The Children Act

Kudos to all hands involved in making "The Children Act", a chamber drama about a family court Justice in London failing to achieve balance between her job and her private life. The legal issues involved are clearcut, but star Emma Thompson's acting brings out the profound emotional and pyschological issues underneath.

Stanley Tucci is perfect in understated support as her neglected husband, and a true discovery here is Fionn Whitehead as the teenage protagonist, a Jehovah's Witness whose life hangs in the balance as his parents, Church elders and he himself refuse the blood transfusions necessary to give his treatment for leukemia a chance to save his life. Fionn Whitehead, previously in a lead role in "Dunkirk", struck me as a powerhouse at the level of a young Tom Courtenay, and would be perfectly cast as either Billy Liar or the Long Distance Runner.

Based on excellent writer Ian McEwan novel, this film managed to balance very nicely two themes, a troubled marriage and exploration of religious freedom in life and death health decisions. Issues of sexuality dying in middle age couples, overwork's effects on intimacy quietly and maturely looked at. No easy answers given. What to decide when a religious family refuses to permit a medically needed blood transfusion for religious reasons. A really remarkable acting tour de force by Emma Thompson, Stanley Tucci very good as beloved but sexually frustrated spouse, and very amusing spot on character acting by the "clark". Interesting peeks into England's legal system, and some very good cinematography of English countryside.. Slightly flawed by some melodramatic and poorly explained plot turns, the movie is still a must see, very smart and entertaining.

This is a very moving film and despite its official subject matter it really is about how the law and real life are not always compatible. The lady judge in this film is very accomplished in her profession advocating in court for children but she herself has avoid having her own children and her relationship with her husband is limited to "goodnight dear" expressions when convenient. But her encounter with a sick teenage boy whom she has to deal with officially and then unofficially brings her to a realization of who she has been and who she has not been. Not without its depressing moments the film is still very worthwhile.

The story is just sensational and filled with emotions from start till that unexpected sad ending .

The plot of the movie is so current and relatable ,, probably based on somewhat true stories .. and the script was organized and tight ,, no holes or dull lines ..

As for the cast ,, Emma Thompson and Stanley Tucci did an amazing job power couple ,, and Fionn Whitehead was also very engaging and convincing.

So recommended.

Never before have I gone to a screening of a film just to see if it was going to be just OK, in fact I nearly didn't go. How wrong I was, I cannot remember a film that has has such an emotional impact on me. It's a very powerful intelligent and moving film with stunning performances from Emma Thompson & Fionn Whitehead and if Emma doesn't receive awards for her performance alone then there's something seriously wrong. If you like intelligent thought provoking films, go and watch this on the big screen, I promise you'll not be disappointed.