Monday, May 2, 2011

I am Sam (2001)

Whats it about:
           The film details the sheer perseverance that a dad (with the intellectual capacity of a 7 yr old) displays in getting back his 7 yr old girl. The girl's mother leaves immediately after her birth. Sam Dawson brings up his kid so lovingly and in his own childish way. Sam has his friends who are all equally childish and genuine at heart. But on the kid's 7th birthday, she is taken away by the Child and Family services on the grounds that her needs can't be met by such an immature and childish dad.
      Sam is helped in his quest by a high profile lawyer who takes up his case for free. This lawyer, Rita has a reputation for being very money minded. But Sam despite all his efforts, isn't able to cope up with the court's proceedings and loses Lucy to 2 foster parents without a kid.
      But Sam perseveres and moves closer to Lucy's new home and their bond is rekindled in a much closer manner than before. The foster mother, Randy is so moved by the pure love that exists between the dad and kid that she gives Lucy up to her rightful owner. The film ends with Lucy back with her dad & Randy more than willing to help Sam in raising Lucy.

                                                               
Hits

  • Marvelous show by Sean Penn as the autistic man with the brain of a 7yr old. Masterclass. Genuine genius
  • Michelle Pfeiffer is also very natural as the high profile lawyer. She excels in the scene where she breaks down before Sam, saying how her life has become such a struggle. 
  • The kid Dakota Fanning is super natural. What a brilliant actress at such a young age. A big future star without a doubt
  • Sean's childish friends provide some classic comedy. Such innocence and sincerity in these 'children' men.
  • Laura Dern as the foster mother is also good in the emotional scenes in the climax. 
  • Nice soundtrack and songs by John Powell
  • Pure emotions and love revealed
VERDICT
The triumph of pure parental love and perseverance. Worth a watch for the brilliant acting, all around. 

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