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loribee59
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Living Proof (2008)
very powerful
Growing up, I've watched many disease-of-the-month movies in late '70's and through the 80's. One can get jaded about how those movies make it so schmaltzy about how brave and courageous people are when they're staring at death in the face.
This movie is different...it's so frustrating to watch, but at the same time, it's hard to pull away when each time the trial drug enters a successful phase, roadblocks to the next phase gets thrown up and it's nerve-wracking to see if it will be successful the next phase up. I remember feeling like I just want to reach into the TV and slap the drug's nay-sayers~ that's just how good the movie is. It gets me so very much involved with the movie.
I also remembered feeling so angry towards the FDA being so strict with their guidelines, that the doctor had no choice but to turn down some of the women, that in essence, sealed their doom. I can't imagine how horrible he felt...and how many times he had to say "I'm sorry" to each woman. I felt like crying along with him when he cried with frustration twice in the movie.
I must warn that there is one quote made by the actress Regina King towards the end of the movie that in my opinion-- was so powerful, about how hard it is to wait for people who aren't ready for her when she's dying~ death waits for no one. How scary it is to hear that. I had tears just hearing her speech. Her quote will stick in my mind for a very long time.
If anyone missed this movie, I'd make sure they don't the next time...whether it airs on TV again or when the DVD comes out.
The Holiday (2006)
Heartwarming romance
I wanted to see it on big screen when it first came out, but got sidetracked with life. Two nights ago I had the opportunity to see it on the free weekend of STARZ premium movie channel. And I had to say, IMO, the *best* romantic movie ever. If there's a movie that can make me laugh AND cry, it's a keeper.
All the main characters, played by those Americans (Cameron Diaz and Jack Black) and British (Kate Winslet and Jude Law) made the intercontinental romance possible and believable.
**spoiler** If I had my druthers, I'd go for the cute and schmaltzy stuff that's sorely needed in this old, jaded world of ours:
1) Of Iris and Arthur's friendship is the sweetest and with Arthur's help Iris finally finding herself out of her polite British demeanor is the best part of the film. 2) Amanda meeting Graham's family was one of the best highlight of the film. I won't say more as it's just too precious to put to words.
Regardless of some snit over the 'cuteness' and 'sugar-y' of this film, I'd say this...we need MORE of this kind of film to get this overall great feeling.
Nancy Meyers, you rock!