Nise: The Heart of Madness

I'm sorry that I don't have more time to do a full review, but I watched this film in the Brazilian Embassy in London last night (26th October) and I was blown away. It was incredibly inspirational and emotional, and all the actors do an amazing job, so does the director, who was in attendance at the screening. I can't recommend this film highly enough, and the fact that it is based on a true story is even more amazing. While it doesn't go into great depths about the patients and their symptoms, it shows enough to draw you in and gain an understanding about their struggles.

At the end of the day this is a feel good movie about hope, overcoming adversity and the hidden talents we all possess, even those of us, who society has given up on. I really hope it reaches a wider audience as the director seemed like a really humble guy, and he deserves all the praise her gets.

Although conflicts and difficulties have been downplayed, and the ending seems hasty, the incident itself and the light spots on the characters are extremely dazzling

I want to be careful to avoid spoilers and I don't think there really is much to spoil. This film was outstanding and reading the other review, I couldn't agree more. I saw it in Chicago at Siskel Film Center in Spring of 2017. If this Dr. accomplished even half of what was depicted she should be sainted. This film should be required watching for mental health professionals. She accomplished so much with people that were truly sick and did so in adverse conditions. Film students could learn as well about bio-pics. And talk about supporting cast...the patients around her made Jack Nicholson in One Flew Over...look sane. A few scenes might be troubling but don't let that put you off.

Excellent true story, but execution was certainly flawed in its pacing, scene choices, and overall ability to connect the audience with the characters. Admirable performances from the ensemble cast, especially the eponymous Glória Pires as Doctor Nise da Silveira. An important story that needed to be shared with the world, but could have been told with more eloquence.

"If creativity, rebellion and innovation are indispensable vehicles to bring about change, Brazilian psychiatrist and health humanities pioneer Nise da Silveira was a shining example of these qualities. Born in the impoverished Northeastern region of Brazil in 1905, she was the first woman to graduate from her medical school, among 157 men. She was incarcerated in the Brazilian Uprising of 1936 by the fascist dictatorship, alongside protesting artists, writers, and political personalities; and she went on to face political and personal resistance to her ideas from a stoic, unchanging protocol of mental health care for schizophrenic patients."

Or overwatch, counsel and treat, if you want to interpret it like that. If you deal with people with mental health issues, you have to have patience. You won't go far if you try to will them into getting better. Tough love does not work in this cases ... if it works at all. To watch the way our main actress tries to get to the people is really draining and not for everyone to watch.

This is based on a true story and real people, which makes it even tougher to make. But there is enough going for the movie, if you let yourself into it and really cherish what it tries to do. Watch it only if you know you will not be annoyed or want something flashy. It really takes its time and while some scenes or outburst may seem repetitive, it only adds to the suspension and thee arc the movie gives its characters and their overall story...