Illness

I saw this movie during the Southampton International Film Festival, in early October 2013, and had been anticipating to see it for some time. The reviews were full of praise and if the award and nomination count was anything to go by, I knew I would be entertained.

As the movie began I found myself a little confused by the chaos in which director decided to film this movie, but as the story got a shape and I became familiar with the characters I found myself appreciating this way of filming.

This movie is one that deals with mental disorder, which are no laughing feat. Soon enough you find yourself caring for these characters.

This is not a movie you should go see if you wish to sit back and not think. I believe you cannot truly appreciate the beauty of Illness if you do not take the time to analyze the characters and their actions.

This film needs to be a feature film, not a short!

This film is a brilliant, well-acted masterpiece! What touched me the most was Noah Silverman's acting, but all of the young actors performances were incredible.

They are why you should see this film. Illness is not a bubblegum Disney film, nor a dry Hollywood film; it is a movie that captures mental health issues in a poignant, non-candy coated manner that is dead on. I saw this movie only a couple months ago and was blown away by it's style and acting. It is rare that you see such fresh, relaxed and deep performances that the actors in this film offered. Although this is not a feature film, it is a genuine, inspiring short that is so refreshing-being so different than the films Hollywood often gives us. I give this film a 10+ and recommend it to everyone. You will benefit from it's message and it's wonderful acting.

I recently watched the film and loved it. But this movie isn't for just anyone. I had a sneak preview last night... what a beautiful film. The visuals are something you will remember, the acting is superb, the cast (the kids as the young students and the older kids), the horror of "the illness" and then the unveiling of the reason for "hope" they cling to. One of the best reasons to see this movie is that you will need to think about topics you have not ever grappled with before. Your memories and opinions of this movie should be haunting and unforgettable. It is not a happily-ever-after film and is quiet, slow, and deep. The music is wonderful. Think of this as a foreign film and go with that in mind.

I am bi-polar. I have been that way since I was a child. I am approaching 60. I have been in treatment for many years. There have been relapses and time spent in hospitals. There have been good times. Before I received good treated, I left a trail of emotional, professional, and relational disaster behind me. It broke apart the lives of others as much as it did my own.

I did not know what to expect from this movie. It is a stunningly accurate trip into the mind of a bipolar sufferer. It shows the disease from the outside, too. It is amazing in its accuracy. The mood swings and the detachment from reality.

The brilliance of this movie is the balance struck between the near violent emotional outbursts and the sharp, exacting words spouted by each of the characters. SO CLOSE TO HOME! The music deserves special mention. It is very unique and varied, with each song serving an exact purpose. When the music strikes a harmony with the scene, the movie is all the stronger.

Most Enjoyable Film of 2013 So Far

Illness grabbed hold of me and hasn't let go. Being in the Substance Abuse/Mental Health field for 30 years I know the frustrations patients, family members, providers, advocates go through to help provide proper care with limited resources and very frustrating insurance constraints. I also have had family members go through problems with children etc. We all know someone. I can't wait to see the full length picture. I hope it will bring more awareness to the problem and help advocate for more solutions and relief for caregivers.

The acting felt so real to me also. I felt like I was a fly on the wall of this family. It is very hard to accomplish that in 13 minutes.