I Am Sam (DVD) (WS)

THIS REVIEW IS FOR THE "I am Sam" (New Line Platinum Series) DVD (2002) In looking at the other reviews for this film I was struck by two things: the amazing polarity of reviews; and the negativity of both those reading the reviews and many of those writing reviews. Hence, I decided to rent the film first; but ordered it within minutes of watching it and was tempted to contact the reviewer that said, "I guarantee you will end up not buying it, or asking for your rental fee back." For me, "I Am Sam" is entertainment (albeit not drama that many may have hoped for) at its very best. At the outset I would like to make it clear that I think that Dakota Fanning, who plays Lucy, deserved a best supporting actress award. Those who find her performance "too good to be true" need to watch the extras to learn more about her abilities and the experiences of her aunt that she brought to the role. I will not enter the fray of Sean Penn's performance as Sam, beyond saying that I was able to get past the fact that it was Sean Penn; while Penn has had some good roles, I am no fan. Michelle Pfeiffer is delightful, while Richard Schiff as the prosecutor--Mr. Turner--and Laura Dern as the foster mother--Randy Carpenter--provide depth to the usually "villainous" characterizations. Are some lines and scenes over the top at times? Yes; but they should be distracting only to those who are not truly watching the film. Is "I Am Sam" realistic? Yes and no. But the film is a story based upon research, not a documentary; more importantly, it is believable--especially if you have spent any amount of time with disabled persons (as I have). "I Am Sam" is a marvelous film with, in my opinion, an illusive, subjective, almost quixotic imagery that entertains through multiple movie techniques. Moreover--at the risk of "asking" for negative votes--I think the movie scares many viewers because it brings them into a world they feel uncomfortable viewing: to the point of focusing on conceived stereotypes and "wanton" product placement. Conversely, I do feel that the subtitle--"All You Need Is Love"--injects an unfortunate theme that leads many to "agree" with Roger Ebert: "The lesson "I Am Sam" wants to teach us is, "All you need is love." This is not quite strictly true. Sam loves his daughter more than anyone else, and she loves him, but it will take more than love for him to see her through grade school and adolescence and out into the world. Since the movie does not believe this, it has a serious disagreement with most of the audience." I would ardently argue that this is not the "lesson"--or theme--of "I Am Sam." For me, if there is a lesson (which I do not really believe there is one), it is that the line between normal and not normal is more illusive than we would like it to be. More importantly, for me, is that the film really dares to deal with real life situations (parenting in particular), but in a cinematic fashion. I am normally one that "jumps" on stereotypic, black and white, simplistic and politically correct portrayals. Ironically, I find myself defending this approach as appropriately supportive of the photographic shooting style, editing, sound track, and musical score. The movie is extremely well edited, that puts the viewer into the subjective perspectives of the characters. And while some have complained that the movie uses non-Beatles versions of their songs, for which I empathize, the cost of using the actual songs would have doubled the costs. Indeed, look at how many DVDs resort to replacing original songs used in the original showing with other versions (e.g., "Northern Exposure"). As for all the other films that other reviewers compare "I Am Sam" with, I must say that I do not feel that one can justifiably do so. I truly feel that "I Am Sam" is a unique film, presented in a fairly unique fashion. Perhaps it is the uniqueness that causes the polarization--a need to categorize "I Am Sam" into a "type." But this is not "Rain Man," or any other movie. "I Am Sam" is its own movie: it questions the viability of a "disabled" (mentally challenged or not) person to be a parent--and just what is parenting? The film is about being different, each person in their own way. Is love important? Yes, but not the solution; rather it is glue that binds people together. And so, "I Am Sam" is also about friends and their important roles in our daily lives. If you are looking for an upbeat or different film, I highly recommend that you venture along with "I Am Sam" for 134 minutes. Some of you may cry or otherwise empathize. I did not: I found myself feeling like a fly on the wall--a part of the film itself. If you are looking for action, drama, or the ordinary I suggest you might look elsewhere. Please Note: If this review was not helpful to you, I would appreciate learning the reason(s) so I can improve my reviews. My goal is to provide help to potential buyers, not get into any arguments. So, if you only disagree with my opinion, could you please say so in the comments and not indicate that the review was not helpful. Thanks.

Amazing movie! Ive watched this movie several times since it came out and its a tear jerker every time. Shows the humanity in special needs people and that sometimes things are best left alone

Complete tear dripper with a gut lynching.But heartwarming storey with happy ending. A great movie to show people to help them understand disabilities. And something the whole family can enjoy

great movie, watched it with ex, however, as an autistic person, i feel the struggles of Sam!

This is a beautiful film which really demonstrates whey Sean Penn is a star. Sam is an autistic and mentally retarded man who has the intelligence level of a 7 year old. He grew up in an institution after his mother died. He now lives as much of a regular life as he can, in a small apartment with a job at Starbucks coffee. He has a few friends that are a constant in his life . These lovable characters include one who is very agreeing and sensitive, one who is very paranoid and negative and another who reminds us of Rainman. He also has a neighbor named Annie, played by Dianne Weist who is some sort of musical genius but has been living like a hermit or recluse the last twenty or so years. This cast of characters and his daily rhythm and routine make up Sam's life. The film begins with his boss saying 'it's time" and Sam running to the hospital. A woman gives birth and the nurses give him the baby. A moment later, the Sam, still holding the baby, and the woman leave the hospital going towards the bus where the woman ditches Sam. Later we learn, she was a homeless woman who only wanted a place to sleep - and we understand that she never cared for Sam, only used him for a bed. Sam and the baby who he names Lucy Diamond, after Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds bond and he grows to become the very best father anyone can be. (Sam loves the Beatles and there are so many awesome references and clues to their songs and lyrics that part almost makes a movie within a movie!) The older girl is played by Dakota Fanning and she does a magical job with her huge understanding eyes. She and her father have a love and a bond that is so beautiful to watch, it almost makes one question their own parenting commitments and sacrifices. But as Sam is the mental age of 7, his daughter begins to outgrow him in intelligence and they begin to feel some growing pains. It is a difficult adjustment which culminates in a birthday party where Sam pushes a little boy and a social worker appears and takes the girl. If anything, this movie shows how the social system can also fail miserably when it gets involved with well meaning do-gooders that jump to conclusions and make decisions that play with people's hearts and lives. Suddenly, Lucy is taken from Sam and his life drastically altered. His friends help him to find a high powered lawyer (played by Michelle Pfeiffer) who he visits until, after her colleagues tease and taunt her that she'd never take a pro bono case, she finally accepts him as a client. We quickly see that this high income, well respected, intelligent attorney has a life so screwed up that she should be the one with a social worker looking after her son, who both she and her husband all but ignore. Her high price clients are just like her, to the point of one couple telling her that neither of them want their child. This is the true heartbreak of the film and the crime in our current system is that people are measured by their net worth and not their human worth because by the end of the film, Sam and his huge heart becomes the hero because of just a few things he can give, patience, kindness, understanding, compassion and love. A large part takes place is the courtroom, where Sam, who doesn't do well under pressure really begins to come apart until they finally assign poor Lucy to a foster home. This wonderfully bright and happy child, torn away from her loving father because of the system who thinks it knows best. Meanwhile, the foster home is really a Hollywood version of one with a caring Laura Dern playing the 'mother'. I highly doubt such a fairytale home exists - but maybe that is just from my own experience and what I've seen. Sam moves closer and takes a "supplemental income" job caring for neighborhood dogs to continue building what the court wants so he can win back Lucy. The last half of the film shows more depth into the Michelle Pfeiffer character and some touching moments between Sam and Lucy which include her climbing out the window each night and walking to her father's apartment, carrying her books so she can read him bedtime stories. (Where is social services now as a little girl in a nightie walks alone in the middle of the night?) until the foster parents put bars on her windows. (Jail for the child because she wants to see her father, whom she loves!). Finally, in another Hollywood moment, the foster mom comes to the realization that the little girl loves and wants to be with her father and takes Lucy to Sam saying that she'll be on his side in court. His lawyer seems to be working her life into the right direction though if I'd change anything in this film it would be to show a bit more of the relationship between her and her son other than him being a silent prop for her character. The movie has a happy ending with Sam getting Lucy back and a huge support network of friends (now including his lawyer and her son and the foster parents) to help him raise Lucy who clearly blossoms each and every time she is with her father who, as the entire films shows, loves her more than anything in the world. A deeply touching story and beautifully acted by Sean Penn who was nominated for an Oscar for this role in 2001.

Love this movie. Watch it with my dauhjter

good movie

Wow, what a great actor in Sean Penn. He was amazing., as well as the daughter and attorney. Stirring plot, wonderful outcome. It will touch you emotionally

Eigentlich wollte ich mir die Deutsche Fassung kaufen, aber diese ist leider nur für ca. € 35,00 zu erhalten, was mir persönlich zu viel ist. (Warum diese so teuer ist, würde mich wirklich interessieren) Die Lieferung erfolgte erheblich schneller, als die vom Lieferanten angekündigte Wartezeit. Die DVD funktioniert tadellos und der Film ist natürlich in der Originalfassung ein tolles Erlebnis.

Video was a bit dark ,but a really good film

Film très touchant.

学生の頃に観て1番印象に残っていた映画。 大人になってからどうしてもまた観たくなって購入しました。

Es ist ein toller Film. Sean Penn spielt die Rolle hervorragend, Michelle Pfeiffer diesmal nur das Beiwerk. Aber eigentlich wollte ich den Film in mein Oldie Repertoire aufnehmen. Aber vorsichtig, nicht jeder kann den Film schauen. Nur, wenn ein entsprechender Blu Ray DVD vorhanden ist.