Review of My Flesh and Blood (2003) by Rosemarie S — 21 Sep 2008

This movie is so heart-wrenching, I cry just thinking about it. Getting past the tears, one can see how powerful this film is as it tries to illustrate what a "mother" truly is. Although the documentary doesn't get into too much detail about the pasts of all the adpted children in Susan's family, it does show who they are as individuals.

This film treats each child as a person and not just a tragic backstory where each child is abandonded, abused or whatever. It is also a film that captures the essence of childhood and the difficulties of raising children with special needs.

I find it remarkable that Susan could adopt SO many handicapped or sick children and raise them as her own. She is truly a prime example of a patient, loving mother. The film eploys amzing camera effects to show the passage of time in these children's lives and is highly effective in showing how desperate children are for love and affection.

I think the camera work in this film was incredible as it captured routine events in these children's lives. An outstanding documentary, but heart-wrenching as well.