Jewel

"Jewel" is a typical TV movie about a subject that will make a lot of housewives cry their eyes out. It's about a large, very Christian and happy family in the 1940's that will soon be "blessed" with a 5th child. But of course there are some complications. The child appears to have the Syndrome of Down, and will ask all her mother's attention. Mom does everything for her daughter but forgets that there are other people around her as well...

All in all it isn't the worst movie I've ever seen, but it never stands out above the average. This isn't much more but typical TV pulp. The acting is quite good (for this kind of movies), but the actors aren't able to give an extra touch to the uninspired script.

I'm sure this movie will be loved by many, especially by women in their 40's, 50's or older, but personally I find this movie nothing special and not worth a second watch. It's message like "you can run but you can never hide from your problems" and "you have to take your life the way God has intended it to be" is much too conservative to my taste, but I'm sure the average American will love it. The only problem: I'm not average and certainly not American... I give it a 5/10.

My review for this movie is way up there. Farrah, as usual, delivers an excellent, realistic performance. I always said she was and is a great actress. The husband was a bit weak, but, overall, a fine performance from him as well, and let's not forget the young lady who played Brenda Kay, either. I caught this movie on late night LMN, started watching it and was quite moved at many points throughout the film. I feel it shows the plight and decisions a poor struggling family in Mississippi had to make for the love of their retarded daughter, their move to California, and their ultimate decisions that needed to be made. Their is a real evolution in the family, and Brenda Kay is not the only member with problems. Farrah's performance is superior; don't miss this "jewel" of a movie; it's a gem. Excellent.

Our 17 mo. old daughter has Down syndrome and this movie really put into perspective how people with Down syndrome were treated years gone by. Fortunately, Jewel was strong enough to know that her daughter would have a productive life...and by God, she did! God bless all those who went against the system and succeeded. Steps to a brighter future is our goal!!!

The title character, Jewel, is a mother of four, and is happy about her upcoming fifth child. But her housekeeper has strange prophesies that this child will not be like others...and soon enough Jewel realizes there is something different about her baby daughter, Brenda Kay. Jewel consults two doctors and finds that Brenda Kay has Down Syndrome and might not live past two years old. Jewel is determined to give Brenda Kay all the love and care she can; determined that her daughter will live past two years and feel loved. Brenda Kay does live, and she is shown much love by her family. But Jewel's other daughters have problems of their own, and there are tensions that worsen over the years. Will Jewel learn that there's a letting go to loving?

There are a couple of negatives to this movie, mostly just the swearing/using the Lord's name in vain, which occurs four or five times.

This was a beautifully told story that anyone can appreciate, but those parents of children with special needs will find particularly emotional viewing. It conveys the challenges well, and treats a sensitive subject with great tenderness. It's also a reminder that the world has come a very long way in a relatively short period of time when it comes to acceptance, but - and this is not related to the movie - it's worth noting that over 80% of those with Down Syndrome are terminated prior to birth. So perhaps we're not that 'inclusive' after all.

I pre-screened this before suggesting it to my wife, but decided against suggesting it after all. It would feel too raw. So be warned, if you have a child with DS or similar, this is a beautiful movie but may tug at your heart strings too deeply for comfort.