What an engaging piece of humanity on film! Yeah, sure, lots of the footage is on low resolution formats, and yes, the camera work is often shaky; but the life moments captured shine right through. It's visually un-cinematic, but emotionally gripping, vulnerable and sincere. Viewers will appreciate the willingness of the filmmaker to play subject. One wouldn't blame her if she did so in a protected manner, but she seems to let herself be open and vulnerable just as much as her mother and brothers.
The production blends a necessary sense of humor, a strong sense of survival, with an expression of the universal need to be loved. I laughed, I cried, I rooted for this mother and daughter to deepen their connection. Paced very well, it has only a 30 second lull as we fly to France, other than that -- I was engaged completely.
-- Books by Author/Illustrator Ross Anthony --
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