A great start to the London Film Festival.
You would have to be fairly desperate to go to Mexico from the States to adopt a child. And maybe a similar desperation is needed to put a baby up for adoption, knowing it could go to another country and culture.
John Sayles film covers all sides to this cultural and economic problem. While much of the film is understated and not overly impressive, the central female ensemble is very good. It was fascinating seeing Daryll Hannah after all these years; and after The Secretary, I'm a big fan of Maggie Gyllenhall. Mary Steenburgen plays.. well, Mary Steenburgen. All the women are very watchable, and are given space to get emotional without reverting to sentimental melodrama.
The film is no cinematic treat, and has little in the way of a full resolution for the characters but its one of the better ensemble pieces I've seen in some time.
You would have to be fairly desperate to go to Mexico from the States to adopt a child. And maybe a similar desperation is needed to put a baby up for adoption, knowing it could go to another country and culture.
John Sayles film covers all sides to this cultural and economic problem. While much of the film is understated and not overly impressive, the central female ensemble is very good. It was fascinating seeing Daryll Hannah after all these years; and after The Secretary, I'm a big fan of Maggie Gyllenhall. Mary Steenburgen plays.. well, Mary Steenburgen. All the women are very watchable, and are given space to get emotional without reverting to sentimental melodrama.
The film is no cinematic treat, and has little in the way of a full resolution for the characters but its one of the better ensemble pieces I've seen in some time.