The Other Sister

Rating:
Summary: A mentally-challenged young woman's fight for independence
Review: This movie tells a beautiful story about a mildly mentally-challenged girl. She was born into a well-off family and has two sisters. Her mother is semi-controlling in that she wants all of her girls to be well-rounded young ladies. Her father is calm but turned to alcohol when things got too hectic. The movie begins by introducing us to the main character Karla, who is shown at seven years old having a temper tantrum at the kitchen table. This is the latest in a long series of disruptions. Her mother feels helpless in this situation and her father turns to drinking. Her mother decides to send Karla to a boarding school; Karla remains there for the remaining ten years of her adolescence. The father picks Karla up from the boarding school and they both return home. Her mother had prepared her daughter's arrival by decorating Karla's room and arranging for her to begin tennis lessons. One of Karla's sisters is currently planning a wedding and hopes to become a second grade teacher. The oldest sister is hoping to that her mother will accept her lesbian relationship. During Karla's birthday party, she announces to the family she would like to enroll in a technical school to become a veterinary assistant. The mother is scared of Karla possibly not succeeding and is not ready to trust her with independence. There is a family fight about the Karla's desire for more independence. The family decides to give Karla a chance at attending school. While registering for classes Karla tried to assist Daniel, who was displaying problems with others passing him up in line. Daniel is also mildly mentally challenged, living alone with financial support from his father, and is attending school. The movie follows the couple as they struggle to establish a relationship and a more independent life together.

Rating:
Summary: Funny, heart-warming, well cast!
Review: See this movie

Rating:
Summary: Funny, tender, heartwarming love story
Review: For those of us who love the "feel good" movies, this is an absolute must to see. The two main characters are totally believable, and are so without being insulting to people with mental handicaps. The young couple, so very in love, firmly attach themselves to your most tender heartstrings and pluck away. And, if you ever loved a parade, this movie might be a "two-hankie event" for you!!!

Rating:
Summary: A really funny, heart-warming movie
Review: I truly loved this flick. There's something for everyone - values, conflict, romance, family togetherness no matter what, sadness, prevailing over adversity and soft sex yet pretty clean language. And, some of the situations and scenes are really hilarious. I've recommended it to all my friends.

Rating:
Summary: A Wonderful,romantic love story
Review: This romantic loce story deels with the handicapped is pretty wild and funny. I think this movie is one of the funniest and most joies movie of the year. I recommend it.

Rating:
Summary: Very Cute!
Review: My husband and I both enjoyied this movie a lot! It is cute and funny and sweet. We both thought the acting was great and the story touching!

Rating:
Summary: cute :)
Review: I've watched this movie on TV TONS of times and in a group therapy. It's funny, too.
Tell me ... are they making a part two? If so, let me know.....

Rating:
Summary: More sensitive the more often viewed
Review: THE OTHER SISTER is one of those films that becomes a staple in the home library. With every viewing the tenderness and good qualities just improve. Though the film industry is dealing more often with the mentally challenged these days (I AM SAM, RADIO, etc) few can equal the tender love story that is created by Juliet Lewis and Giovanni Ribisi. The family setup is well paced with the skills of Diane Keaton and Tom Skerritt et al and other issues confronting the modern traditional family are certainly touched upon - obsession with public appearances, coping with a challenged child, teaching sex education, the presence of a gay sibling, to mention only a few. But it is the overwhelmingly fine performances by Lewis and Ribisi that are of the quality of commitment that seeing them on repeated viewings just fortifies the brilliance of their acting. These two people are people we readily love and grow to feel their fears, pain, frustration, and dreams. If ever there was a film that was able to read from the inside of the minds of the mentally challenged and find the mysteries and honest simplicities there, then this is the film. An outstanding cast and a very fine director in Garry Marshall make this movie a keeper.

Rating:
Summary: Unexpectedly Wonderful
Review: When I first heard about this movie, I thought it sounded trite and would be about as entertaining as watching grass grow. However, when my husband and I sat down to watch, we were touched and moved beyond what I expected. The final scenes at the church made me cry, and, to my surprise, did the same to my husband! Anyone who has ever experienced family turmoil and heartache will love this. Also, Giovanni Ribisi was FABULOUS...he has two new fans here!