A film with a message (My Left Foot (DVD))

Member Name: haylourom

Product:	My Left Foot (DVD)
Date:	27/08/09 (7 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Makes you think

Disadvantages: Not suitable for those that like fast storylines and special effects

I decided to watch this film because I myself have a mild form of Cerebral Palsy and have worked with people with Cerebral Palsy and I was curious to see how the topic was handled in this film.

I thought this film was fantastic. Despite being released in 1989 the picture of disability is surprisingly contemporary and just as relevant now as it was then. Rather than portraying disability as a good or a bad thing this film recognises the complexities surrounding disability and leaves you with a deeper understanding of the perspective of a disabled person and those surrounding them. Daniel Day Lewis puts in a great performance which is accurate, believable and sensitive. I was also pleased to find that this film was uplifting and didn't focus too much on the negatives of disability.

Whilst I feel that this film carries a strong social message that should be heard by all, I do recognise that this film may not be to everyone's taste. If you watch a film for pure entertainment and a gripping plot lines then this film is not for you. There is more of a plot than I expected but primarily the power of this film lies in its simplicity, lack of special effects and focus on the emotions and feelings of human beings.

Summary: Accurate, complex and thought provoking