“A MOVING SLICE OF LIFE”
Starring: Naomi Watts, Annette Bening, Kerry Washington, Jimmy Smits. and Samuel L. Jackson
Directed by: Rodrigo Garcia
MPAA Rating: R for sexuality, brief nudity and language.
Genre: Drama
Release date: June 25, 2010
Run Time: 2hrs 6min
Studio: Sony Pictures Classics
By John Delia
Touching, graphic and profound the film Mother and Child delivers a moving and powerful slice of life. The acting, direction and cinematography all blend into a story that fits with our modern day lives. The interesting script although more directed at couples that are childless, should hit home with people who have had to deal with situations where an important decision changed their future.
The movie centers on three women, Karen (Bening), Elizabeth (Watts) and Lucy (Washington) each affected by adoption. Karen is haunted from a decision she made to place her child up for adoption when she was 14. Now in her older years she writes letters and notes in her journal to the child she didn’t keep. She has become bitter over the years and jealous of anyone with children, especially her maid who brings her daughter to the apartment while she cleans. Lucy grew up as an adopted child and although became a lawyer in a good firm, has chosen to be a loner. Lucy on the other hand has been upbeat about her chances of adopting a child and becoming a mother. When the three women get entangled due to fate, their destiny’s get played out.
The acting, direction and cinematography in the film are brilliant. I enjoyed watching the gripping tale and the characters that were developed by Bening, Watts and Washington. Wonderful support by Elpedia Carrillo as Sofia the maid who understands Karen’s dilemma and gets her to come to terms with it. Samuel L. Jackson takes on a huge role supporting both Watt’s character and Washington’s as well. In an amazing performance Shareeka Epps who plays the teenage surrogate mother who offers her baby to Lucy then interrogates her with a demanding attitude.
I am pleasantly amazed by the pinpoint direction of Rodrigo Garcia who puts together
the two-hour film keeping several key points in the dark until their important reveal. The complicated script was played out extremely well and his camera direction came through during crucial scenes.
Mother and Child is rated R for sexuality, brief nudity and language.
FINAL ANALYSIS:Â A powerful moving story that delivers. (4 of 5 Palm Trees)