certain characters--the importance of which is never sacrificed for a laugh. This picture had my attention from start to finish. The acting was superb and the story, while a bit obscure (even though I lived through it) is handled well. The resolution is very believable and, at least for one character, tragic.
3357176
It may sound corny, but in some ways this has become one of my favorite movies.

It offers the opportunity to discuss moral issues: what right did the TV station have to control and display Trueman's life?
What is the basis for marriage and love, and what was the true role of his wife, actress, wife, friend?

Trueman's is surrounded by people whose only purpose is to control him and to manipulate him. Everything in his life is pretend, except Trueman's himself.

More than the movie, I loved the ending, and felt hope for all people who feel caught in situations where they can't find their way out.

I do recommend this movie.
747980
No matter what your moral leanings are on physician-assisted suicide, "How to Die in Oregon" will give you an angle on the issue that shows grace and compassion.  It's hard to imagine a film that takes on this hot-button issue and does not evoke anger, anxiety or doubt.  Somehow the producer has helped the viewer to avoid the negative and raw emotions and find a place of empathy and resignation.

There is no fanfare in death and dying and the issue in this film is not treated with drama and stigma.  Much a part of living, death is dealt with lovingly and respectfully.  Those individuals featured in "How to Die in Oregon" who let us into the most intimate parts and decisions of their lives (especially Cody Curtis) leave us understanding quality of life just a little bit better.

Whether you believe in Oregon's historic "Death with Dignity Act" or flatly oppose it ... watch this film to gain a little more empathy and understanding.  It is my hope that this film is watched, discussed and embraced by more people.  This is an issue that needs to be broached more than ever these days as medical advances continue that allow for length of life without true quality.

5 stars for a very touching, thoughtful an poignant film.
2871060
What a beautiful, profoundly touching movie. The first time I watched it by myself, and I was just blown away by the storyline, the gorgeous setting (it looks like New England), and the outstanding performances from the three main actresses (Sissy Spacek, Alfie Woodard, and Jodelle Ferland).

While it raises some pretty tough issues - child abandonment, the foster care system, and Alzheimer's Disease, it does so in a sensitive way. These issues are not glossed over, but the redemptive power of love works its magic.

The second time, I watched the movie with my children (10, 8, 5), and was overjoyed by their compassionate response. They were completely drawn into the world of Hollis Woods(Ferland), a sullen 12 year old girl with an artistic bent. They rooted for her and watched her blossom in the company of Josie (Spacek), a lively artist who is slowly succumbing to devastating dementia/Alzheimer's Disease. They shared Hollis's dawning fear as they realized there was something wrong with Josie, and that she might not be able to take care of Hollis.

The movie put a face on some hard truths, but in a hopeful way. Not everyone has parents who love them. Some children are unhappy and angry for some pretty profound reasons. And people we love may lose their memories when they are old.

Yet Josie's resilience in the face of her experiences, and her ability to learn to love, and accept love, from the decent and kind people that intersect her life is a great message for kids to carry with them. Life can be hard, but there are almost always people who are willing to help, if you can reach out to them. And, a passion for something, such as art and nature, can help you get through dry spells.

The story of Josie and Hollis is interlaced with flashbacks to the family Hollis lived with before she moved in with Josie. Hollis allows herself to fall in love with them, as they joyfully love and welcome her into their family. But a horrible accident makes things fall apart, and that is when Hollis ends up in Josie's life.

Everything comes full circle at the end as Josie's worsening memory/behavior ends up reuniting Hollis with the family that still longs for her to join them.

Anyway, my kids and I spent over an hour talking about this substantive and rewarding movie. A++
4380147
Excellent movie.  I'm the mother of a profoundly handicapped little girl who only lived to be three years old.  This movie is really spot on about everything it talks about.  Out marriage didn't last long after she died and many thought it was the stress of caring for your only child, knowing that she was only on this earth for a very short time.  But I'm very grateful for the time we had to spend together.  I am richer for it and have never regretted having her.  This movie was very good at portraying all of the emotions and events of that time.  It amazes me that the actors could portray the story with such realism, never having experienced the situation.  I, for one, am very grateful they made this movie.
3813785
I was surprised to read that the producers of this movie did not give it an initial U.S. release, but chose to release it in foreign markets. Apparently they thought that it was too sad to be a hit in the American market. It's a shame that they would take such a short-sighted commercial view of this film, for it offers a powerful  message on the meaning of love and loyalty. An important film, one that will stay with you for a long time.

I thought it a nice touch that the producers tied in the original true story that happened in Japan with this American version. That Hachi is sent as a puppy from Japan and is lost at an American train station and found by the Richard Gere  character (or does the dog find him?), a college professor. That one of his friends at his college is a Japanese man who fills him in on the background and character of the breed. I thought one of the most affecting scenes was where this man speaks to Hachi in Japanese at the train station many years later as he still patiently awaits the return of his master and tells him how he understands his loyalty and devotion and respects him for it.

I want to add that it's a perfect family movie: no violence, sex, or profanity--just a wonderful tale of love and devotion. There is sadness and loss to it. But sadness and loss are an inevitable part of life, and that is an important message to learn. But the overriding message is one of enduring love, and that is the more important message.
999517
It was an excellent movie with a great cast and a great message!
3479390
This movie is a great character study, and subtly considers questions that are completely relevant to everyone's life.  Relationships are at the heart, and you find yourself contemplating those attitudes and beliefs and people you hold dear. It's touching and heart-breaking and joyful, and makes you care - what more could you want?  You can tell it was a labor of love, as so many small, independent films are.
3567485
This movie is about a Christian missionary team that is killed by the people they are trying to reach with the gospel, but it does not end there. It continues as the families of the slain missionaries continue to witness to the people, and they are lead to Christ. Not only is it a touching true story, but the movie is very well done. You do not feel as though you are watching a low-budget B-movie, but a true work of the Lord.
2397616
A Wonderful Movie that highlights the core values of Unconditional Love and True Friendship that all Living Beings should aspire to.. Take the time to get to know your Fellow Living Beings Before Passing Judgement Based on Ignorance..!
4959872
This is indeed a great film, with a fine --as in very precise-- and understated art direction and animation that really adds to a very well written story. The movie depicts a time in our life in a way that is universally understandable and relatable.

A must see.
84096
There is romance in this movie, but the main story has more to do about the waste and heartache that comes from judging people based on their superficial traits like physical appearance, dress or first impressions instead of really giving others a chance and getting to know them.

The script is excellent since it manages to tell different stories and develop the different characters without losing focus.  All the actors did an excellent job and made you believe and care about them.  This is rare when there are several interesting characters; usually you will care about one and the others do not matter.  That is not the case on this movie.

I have to mention especially the excellent job done by Jensen Ackels and Clea Duvall. Jensen's character was both funny and vulnerable and Clea's acting was moving.  I was also impressed by Daneel's performance; it was excellent, but also very brave.

This is the type of movie that you want to buy because you know you will want to watch it over and over again as well as recommend it to others.  I am surprised it is no longer available and I had to purchase a used DVD. ?
1862290
This is a movie that takes the viewer through the last days of earth before an oncoming asteroid destroys the planet. And while a true happily ever after may be out of the question it still manages to instill that sense of hope and meaning we all look for in life. It raises many questions ( in my opinion) about the nature of man and what we find important in our lives no matter how seemingly menial. A love story between Steve Carell and Keira Knightly plays out until the very end leaving a sense of fulfillment and yet never getting that fulfillment themselves. It is definitely worth a watch if u enjoy a movie that goes a bit deeper than explosions and sex.