Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead

This is an important film that has the potential to change lives. It may "push" the Reboot program; but that is not a deal breaker. This holistic approach may save some people a life of disability and heartache. It may also help some patients who are not obese. FSND follows two men with chronic urticaria, but this diet may also be applicable to persons with hidradenitis, psoriasis, arthritis and a host of other disorders. It's unlikely that research will be done since the raw food diet is cheap compared to medications and surgery.

From NetFlix: This documentary "focuses on two men whose bodies have been trashed by steroids, obesity and illness, this documentary chronicles the rigorous healing path -- including a two-month diet of fruits and vegetables -- that both attempt in a bid to rescue their health"

Someday Melissa (2011)

The Story of an Eating Disorder, Loss and Hope.

About: “Someday Melissa” is a documentary inspired by Melissa’s journal writings and designed to raise awareness of this insidious disease. Throughout her life, even in her darkest moments, Melissa’s creativity shined through. It was always hard for her to express her feelings verbally so she used film making, writing, drawing and acting as means of self-expression.

Website. NY Times article.

I have not seen this film yet -- will add a paragraph after I have.

The Savages (2007)

Carrying the scars of an abusive childhood, Savage siblings Wendy (Laura Linney, in an Oscar-nominated role) and Jon (Philip Seymour Hoffman) -- a long-aspiring playwright and a drama professor, respectively -- now face the challenge of caring for their ailing father (Philip Bosco). Written and directed by Tamara Jenkins, this insightful indie drama explores the depth of one family's emotional disconnect. 2007 113 minutes

NY Times Review.

This is a brilliant film. Sometimes, a tough film to watch; but definitely worth it.

50/50 (2011)

Wikipedia has a good write up about 50/50. IMHO, it is kind of a spoiler. This is a delightful film about a young man's journey with a rare cancer (malignant schwanoma). While it is not particularly deep, it is moving and one relates to the characters. Strongly recommended. 2011, 100 minutes. Trailer

Sleeping with the Enemy (1991)

From NetFlix: "Laura (Julia Roberts) discovers that, in private, her handsome husband (Patrick Bergin) is an enraged psychotic who takes out his frustrations on her with his fists. Tired of being a punching bag, Laura orchestrates her escape by faking her death. She starts over in a small Iowa town, where she meets a new beau. But her peace is quickly shattered when she discovers her husband is hot on her trail."

This is a powerful film -- a thriller and a real cliff-hanger. Not deep -- but worth seeing. 1991 97 minutes

Domestic Violence in Films

The WMST-L, is is "a large, international email forum or 'list' for discussion of Women's Studies teaching, research, and program administration. Over the years, the list has amassed a large collection of files relating to these topics. Many of the files contain discussions that have taken place on WMST-L. Also included are essays, interviews, bibliographies, and other items created and made available by WMST-L participants."

WMST-L has a Domestic Violence page that is a great resource. I was surprised how many films there are.

The Bully Project (2011)

This year, over 18 million American kids will be bullied, making it the most common form of violence young people in the U.S. experience. Directed by Sundance- and Emmy-award winning filmmaker, Lee Hirsch, The Bully Project is a beautifully cinematic, character-driven documentary—at its heart are those with the most at stake and whose stories each represent a different facet of this bullying crisis.
Following five kids and families over the course of a school year, the film confronts bullying's most tragic outcomes, including the stories of two families who've lost children to suicide and a mother who waits to learn the fate of her 14 --year-old daughter, incarcerated after bringing a gun on her school bus. With rare access to the Sioux City Community School District, the film also gives an intimate glimpse into school buses, classrooms, cafeterias and even principles offices, offering insight into the often-cruel world of children, as teachers, administrators and parents struggle to find answers.
While the stories examine the dire consequences of bullying, they also give testimony to the courage and strength of the victims of bullying and seek to inspire real changes in the way we deal with bullying as parents, teachers, children, and in society as a whole. Through the power of these stories, The Bully Project aims to be a catalyst for change and to turn the tide on an epidemic of violence that has touched every community in the United States—and far beyond. Information about The Bully Project.