Repeal - A film review

As a proud Repealer I was very excited to hear about a new short film on the issue, written and directed by Karl Callan with the aim of showing his audience the faces behind the 8th amendment.

Three stories, from three Irish women, depicted in poignant scenes by actors Maureen O'Connell, Lynette Callaghan, Aidan O'Sullivan, Michael O'Kelly, Niamh Walsh, Rebecca Thompson, Maria Fiorentini, Patrick Bokin, Conor Waldron and Sofia Bwcka.

For those who have been out canvassing, handing out leaflets, engaging in those everyday discussions on the subject, you'll know that real testimonies about how the 8th effects women and sometimes families, has a far greater impact that opinions and sometimes facts alone. Putting ourselves into their shoes can be difficult, but seeing and hearing situations from those who have lived them is a step in the right direction. It's a step towards helping those on the fence, those soft yeses and those soft no's, make a responsible voting decision on May 25th this year.

"I researched the stories, spoke with women I know who had been through similar situations. I also spoke to medical professionals and learned of the difficulties they go through as a result of the restrictions put on them.I wanted to make sure the film was as realistic as possible"

- Karl Callan

The feature opens up with the story of Samiya.  After a dramatic beginning we quickly change to the scene of Emily, abortion from another point of view. We know immediately these scenarios, before the scenes even really come in to focus. Cut to later in her story, a stark change in circumstances, another dramatic and poignant segment.

Be pre-warned for serious content warning throughout. I realise you may already know this if you are aware of the theme of the film, but there really is no holds barred.

Chronic pain is a piece of Cake (a movie review)

It's not often I purposely watch movies that contain scenes of chronic illness, pain or disability. I might write about my own experiences, come across as open and honest and able to deal with what life throws at me, but sometimes it's too hard to watch a mirror image of yourself through art (on a side note I watched 50/50 when diagnosed with cancer, it's also a goody). It evokes emotions and feelings that can be hard to deal with, but it can have it's good points too. It's depressing, yet releasing. Nice that someone, somewhere understood, that writers and actors really did their research. You feel in some ways respected by their work, and of course gratitude that they went about it the right way and not the easy way. These are not the type of movies that everyone will love, or that will break any records. When Hollywood gets it right, it gets it right. And Cake is one of those movies. Hard to watch, hard to admit its truth, but in a weird way it comforts me to know this can be used as an entertaining resource to those who want to understand what life with chronic pain is like. I hope that such moves affect others in ways of education and information, even if I personally find it difficult to watch.

Movie reviews aint my thing, so bare with me while I attempt to dissect this one while not giving away too much of the story line.

Jennifer Aniston plays a role that I would have assumed out of her depth, a woman named Claire living in chronic pain due to an accident. No make up, realistic scarring, greasy hair and pajama looking clothes nearly all the way through the movie show Aniston in a light that we're not used to seeing her in. The Hollywood beaut is normalised down to mimic the reality of what a chronic-painer may look like -heck, I'll be honest, I haven't had a proper wash in about a week! I've the water heating up now as I type in an attempt at this again. That's disgusting, yep, but I haven't had the physical strength to do so as of yet and I despise asking Bicky for such help. I rarely get dressed in "outside clothes". That's the reality of my life and many others, and that was the reality of this movie. No glorifying illness, in any way whatsoever. No scenes of over-enthusiasm, easy rehabilitation or Jennifer Aniston at any stage saying "the only disability is a bad attitude".