MOVIE TIPS
The other day on Facebook, my friend Chelsey Thomas mentioned a terrific movie she was watching, that would be of special interest to those of us in the Moebius community; it dealt with themes that we often encounter in our lives.  That got me thinking--is it possible to find more movies that would be of special interest to us?  Here's what I've found:

"Her Name is Sabine":
Here are some details and customer reviews:
"The famous French actress Sandrine Bonnaire paints a beautiful and moving cinematic portrait of her younger sister living with autism. France. French w/ Eng subtitles. Winner - FIPRESCI Award - Cannes Film Festival....

What is most remarkable about this movie is the contrast between the earlier footage of Sabine's youth and the later footage of her after being institutionalized and highly medicated. It seems that independent integrated living for the disabled is as much a quandary in France as here. One moment I liked is when the mother of one of Sabine's fellow residents describes the effects of taking her son's medication by accident. There's also what struck me as a sort of unusual definition of autism by one of Sabine's caseworkers. But what is most unforgettable and makes this film a must see is a scene where Sabine herself is shown the film of her earlier life."

 

"Fly Away" (the movie which Chelsey had mentioned):

"A powerful film directed by Emmy Award winner Janet Grillo (Autism: The Musical), FLY AWAY narrates the story of Jeanne (Beth Broderick, Bonfire of the Vanities, Sabrina the Teenage Witch) and her autistic teenage daughter, Mandy (Ashley Rickards, One Tree Hill). Jeanne has cared for Mandy since the day she was born, growing closer every day to a child who is charmingly offbeat one moment and nearly impossible to manage the next. In the dog park, Jeanne encounters Tom (Greg Germann, Ally McBeal, Friends with Money), an easygoing and accepting neighbor who sparks a romantic interest, but she finds juggling MandyÕs care and her own career leaves little room for a new man. As the pressures of work and her childÕs needs increase, she must decide whether or not to enroll Mandy in a therapeutic residential facility. Over the course of a few weeks, Jeanne is confronted with the most difficult decision a parent can make: to let go, allowing her child to grow, but also grow apart; or to hold on tight and fall together."

 

"Adam":

"A heartfelt romantic comedy about a handsome but intriguing young man who has all his life led a sheltered existence -- until he meets a beautiful, cosmopolitan young woman who pulls him into the outside world, with funny, touching and entirely unexpected results....

I cried during a lot of this movie....my young son has Asperger Disorder, and this is the most accurate depiction of a person on the Autism Spectrum that I've ever seen. I cried tears of joy that someone finally "got it," and will make others aware of the challenges and gifts of persons affected by Asperger's. I cried because I know my son's life will be more difficult due to his Asperger's. I cried because the world will present obstacles to him that I will not always be there to help him with. I cried because when we left the theater, my son was staring thoughtfully and I asked him to share his thoughts and he said...."Wow, I didn't realize that I would still have Asperger's when I grow up." I hope this movie brings awareness of autism to a large audience, and people will open themselves to getting to know a person with the disability....to become friends....and to realize the beautiful treasure that having a friend on the autism spectrum is. Too many people with Asperger's are lonely, ignored, unemployed, rejected, teased, and bullied. I hope this movie helps to change that in a small or big way, for my son and others....This is a lovely movie - it's funny, romantic, hopeful, and a great love story - you will never forget it."

 

"Mozart and the Whale"

"Starring Josh Hartnett and Radha Mitchell (Silent Hill, Man on Fire), Mozart and the Whale is a heartwarming romantic drama inspired by the true story of two people with Asperger's Syndrome (a form of autism)....

I attended a viewing of this movie with my daughter and my friend. My reason for going was for my grandson, who has Aspergers. I found this to be very uplifting, rewarding and a little sad at times. But it is a relief to know that my grandson has a very bright future ahead of him. We also had a chance to meet Jerry, who was very entertaining and really put my fears at ease. I would suggest this movie for anyone, so they can become more informed on the subject of Aspergers."

 

Those should give all of you a good start; see if you can find and share with us all great movies of your own...

 

 

“That's all a man can hope for during his lifetime- to set an example- and when he is dead, to be an inspiration for history.”--William McKinley (1843-1901)