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Reviews
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks (2017)
people differ; I thought the movie was superb!
Yes, I see all the negative reviews, but my experience was different. This movie was wonderful. Admittedly it didn't come close to covering the entire book; what movie does? The slice covered is the experience of Henrietta Lacks' children and grandchildren and their reactions as adults to the attempt to write a book about their mother's situation. Rose Byrne did a great job, as always, as the writer of the book, and Oprah was heartpoundingly good as Lacks' troubled daughter. I love that the daughter wasn't glamorous, nor powerful, but Oprah still breathed life into her and absolutely owned the screen. To me this movie animates many different ways of dealing with loss, grief, and intense resentment at unfair treatment. If you're willing to see it as a story of Lacks' personal, not scientific, legacy, I think you'll find the movie transcendent, as I did.
Silent Night, Lonely Night (1969)
Stunning movie: a gift for the senses, the spirit and the heart
SPOILER ALERT:
This movie is brilliant. Sure, if you're looking for action, or fast speech, or melodrama, it's not for you. This quiet, absorbing film leads you on an emotional journey through the souls of two people that ends up touching your own. Thoughtful, not preachy, it examines the human spirit at its best and worst, in a sylvan setting that echoes many people's Christmas dreams. Essentially it celebrates our ability to rise above sadness and to remain open to others in this world while still embracing our principles. A moving, year-round movie with a sad and yet ultimately softly triumphant ending.
The Newsroom: Red Team III (2013)
Stunning -- just stunning
This is unbelievably great television.
I don't understand the Sorkin haters.
Anyone who can watch this episode without admiring Sorkin is beyond my comprehension.
And the acting and direction live up to his vision.
Truly superb.
Everyone in our living room was simply riveted to their seats the whole time.
I've been biting my fingernails waiting to see whether there were really only 2 more episodes after this or whether we'd all have a reprieve. I understand that Sorkin announced on Friday that he'd been extended for another season. Thank goodness. HBO, you have an extraordinary show here. Well done, all.
And the Band Played On (1993)
extraordinary depiction of new threats in a changing world
What do you do when your entire worldview is shaken?
The advent of a threatening disease that inexplicably dropped people in their tracks forces scientists, policy makers, medical experts and ordinary individuals to reevaluate fundamental assumptions. No one comes off totally unscathed in this gutsy, gritty movie.
None of us want to hear upsetting news, nor do we want to discover the world isn't as safe as we thought it was. Heroes and villains abound and reveal complex nuances in this remarkable window on one of the most life-changing events in several generations. Brilliant script, brilliant acting and directing. We learn a lot about the world, ourselves and each other just by watching!
Sombre, yes -- but one of my favorite movies of all time. A great example of how film can awaken us to new insights on issues we don't even realize that we haven't yet considered.