October Baby: Every Life is Beautiful

Wow! I just finished watching this gem of a movie! Whoever made the suggestion to have a box of tissue nearby was NOT kidding! I am a guy, not suppose to cry right? Well, I learned tonight that the heart is much more powerful than the mind! This movie was definitely well made. The way that the music was integrated at the perfect moments. Moments that in and of themselves already elicited a powerful emotional response---coupled with the music in the background, made this movie such a wonderful experience.I do want to point out one element that I feel did not have to be left out. I definitely, truly appreciate that this was a family movie, clean, pure and focused on what we all know can be a controversial topic. Yet, the scene where Hana and her soon-to-be boyfriend are on a date, on the very stage where she first collapsed and he reaches over to touch her ear, gently adjust her hair as a sign of affection (an expression of feeling that have graduated from best friends to much more)--they should have kissed! I know that I am not the only one who thought this or felt this way! The fact that they did not, in that moment, that perfect moment; in my view, did something to subtract from the full potential that this movie could of had. Why was it left out? Kissing is the most beautiful, most natural expression shared between two people that deeply love each other. The argument may be made that this is a family movie, but the topic from which it is founded is a "mature" topic. Trust me, I definitely appreciate the fact that this ovie did not have sex scenes, nudity, and all that typical Hollywood stuff, but a kiss, a tender kiss! Imagine that Jack and Rose had never kissed in the movie, Titanic! My favorite part in that movie was when Rose, already aboard one of the life boats, her survival almost assured by her being on it, got off of it at the last minute, as it was being leured down onto the water because she would much rather risk the possibility of living a life with Jack rather than a life without him. The powerful and very beautiful force drawing them together was so palpable in that moment! The second that she sets foot back on the ship, she rushes to him and he rushes to her. When they meet, Jack scolds her, "why did you do that Rose? You are so stupid Rose, why did you get off, why Rose?!" yet as he is mouthing these very words, he cannot stop kissing her! I remember actually "hearing" an audible emotional response evoked from the audience when this very scene was playing. To not have this pure, innocent, human contact almost feels like not performing a handshake after sealing a HUGE deal!Other than this small glitch (in my opinion), I absolutely loved this movie. I didn't give it anything less than five stars because it elicited an actual, biological (tears) and emotional response, and when a movie can do this, make a tough man (grrrr) shed tears, it is nothing short of a masterpiece!This movie is HIGHLY recommended. It is my wish that I did not spoil it for anyone.

This is an EXCELLENT movie for teenage girls and boys to see !!! It speaks to your heart !!!

19 year old Hannah, who has been plagued by various health problems, has a gran mal seizure in front of a packed crowd From that point on between doctors' review of her condition and the statement, "I believe they are all connected," unveil something her parents have never told her. First, she is adopted. Second, she was adopted after a failed abortion procedure. Hannah goes on a journey, both physical, emotional, and spiritual, to find out just who she is, who her real mother is, and learn how to love herself. While the story is one of fiction it gains the basis for the story from the real life abortion survivor Gianna Jessen, who after 18 hours of marinating in a saline solution in her mother's womb during a saline abortion, came out alive. Due to lack of oxygen to her brain she has, what she calls "the gift of cerebral palsy." Gianna Jessen even sings one of the songs for the sound track to this movie, Ocean Floor. This movie is well written, well directed, and the part of Hannah superbly played by newcomer Rachel Hendrix, with John Schneider playing Dr. Lawson (her father). John Schneider isn't that much of a surprise, although he does some wonderful things with his character. Rachel Hendrix was a gamble for the Erwin brothers who felt that she just had a special presence on camera and could pull the viewer into the film as she took on the persona of Hannah. Rachel did not disappoint. If anything she gave them even more than they expected. That being the case the story feels real and the impact is strong.

I love this film.OK, the comedy is more miss than hit. It's not a comedy.OK, the romantic tensions are obvious. It's not a romantic comedy.OK, the film includes abortion. It's not an idealogical diatribe er.../comedy.The film, if you allow it, will penetrate the depths of your soul. This is your classic journey-of-a-soul movie, simply made all the more potent by the circumstances. The directors, who have previously directed music videos, have a knack at getting right to the heart with the tone of this film. There is a subtlety in this film that allowed me to relate my wounds and hurts to the journey-of-a-soul stories in both the daughter and mother, even if I'm a guy :).God's hand is apparent in the movie's production, listen to the online testimony of Shari Rigby at everylifeisbeautifulShari is very courageous for sharing her heart with us, thank you, Shari, you're beautiful!My heart is with all post-abortive mothers, they suffer so much.I've seen this beautiful movie twice in the theater and a third time now on video. These abortion survivors are also special witnesses, I hope they can continue to shine brightly and bring the forgiving love that alone can conquer the evil of abortion. Please watch Gianna Jessen, the abortion survivor who inspired this movie, on you tube.This film is beautiful for the truth, love and mercy it shares about the most important subject of our time.