09 February,2010 06:40 AM IST | | Monica Bakhle
For all those who simply love tear jerkers this is a must-see. Based on the Jodi Picoult book the movie traces the experiences of a 11-year-old girl who has been genetically made to order/conceived to provide a cure for her terminally ill older sister, a Leukemia Patient.
The movie's narrative shifts from the protagonist, the 11-year-old sister- to the parents, brother, sister as well as the lawyer. The plot is simple, but very touching. Abigail Breslin (Anna) seeks a lawyer to file a suit against her own parents for medical emancipation from them. They want to get back rights over her own body. Right from the time of birth she has been used to give Stem cells, Bone Marrow transplants and the like to her older sister who is dying of leukemia. The final straw comes when Anna is asked to donate one kidney to her sister since the sister now has renal failure which if not abetted, will lead to her death. This is when Anna puts her foot down and goes one step further in seeking a lawyer to protect her.
The poignant story is captured well through brilliant performances by all characters. Abigail Breslin clearly comes out the main Heroine of the movie, her performance being one of the fine points in the movie.
Cameron Diaz as the mother has her moments although one finds it hard to accept her as a mother of 3 teenagers. Jason Patric as the father is underutilized though the bond between his youngest daughter (Anna) and him is shown well in a couple of scenes.
Alec Baldwin as the lawyer is good though his appearance seems more likeu00a0 a Guest appearance given the few appearances he has. The movie does tend to gallop especially when you compare it to the book. Although the movie has its poignant moments, to the director's credit , it does not become melodramatic.
Watch it for a stellar performance by Abigail and if you feel like a tear jerker. It did bring tears to the eye on more than one occasion. Avoid watching with kids as the subject matter is serious. But watch it with sensible mature kids and see your family bonding.
