Review of Mother and Child (2009) by Michelle F — 16 Feb 2011

The bond between mother and child is perhaps the strongest bond that two people can have. When that bond never exists or is broken by circumstances in life, the effect that it can have on the affected people can be devastating. In the film, "Mother and Child," the struggle to create and/or obtain that bond between mother and child is depicted well in a compelling story that is somewhat common, yet very depressing and sad.

The movie follows the stories of Karen (Annette Bening) and Elizabeth (Naomi Watts), mother and daughter who were separated because Karen - who was 14 at the time - gave Elizabeth up for adoption on the day she was born. The story begins 37 years later as both women - unfamiliar with one another - have grown up to become somewhat cold and unemotional because of how their lives turned out as a result of the adoption. The movie focuses on the lives of these women as they try to cope with their own emotions about motherhood and the bond they never had with one another.

Filled with great actresses like Bening and Watts, this movie is sure to leave you in both a sad and happy mood. The movie is very emotional and there are many elements of the plot that many people will find to be true in their own lives. Amidst all the sadness that surrounds the movie, there is a hint of hope and a bit of joy as all the elements of the plot come together and provide some form of comfort by suggesting that perhaps we are part of a master plan and that life's coincidences are not just plain coincidences, but rather a form of fate.