L feel like the beginning of the movie was quite accurate and was relative to the plot, but as she grows up and progresses in her studies the events become more irrelevant and just add drama to the movie. The ending was nice but i think it was a bit of an exaggeration again to add more emotions into it.
10 Reviews
Inspiring and captivates the true insight of dyslexia but..
jumanaraggam12 November 2019
Warning: Spoilers
Another View Of This Heartland Premiere
tendernesstour16 October 2005
A Mind of Her Own" is described as "the poignant and moving story of Sophie, a determined young girl whose ambition to become a doctor is obstructed by the fact that she is severely dyslexic" in its marketing materials and in advertisements from the 2005 Heartland Film Festival.
Poignant and moving? Try boring and uninspiring.
"A Mind of Her Own" takes one woman's inspirational story and somehow manages to reduce the source material to a histrionic After School special. Owen Carey Jones writes and directs this film in such a way that I found myself uninvolved in Sophie's life and not even remotely caring that her brilliance in paralysis research may in fact benefit me. I would rather stay paralyzed than have to sit through this film, which left me emotionally paralyzed and unable to continue at Heartland last evening. That's right...the film was so lifeless that I found myself exhausted and unable to continue to the next round of films.
The film stars Nicky Talacko, who also starred in Carey's other film, "Baby Blue." Talacko is a UK native, currently residing in Australia. Mostly, her background is theatrical with some television work and independent film work. Talacko is definitely more suited to a television screen. Her performance seems to waver in and out, almost in sound bytes. A good cinematic performance involves the journey of the character...one can clearly see the connection between beginning and end. Even if that journey doesn't make sense, it is there. This film seems like a series of scenes, disconnected even though they are, in fact, quite connected. Talacko's performance lacks energy, lacks focus and her dialogue is monotonous.
The same is true for the rest of the cast, with the exception of Amanda Rawnsley, who plays her friend Becky. Rawnsley has a natural screen presence, and is endearing and affectionate in her scenes of support and devotion.
Yet, I'm not sure what the performers could do here...the script is insipid, the dialogue stilted and the film's pacing utterly lifeless. I was willing to surrender to the inspiration of the story itself, despite the fact that I was hearing lines like Sophie's biology teacher saying "you're the most determined person I've ever met", even though Sophie'd just been complaining about her "disability" and had walked out of a classroom. However, the true detachment came when Sophie, finally having graduated with a Bachelors Degree is able to "date" this same biology teacher who had also taught her as a substitute in high school and discovered her dyslexia. So, in reality, the wonder of this teacher actually helping his student turned into teacher helping a cute student, secretly lusting after her and finally being able to go out with her after done teaching her.
One word. Ick.
In short, everything about "A Mind of Her Own" plays like an Afterschool Special, and not even a good one. A stunning, wonderful and inspiring story is reduced to histrionic crap.
Personally, I've never found histrionic crap inspiring.
Poignant and moving? Try boring and uninspiring.
"A Mind of Her Own" takes one woman's inspirational story and somehow manages to reduce the source material to a histrionic After School special. Owen Carey Jones writes and directs this film in such a way that I found myself uninvolved in Sophie's life and not even remotely caring that her brilliance in paralysis research may in fact benefit me. I would rather stay paralyzed than have to sit through this film, which left me emotionally paralyzed and unable to continue at Heartland last evening. That's right...the film was so lifeless that I found myself exhausted and unable to continue to the next round of films.
The film stars Nicky Talacko, who also starred in Carey's other film, "Baby Blue." Talacko is a UK native, currently residing in Australia. Mostly, her background is theatrical with some television work and independent film work. Talacko is definitely more suited to a television screen. Her performance seems to waver in and out, almost in sound bytes. A good cinematic performance involves the journey of the character...one can clearly see the connection between beginning and end. Even if that journey doesn't make sense, it is there. This film seems like a series of scenes, disconnected even though they are, in fact, quite connected. Talacko's performance lacks energy, lacks focus and her dialogue is monotonous.
The same is true for the rest of the cast, with the exception of Amanda Rawnsley, who plays her friend Becky. Rawnsley has a natural screen presence, and is endearing and affectionate in her scenes of support and devotion.
Yet, I'm not sure what the performers could do here...the script is insipid, the dialogue stilted and the film's pacing utterly lifeless. I was willing to surrender to the inspiration of the story itself, despite the fact that I was hearing lines like Sophie's biology teacher saying "you're the most determined person I've ever met", even though Sophie'd just been complaining about her "disability" and had walked out of a classroom. However, the true detachment came when Sophie, finally having graduated with a Bachelors Degree is able to "date" this same biology teacher who had also taught her as a substitute in high school and discovered her dyslexia. So, in reality, the wonder of this teacher actually helping his student turned into teacher helping a cute student, secretly lusting after her and finally being able to go out with her after done teaching her.
One word. Ick.
In short, everything about "A Mind of Her Own" plays like an Afterschool Special, and not even a good one. A stunning, wonderful and inspiring story is reduced to histrionic crap.
Personally, I've never found histrionic crap inspiring.
Educational Movie, Captivating Story, Timeless Message!
marcin_kukuczka30 December 2007
Having seen A MIND OF HER OWN on one of less commercial TVs in Poland, I was pretty astonished that not many people find the film worth seeing. Even on IMDb the few comments that have already appeared are in majority not very enthusiastic about the movie. Of course, it does not have that great performances, it's not a smashing success at the box office. However, if I had followed the advice of many people I talked to, I would have never seen this film and would never know what I have lost.
A MIND OF HER OWN being an authentic story is foremost a truly educational cinema. It's about will, about refusing to give up, about the indefatigable endeavor to reach personal happiness and, moreover, to reach self realization. Sophie Smith (Nicky Talacko) is a weak student, suffers dyslexia and gets very poor grades. Some mock her, others place doubt in her mind saying that she is bound to failure. Yet, there are two people who constitute a driving motor for her will and the fulfillment of her dreams: her friend Becky (Amanda Rawnsley) and a new biology teacher Peter Simpson (Ashley Cook). It is them who help her achieve a future that she would not think of even in her most fabulous dreams... It is them who help her overcome terrible problems she faces in her journey up towards the "impossible." That is why the movie is educational because it's about a particular person and, at the same time, about anyone. Therefore, the movie is also a truly captivating story that appears to be very realistic since many viewers are likely to feel empathy with the main character.
The performances are not Oscar worthy, I agree but it seems clear that the director emphasizes other aspects. No great cast since they would shadow a story a bit. The movie is not a vehicle for a star but a gift for every viewer. Meanwhile, we get wonderful moments. First, if you decide to see the film, don't skip humor. The shoes are, I think, the most memorably humorous moments but I also liked the very authentic and delicate flirting scenes: How these girls are after young handsome teachers! What is more, there are thought provoking moments as well. Contrast of two different attitudes, the idea of help, self discipline and, as aforementioned, journey up towards "the impossible." I think every young person should see the movie.
All things considered, I am not going to tell you traditionally: "I recommend you to see A MIND OF HER OWN" since these words do not have that power any longer. I'd rather start like this: "Do you know what you will do in future? Is that something you want to do?" Most probably, your answer is not that straight, that easy. Yet, sorry but I'll go on and ask you a more difficult question: "Do you know what you can do if you really start to believe in yourself?"
The same was with Sophie, she dreamed about sport and medicine. And the latter occurred the one for her because only then the other person could tell her out of their heart "You helped me, thank you!" Only then, in such moments "the other person" will constitute the whole world for you, will speak on behalf of the whole humanity in which you also have a spot. Are you ready to take such a journey up towards "the impossible?"
A MIND OF HER OWN being an authentic story is foremost a truly educational cinema. It's about will, about refusing to give up, about the indefatigable endeavor to reach personal happiness and, moreover, to reach self realization. Sophie Smith (Nicky Talacko) is a weak student, suffers dyslexia and gets very poor grades. Some mock her, others place doubt in her mind saying that she is bound to failure. Yet, there are two people who constitute a driving motor for her will and the fulfillment of her dreams: her friend Becky (Amanda Rawnsley) and a new biology teacher Peter Simpson (Ashley Cook). It is them who help her achieve a future that she would not think of even in her most fabulous dreams... It is them who help her overcome terrible problems she faces in her journey up towards the "impossible." That is why the movie is educational because it's about a particular person and, at the same time, about anyone. Therefore, the movie is also a truly captivating story that appears to be very realistic since many viewers are likely to feel empathy with the main character.
The performances are not Oscar worthy, I agree but it seems clear that the director emphasizes other aspects. No great cast since they would shadow a story a bit. The movie is not a vehicle for a star but a gift for every viewer. Meanwhile, we get wonderful moments. First, if you decide to see the film, don't skip humor. The shoes are, I think, the most memorably humorous moments but I also liked the very authentic and delicate flirting scenes: How these girls are after young handsome teachers! What is more, there are thought provoking moments as well. Contrast of two different attitudes, the idea of help, self discipline and, as aforementioned, journey up towards "the impossible." I think every young person should see the movie.
All things considered, I am not going to tell you traditionally: "I recommend you to see A MIND OF HER OWN" since these words do not have that power any longer. I'd rather start like this: "Do you know what you will do in future? Is that something you want to do?" Most probably, your answer is not that straight, that easy. Yet, sorry but I'll go on and ask you a more difficult question: "Do you know what you can do if you really start to believe in yourself?"
The same was with Sophie, she dreamed about sport and medicine. And the latter occurred the one for her because only then the other person could tell her out of their heart "You helped me, thank you!" Only then, in such moments "the other person" will constitute the whole world for you, will speak on behalf of the whole humanity in which you also have a spot. Are you ready to take such a journey up towards "the impossible?"
Fascinatingly Bad.
sarcasm_for_free8 November 2021
A few questions for anyone unlucky enough to have suffered through this dirge like I have...
1. Were auditions based on who gave the worst performance? What a novel idea!
2. Was there an actual script, or did they make it up as they went along (I am being DEADLY serious here).
3. What is it about this individual's life that made them think it was worth committing to film? After close scrutiny of the events therein, I still don't have a clue.
4. Did they record a specific score, or did they 'borrow' a bunch of cheap -off-the-shelf recordings to 'seamlessly' link them in? You know where my money would go.
5. Come clean. Now. It's been 15 years. All you 5-star reviews can confess you were paid by or are relating to the cast and crew. You were... right? Because if not, that's kinda worrying...
Basically, this is nothing more than a dull melodrama where a lot of bad stuff happens to this girl, and she 'overcomes' it all to make something of her life.
I suppose her heroic struggle is supposed to give us the warm fuzzies, but thanks to the episodic, soap-opera narrative and the beyond amateurish acting I got no emotion from any of the 'moving' scenes here...
...Apart from the odd pang of laughter when the terrible lead actress tries to cry convincingly on cue. Hey, I had to get some enjoyment out of the sorry experience, even if it was intended. Sue me.
So anyway, unless you're like me and you have a bizarre penchant for movies which are So-Bad-They're-Kinda-Good, give it a watch.
Otherwise, follow the advice of the famous song... 'clears throat' Walk on bbyyy... 2/10.
1. Were auditions based on who gave the worst performance? What a novel idea!
2. Was there an actual script, or did they make it up as they went along (I am being DEADLY serious here).
3. What is it about this individual's life that made them think it was worth committing to film? After close scrutiny of the events therein, I still don't have a clue.
4. Did they record a specific score, or did they 'borrow' a bunch of cheap -off-the-shelf recordings to 'seamlessly' link them in? You know where my money would go.
5. Come clean. Now. It's been 15 years. All you 5-star reviews can confess you were paid by or are relating to the cast and crew. You were... right? Because if not, that's kinda worrying...
Basically, this is nothing more than a dull melodrama where a lot of bad stuff happens to this girl, and she 'overcomes' it all to make something of her life.
I suppose her heroic struggle is supposed to give us the warm fuzzies, but thanks to the episodic, soap-opera narrative and the beyond amateurish acting I got no emotion from any of the 'moving' scenes here...
...Apart from the odd pang of laughter when the terrible lead actress tries to cry convincingly on cue. Hey, I had to get some enjoyment out of the sorry experience, even if it was intended. Sue me.
So anyway, unless you're like me and you have a bizarre penchant for movies which are So-Bad-They're-Kinda-Good, give it a watch.
Otherwise, follow the advice of the famous song... 'clears throat' Walk on bbyyy... 2/10.
Terrible movie
colmanstephenson11 December 2006
Clunky script and acting are undermined by a truly awful score which lays the sentiment on with a trowel.
One to avoid.
Toe-curling 'love scenes'
Obvious medical facts are presented as 'reveals'
The postal service is "chronically poor" in parts of the UK, while compensation schemes for customers make it too hard to complain, MPs have said.
The Commons Public Accounts Committee found some "black spots", such as London, were particularly badly served.
One to avoid.
Toe-curling 'love scenes'
Obvious medical facts are presented as 'reveals'
The postal service is "chronically poor" in parts of the UK, while compensation schemes for customers make it too hard to complain, MPs have said.
The Commons Public Accounts Committee found some "black spots", such as London, were particularly badly served.
Read the summary and call it a day
krwoodavl14 January 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Sophie Smith is inspirational. Read a few lines about her life but watch something else. Everything about this movie was terrible, starting with casting: Nicky Talacko is a beautiful young lady and I am not body shaming her, but in no universe does she have the body of a national level gymnast. The is obvious since the first shot of her as a teenager is watching her from behind walking up stairs, where the everyone has a clear shot of her legs. The acting was on par with an after- school special. The script was the most disappointing. What did she discover in the microscope? How did that change the course of research? How was that knowledge applied to patients? What was she reading to the audience at the end? Just when she gets into the meat of it they cut to an outside shot. What kind of surgeon did she become? Would these details affect national security or what?
a Truly Moving Picture
tollini29 September 2005
I am a judge for the Indianapolis-based Heartland Film Festival. This feature film is a Crystal Heart Award Winner and is eligible to be the Grand Prize Winner in October of 2005. The Heartland Film Festival is a non-profit that honors Truly Moving Pictures. A Truly Moving Picture "
explores the human journey by artistically expressing hope and respect for the positive values of life."
The life of Sophie Smith in England is traced from childhood in 1989 to a young woman in 2005. She has two dreams. One is to be a champion gymnast. The other dream is to be a medical Doctor. While she is quite talented as gymnast, her dream is cut short by an injury. So she turns her attention full time to her second dream.
Unfortunately she has severe learning disabilities and has awful problems in her school studies. And that's where the story really begins. She has to work twice as hard as everyone else, and even with this kind of effort, she often fails. Despite all of her numerous failures, she simply persists with a little help from her friends.
This film is based on a true story of a woman who ultimately achieves worldwide scientific fame. As a young girl and young woman, we witness her extraordinary hope and sacrifice and humility and faith.
This is inspirational storytelling.
FYI There is a Truly Moving Pictures web site where there is a listing of past Crystal Heart winners that are now either at the theater or available on video.
The life of Sophie Smith in England is traced from childhood in 1989 to a young woman in 2005. She has two dreams. One is to be a champion gymnast. The other dream is to be a medical Doctor. While she is quite talented as gymnast, her dream is cut short by an injury. So she turns her attention full time to her second dream.
Unfortunately she has severe learning disabilities and has awful problems in her school studies. And that's where the story really begins. She has to work twice as hard as everyone else, and even with this kind of effort, she often fails. Despite all of her numerous failures, she simply persists with a little help from her friends.
This film is based on a true story of a woman who ultimately achieves worldwide scientific fame. As a young girl and young woman, we witness her extraordinary hope and sacrifice and humility and faith.
This is inspirational storytelling.
FYI There is a Truly Moving Pictures web site where there is a listing of past Crystal Heart winners that are now either at the theater or available on video.
Inspiring story
carierandolph12 February 2018
Truly inspirational
chrisjbunch21 March 2021
What better story ,,,
wruzek15 March 2021
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