Review of Speak (2004) by Ash H — 11 Aug 2009

(I tried to read the book but I am not a fan of Anderson's writing style. However, I am sure the book is amazing, in its own right.).

SPOILERS!!!!!!!!!

So, I finally got a chance to see this movie 5 years later. Wow. What a moving film. I've always thought Kristen Stewart played the awkward loner character well, and she also plays a traumatized victim great, as well. The emotional trauma that was emanating off the screen was intense and the audience always knew Melinda's emotions even though she never voiced them. The score also added to the emotion overload.

I applaud the book and the film for bringing to the forefront the complex problems that teenagers face daily in a school setting, and more importantly, the serious dangers that women of any age can come to face. The beauty of this movie was the way in which Melinda slowly opens up to the idea of not only acknowledging what happened to her and coming to terms with it, but speaking up about it! So many women who are sexually assaulted DO NOT SPEAK UP because of the shame they feel. Speaking about the trauma is part of the recovery process. I am glad that Melinda finally got the courage to Speak, and hopefully the book/film will inspires other ladies to do the same.