Reviews

An exceedingly human film of humor, love and life. I saw it for the first time today and want to see it again right now. I usually like Australian film, when it's not melodramatic, and this film is admirable that it doesn't sink to the horrible depths other films might - given the subject matter - to grab you with it's realism. Another user commented that it was good to see the women in this film that weren't wafer thin, and I would have to agree wholeheartedly! It's a refreshing departure, given the typical Hollywood fare. As is this film, I would recommend it without hesitation!

I loved Sister, My Sister...in fact, I bought it without having seen it first based on recommendation alone, and I haven't regretted it one bit. I think that the acting was great, by the entire cast; I felt that the storyline (based on an actual murder case and subsequent play), though revisited in this film, is still relevant in that it addresses issues of classism, oppression, and societal stigmatization. To dismiss this film as merely an incestuous, murderous lesbian romp is a mistake. Even though the lesbian subject seemed to be a large factor, there is a definite timidity to the photography of the sex scenes, in that there was more in the way of well framed shots than fleshy action given the intensity of feeling portrayed. So probably, the film isn't as offensive as the description might imply. I feel that the film was evenly handled throughout. Even the murders, while fairly gruesome as described in the voiceover of the trial, weren't disgustingly splatter film-like, they, like the sex scenes left much to the imagination. I recommend this film highly, it's not at all fluffy feel-good schlock, it's disturbing, dark and painful - that's what makes it so good!

I liked this movie, I really did, I never read the original story in it's serial form, and only having heard it excerpted I had no expectations. Well, I figured that as with most adaptations of King's books, this one had the potential to fail as dismally as others have. That "The Green Mile" was as good as it is overall proved that in the proper hands, King's stories can make enjoyable, if not astounding, film.

I guess my only real problem with the movie has to do with some technical issues. I was really disappointed over the use of modern clear plastic packaging tape when Percy was confined to the restraint room. In light of the fact that the story's original date was set in 1932 but was adapted to make use of the film "Top Hat" from 1935, and that the story itself mentions the use of friction tape (certainly more appropriate to the time), the use of a modern roll of tape was just sloppy!

Another thing would have to be the healing method that John used, in the instances of both Mr. Jingles and the Warden's wife, John "takes if back" by sucking the death/illness from the mouths of these creatures...well, not to be too disgusting here, but how is it that he was able to help Paul by merely grabbing his crotch? I guess that would have changed the ratings at the very least!

Otherwise, beyond where the film falters, there is an absorbing story about the many ways people struggle with a "gift", whether it's their own, or someone else's. I would recommend it for that alone.