Akito HirataReview - My Sister's Keeper
November 15th 2009 14:47
Evan Ellingson plays Jesse, the older brother to both Kate and Anna. As soon as Kate fell sick, it seems that less attention was focussed on him and he seems to be forgotten for the most part by his parents.
Kate was the only daughter in the family until their doctor suggested a radical treatment to help cure her cancer, in the form of creating a genetically modified child to help cure Kate. Sara without hesitation insists that this is of course their only course of action as they must do everything in their power to try to save their daughter and thus Anna is born.
Anna, from a very young age, has been responsible for donating parts of her body in order to help her sister live. Now at 11, it seems she has finally had enough of the pain and hospitalisations required and seeks advice from Campbell Alexander (Alec Baldwin), a lawyer, to undergo a medical emancipation so that she has full control over her body.
Her decision to do this, couldn't come at a worse time as Kate's health is rapidly failing and an immediate operation and kidney donation is required in order to save her life. Anna's parents, particularly that of her vocal mother, cannot believe that Anna would let her sister die and opts to go against Anna and her tv celebrity lawyer, in court.
Where do these thoughts and feelings from Anna come from? Initially as moviegoers we are not entirely sure, as she is always shown to be a loving and caring daughter and sister throughout the entire film. Sara realises that there must be more to the case than meets the eye although from a rational standpoint you can certainly see where her feelings stem from. Is it fair to harm the health and wellbeing of one child continuously in order to save another? Murky ground indeed.
The judge ruling over the case is Judge De Salvo, played by Joan Cusack, and she has her own inner dialogue working as the Fitzgerald case plays out in front of her. After suffering through the recent death of her daughter, her role becomes quite interesting as we wonder whether she will rule with the mother in an attempt to save another life or side with the daughter in her request for emancipation.
There are flashes of brightness within such a heavy emotional piece, including the budding relationship between that of fellow cancer sufferer Taylor and Kate and from the lawyer Campbell as he continuously promotes his 91% success rate.
I felt this movie was well presented overall but I think this was due to the fine acting rather than reliant on the direction of the movie itself. This is a very emotional movie so be warned - if you have a tendency to tear up in movies - don't forget the tissues!
Voyage Review: 3.5/5
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