Rating: 
Summary: Sound & Fury
Review: "Sound and Fury" is a documentary film directed by Josh Aronson and produced by Roger Weisberg. The film tells the story of three generations of two families that are linked by marriage. Each family has a number of deaf members across the generations.The family members find themselves challenged by the availability of cochlear implants, a revolutionary medical technology that potentially allows deaf people to be able to hear. At the heart of the film are the debates over whether two of the children in the extended family will receive the implants. This is an extraordinary film--one that is both emotionally moving and intellectually challenging. There are a number of lively debates over various interconnected topics: deaf culture, deaf identity, what is or is not a handicap, being a minority, and parental decisionmaking. The film is also valuable in that it is a fascinating visual record of people speaking in sign language--the beauty, power and expressiveness of this mode of communication is superbly captured, and accompanied by useful voiceover translation. The DVD contains additional footage that was cut from the film due to "weak" video quality. However, I feel that this additional material greatly adds to the debates in the film.
Rating:
Summary: A documentary full of passion and ethical challenges
Review: "Sound and Fury" is a documentary film directed by Josh Aronson and produced by Roger Weisberg. The film tells the story of three generations of two families that are linked by marriage. Each family has a number of deaf members across the generations. The family members find themselves challenged by the availability of cochlear implants, a revolutionary medical technology that potentially allows deaf people to be able to hear. At the heart of the film are the debates over whether two of the children in the extended family will receive the implants. This is an extraordinary film--one that is both emotionally moving and intellectually challenging. There are a number of lively debates over various interconnected topics: deaf culture, deaf identity, what is or is not a handicap, being a minority, and parental decisionmaking. The film is also valuable in that it is a fascinating visual record of people speaking in sign language--the beauty, power and expressiveness of this mode of communication is superbly captured, and accompanied by useful voiceover translation. The DVD contains additional footage that was cut from the film due to "weak" video quality. However, I feel that this additional material greatly adds to the debates in the film.
Rating: 
Summary: complex, but
Review: As someone who does work in disability issues, the documentary is good for its complexity--there are no easy answers here to questions of genetics, culture, identity, scientific "progress", and child rights. HOWEVER, (majorly incensed here) the DVD contains no subtitles, which serve as close captioning for the Deaf/hearing impaired and which are a standard feature for just about any DVD release these days. Whether this "shutting out" of the Deaf/deaf/hard-of-hearing was intentional or not, it's a major slight to these communities, the ones most affected by these debates. The production company and those involved should know better. For shame!
Rating:
Summary: Completely bowled over!
Review: Can I give this documentary six stars? It's that good. It's a provocative story with even-handed treatment and thoughtful portrayal.
The idea of cochlear implants is amazing- that people deaf since birth can have a device implanted behind their ears that enables them to hear. You'd think that this device would be embraced by the deaf community, but the reality is not so simple.
This documentary follows the families of two brothers, one deaf and one hearing, who are divided over whether to have cochlear implants implanted in their deaf children.
The deaf brother and his wife passionately identify themselves with being deaf. They can read lips but cannot speak. Their misgivings grow over the consequences for their family if their four-and-a-half year old daughter receives a cochlear implant and is able to hear and speak while they cannot.
The second brother and his wife, both hearing, have newborn twin sons, one who hears and one who cannot. They feel their deaf son's life will be easier if he has an implant.
This documentary is most riveting when following the conflict between the two couples and their own parents as they debate whether or not to give their deaf children cochlear implants.
Profound socio- and psychological issues come to light over deaf and hearing identity and culture.
High praise goes to the "Sound and Fury" crew who found this family who have three generations of hearing and deaf members. Their different perspectives created a wonderfully rich dialogue that was a joy to follow.
And much thanks to the Artinian family for generously opening your homes to us and making us think about both sides of this intensely personal debate.
From a person who is new to the issue of cochlear implants I couldn't take my eyes away from this story. I have not followed a documentary so raptly since "Hoop Dreams."
This eighty-minute documentary is completely suitable and highly recommended for both academic and personal viewing.
Rating:
Summary: Sound & Fury
Review: I absolutely love this video. I think it shows both perspectives well. As a child of deaf parents, I could identify with the emotions the gal feels of betraying her parents. I definitely recommend this video!
Rating:
Summary: Deaf Ed Major's Opinion
Review: I am a Deaf Education Major. As I Freshman I had to take a course on exceptional children. As part of our observations, we watched this film. I fell in love with Heather and the entire idea of this little girl figuring out that she likes sign and needs it. This is a powerful documentary for anyone intersted in deafness, Deaf culture, or children.
Rating:
Summary: Deaf Ed Major's Opinion
Review: I am a Deaf Education Major. As I Freshman I had to take a course on exceptional children. As part of our observations, we watched this film. I fell in love with Heather and the entire idea of this little girl figuring out that she likes sign and needs it. This is a powerful documentary for anyone intersted in deafness, Deaf culture, or children.
Rating:
Summary: a note about the subtitles
Review: I just wanted to make a note concerning the reviewer that complained about the DVD's lack of subtitles- while the DVD for "Sound and Fury" may not come with english subtitles, it does come closed-captioned. I plan on ordering the DVD today! :)
Rating:
Summary: A Very Touching Story
Review: I think that this is a great movie, and a must-see for anyone who is in anyway interested in or connected to the deaf community. The family featured in the movie really informs the watcher of how painful the issue of the implant is, ripping some families apart. This movie really made me think about what it would be like to be deaf, and wether or not I would get the implant if I was deaf. As a hearing person who is learning sign language, I was fascinated by this documentry and suggest it to everyone.
Rating:
Summary: Really Good Perspective of Cochlear Implants
Review: I'm profoundly deaf and have been most of my life. I use hearing aids which have helped me understand speech and to be able to talk. I've come to the point where I'm considering a cochlear implant. Anyway, what I find interesting is that you don't see deaf culture/people complain or rebel about deaf people using hearing aids. In fact, it's generally well accepted. However, you don't generally see acceptance with the cochlear implant. What's the difference between a hearing aid and a cochlear implant? They're both technological devices aimed for one purpose: To help you hear! The only difference is the method of helping you hear with one device is different than the other and one of them is more effective than the other one. The reason for all the controversy is that deaf people are terrified that their culture will be wiped out. That's how effective and amazing the cochlear implant is. It is so powerful that it causes millions of deaf people who are so blinded with stupid pride to feel threatened by a modern day miracle: the only device that actually restores a human sense! This video shows how pride can bring tragedy while humility and open-mindness can bring joy.
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