Sophie's Rules

I enjoyed watching the ensemble cast in this heartwarming film. The way they found a "family" together and all supported each other was so nice to watch. Enjoyed watching "Sophie's" acting very much. Seemed quite authentic. She was very believable as an empathetic, kind, yet firm woman who runs the house. Christina Tsialtis and Maritzka Brikisak did a great job directing. I enjoyed the interwoven stories of the various characters. It definitely kept me interested and invested to see what would come of them. I felt satisfied by the ending, I like how it all wrapped up. I would definite recommend this movie to anyone.

Movies frequently tell the stories of lone heroes who overcome troubles on their own.

"Sophie's Rules" give us something different....and far more realistic. This ensemble movie dramatizes the truth that for most of us the key to moving beyond suffering is becoming part of a caring community. In this intense and hopeful film, the mutually helping group consists of half-a-dozen down-and-outers. These include an alcoholic magician, a young woman who was pimped out by her boyfriend, a brain-damaged football player, and a soldier's mother who refuses to accept that he was killed in battle.

Most of the action takes place is a comfortable home owned by Sophie Hagan, whose empathy and love work miracles. But Sophie herself is not above the fray. She has her own demons, and we learn from her journey that the gift of compassion begets compassion. Sophie is healed by healing others.

Although it deals with suffering, the movie is not gloomy. Tears are balanced by laughter as the characters find pleasure and strength in sharing meals, dancing, playing games, teasing each other, and exploring difficult questions. The actors-led by Maritza Brikisak (who also co-directed)-perform in a naturalistic way. That style, which is well-suited to the material, intensifies the movie's emotionally satisfying climax.

Touching threads of folks who are struggling being given a supposed temporary safety zone. Broken systems around the works are not able to care for people they govern. Veterans are to be treated with dignity and respect not forgotten. Sophie imposes rules and she has to follow them, also while making it possible for her to help people in need. PTSD, anxiety, panic attacks, grief mental anguish of all kinds are often not understandable can lead to different outcomes. This is a descent touching film that hits the heart and has a cute finish. Comedy drama? More drama and not so much comedy. I recommend this.

Never heard of these Directors or writers, understandable since it's an independent film. Stories were strong ( PTSD felt real) and in some cases heart wrenching; would of liked to know more in the sub plots, there are some unknowns that needed more or not so rushed . Story felt almost docudrama ish, which is why more background on sub plots would have heightened the ending. I appreciate the idea of the homeless shelter, although it felt upscale ish, the idea appealed to me. The actors were believable and well done with they're portrayals. Sophie felt stern yet caring leading the group of past/ current members of her house. Cinematography captured the actors in their vulnerable portrayals and I really enjoyed the outdoor scenes. All in all good work on the collaboration melding a few into one.

What stands out about the film Sophie's Rules are the strong script and the very good acting by the ensemble of the piece. I felt the film to be very entertaining and involving, making you care about what was happening to the characters on the screen. The standouts were the characters of Amber, Alice/Kathy and Sophia Haggard played by Maritza Brikisak who also co-directed and co-scripted the film. This is a feel good movie with a very poignant message of s people helping each other to find themselves in this crazy world. The story is told with a felt sincerity by everyone involved that makes you overlook its low budget limitations. While watching it I felt this film could easily be a pilot for a continuous dramatic series. If you are looking for a sweet dramatic film give this film a try.