Mother and Child

Apr 25

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Apr 18

Apr 11

Courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics
USA, Spain • 2009 • in English • 125 min • R

From writer-director Rodrigo Garcia (Nine Lives, Big Love, In Treatment, The Sopranos) and executive producer Alejandro González Iñárritu (Babel) comes the moving story of three women (Annette Bening, Naomi Watts and Kerry Washington) and the power of the unbreakable bond between mother and child.

Three women's lives share a common core: they have all been profoundly affected by adoption. KAREN (Annette Bening) placed a baby for adoption at age 14 and has been haunted ever since by the daughter she never knew. ELIZABETH (Naomi Watts) grew up as an adopted child; she's a bright and ambitious lawyer, but a flinty loner in her personal life. LUCY (Kerry Washington) is just embarking with her husband on the adoption odyssey, hoping for the opportunity to become parents.

Club reactions by city:

moderated by Matthew Bernstein

One of the finest movie openings I've ever seen--soundless passing time, and saying so much--and these kinds of precious statements appear often in this one terrific movie.

A remarkable depiction of longing, remorse, missed opportunities and a form of redemption. Annette Bening's transformation was almost a little too easy but in the end I loved it.

While I don't normally "do" chick flicks, I thought the performances in this film elevated it to a higher level. It was interesting to see all aspects of adoption and the dialogue and characters are well crafted.

moderated by Linda Dittmar

At once a timeless story of mothers and daughters and very much a story for our time, with the emergence of women's strength and independence in today's world.

Excellent story, pacing, filming, acting and so open and accurate on the mark about adoption and moms.

Beautifully written and directed. Intelligent, poignant, funny, and well paced. What more could you ask from a film?

moderated by Patrice Petro and Gilberto Blasini

Lovey and touching. Fantastic acting and beautiful story.

Yes, I noticed some problems in the film's logic. Yes, the changes in some of the characters seemed hard to believe. It doesn't matter. I couldn't help but be drawn into the emotions expressed in the film. Sometimes that's all that I ask for.

Nice portrayal of the mother-daughter relationship, and how it affects long and short term relations with others. The stories were poignant and heartfelt.

moderated by Michael Kerbel
with guest Stephen Schaefer, Boston Herald Film Critic

A lot of emotion in 125 minutes. Excellent story, wonderful acting. Mother and daughter were the same person -- just different paths to the same end. A vote for nature over nurture.

I really enjoyed the movie and I felt it provided insight into different issues regarding adoption. The acting was superb -- an amazing cast. The movie deals with many emotional issues -- a lot to tackle. Annette Bening's acting was fabulous, showing such a change of character.

A tearjerker that brings up many insightful adoption issues, but a highly manipulative and improbable plot.

moderated by Harper Barnes

Powerful. This film makes you embrace the simplicity of life and the meanings of love and family, and emphasizes the value to time. Beautiful.

One of the most powerful movies I've seen. Very moving. And last but not least, this is NOT a 'chick flick.'

Truly superb. Moving, textured, multi-layered. Annette Bening is wonderful, as are the rest of the cast. A very human, believable film.