Maidgethma Wonderfully offbeat film!

TrueJoshNight Truly Dreadful Film

SanEat A film with more than the usual spoiler issues. Talking about it in any detail feels akin to handing you a gift-wrapped present and saying, "I hope you like it -- It's a thriller about a diabolical secret experiment."

Phillipa Strong acting helps the film overcome an uncertain premise and create characters that hold our attention absolutely.

barb_s13 I was flipping channels last night, trying to find something to watch, when I came across this movie. I was immediately drawn into the story and thankfully, tuned in close to the beginning. The performances of both Kirstie Alley and Delroy Lindo were outstanding. I worked with developmentally and mentally disadvantaged youths for a few years each summer as a teen and I feel their portrayals were spot on. However, I did not see the Thorntons on "Sixty Minutes." I always knew Kirstie Alley could act, but this was incredible. It was obvious to me that she immersed herself completely in the role. These two people were not just profoundly normal, they had more strength of character and drive than most people I have met in my lifetime. After watching this movie, I feel like I am a better person and I would love to meet them. I can relate to the beating/rape scene because I am a rape survivor. To see that it did not affect her big heart and her love of life is inspiring, to put it lightly. We need more movies like this!

pburch2 Well acted. Heart touching.I cried, laughed, and wished success for the couple, as they struggled thru their problems. I have hunted and hunted for a copy of the movie (drama) since it was aired on CBS February 9, 2003, and have not found it. How can I get a copy of it, or find out if it will be aired again on TV? I didn't know Kirstie Alley had that great drama talent in her! She did a wonderful job portraying the part. I am not as familiar with the man who played opposite Kirstie, but he also did a wonderful job of acting. The Drama deserves being shown more often, or at least, listed someplace for sale. It certainly is a Drama, based on real life, that needs to be show to the public often! Thanks for letting me air my feelings.

sb110882 great movie it gave a rare insight to give people examples of how things were and how far we've come.....i also want to comment that there is a huge difference in developmental, or mental DISABILITY and mental illness........while there are people who have both. a mental or developmental disability is not an illness...its a disability, in fact it is the opposite of illness... but regardless of disability or illness or both people who were ''different;; were thought to be ''sick or ill' and were shut away not respected or wanted or accepted, luckily today with civil rights and ,more and more education for all coming up.. people with disabilities also people with mental health issues are advocating and being advocated for, and gaining equality, inclusion, acceptance, and support and respect. and we want to always continue to move forward and learn from our mistakes and treat people the way we want to be treated( i am a scientist specialized in medical, life and laboratory sciences. also i am a social services worker and advocate i work in the services disability department (pardon my terrible typing ) for advocacy speaking or any questions email me at [email protected]

vchimpanzee Kirstie Alley is wonderful as Donna, a retarded character based on a real person, who overcame many odds to marry another retarded person. At the beginning of the movie, Donna, Ricardo and their son are being interviewed, and the story is told through flashbacks, which at the beginning alternate between the characters' lives as adults and their experiences as children. Donna and Ricardo live in an institution for the mentally retarded, and at the beginning of the movie, the facility is about to close and force them out into the world. Donna and her friend Margaret get an apartment together, and with the help of Charlotte, they begin adjusting to the real world. Margaret has a harder time, but it's just as well because Donna will soon have enough problems without having to take care of Margaret too. Ricardo shows up at Donna's place one night for a party and, since it is too late for him to go home, he stays the night. Believing that a man and woman shouldn't spend the night together without being married, they decide they should get married. Charlotte supports the idea but has trouble convincing her boss, who would have to approve of the arrangement. The situation gets resolved a little too neatly (I was disappointed there wasn't more of a fight). Once they get married, since we have already seen their 'normal' son, we know what will happen next. It's interesting to note: although I saw 'Jungle Fever' earlier in the day, the fact that Donna is white and Ricardo is black doesn't come up until their son is born and they get a nasty letter.Alley makes this movie work, and she doesn't resemble any of her previous characters. She is smart (considering the circumstances), funny, and determined. Delroy Lindo is also good but he doesn't usually seem retarded. The actress playing Margaret also does quite well, effectively showing problems that are more serious than just mental retardation. And the children in the scenes from the characters' early years are very good also. There are flashbacks from those early years late in the movie which are quite unpleasant. Overall, the movie's tone is upbeat and inspiring, and the characters teach us a lot, making us wonder if we 'normal' people are capable of more.SPOILER: Actually, the reason for dealing with all the unpleasantness is made quite clear at the end, a touching moment where the family visits the grave of Donna's childhood friend, on the former institution grounds.