A Mind of Her Own

Having seen A MIND OF HER OWN on one of less commercial TVs in Poland, I was pretty astonished that not many people find the film worth seeing. Even on IMDb the few comments that have already appeared are in majority not very enthusiastic about the movie. Of course, it does not have that great performances, it's not a smashing success at the box office. However, if I had followed the advice of many people I talked to, I would have never seen this film and would never know what I have lost.

A MIND OF HER OWN being an authentic story is foremost a truly educational cinema. It's about will, about refusing to give up, about the indefatigable endeavor to reach personal happiness and, moreover, to reach self realization. Sophie Smith (Nicky Talacko) is a weak student, suffers dyslexia and gets very poor grades. Some mock her, others place doubt in her mind saying that she is bound to failure. Yet, there are two people who constitute a driving motor for her will and the fulfillment of her dreams: her friend Becky (Amanda Rawnsley) and a new biology teacher Peter Simpson (Ashley Cook). It is them who help her achieve a future that she would not think of even in her most fabulous dreams... It is them who help her overcome terrible problems she faces in her journey up towards the "impossible." That is why the movie is educational because it's about a particular person and, at the same time, about anyone. Therefore, the movie is also a truly captivating story that appears to be very realistic since many viewers are likely to feel empathy with the main character.

The performances are not Oscar worthy, I agree but it seems clear that the director emphasizes other aspects. No great cast since they would shadow a story a bit. The movie is not a vehicle for a star but a gift for every viewer. Meanwhile, we get wonderful moments. First, if you decide to see the film, don't skip humor. The shoes are, I think, the most memorably humorous moments but I also liked the very authentic and delicate flirting scenes: How these girls are after young handsome teachers! What is more, there are thought provoking moments as well. Contrast of two different attitudes, the idea of help, self discipline and, as aforementioned, journey up towards "the impossible." I think every young person should see the movie.

All things considered, I am not going to tell you traditionally: "I recommend you to see A MIND OF HER OWN" since these words do not have that power any longer. I'd rather start like this: "Do you know what you will do in future? Is that something you want to do?" Most probably, your answer is not that straight, that easy. Yet, sorry but I'll go on and ask you a more difficult question: "Do you know what you can do if you really start to believe in yourself?"

The same was with Sophie, she dreamed about sport and medicine. And the latter occurred the one for her because only then the other person could tell her out of their heart "You helped me, thank you!" Only then, in such moments "the other person" will constitute the whole world for you, will speak on behalf of the whole humanity in which you also have a spot. Are you ready to take such a journey up towards "the impossible?"

Is there than one based on the true story of perseverance? This is a gem! No foul language or sex. What a pleasure to see a heroic life develop. Don't miss it!

I am a judge for the Indianapolis-based Heartland Film Festival. This feature film is a Crystal Heart Award Winner and is eligible to be the Grand Prize Winner in October of 2005. The Heartland Film Festival is a non-profit that honors Truly Moving Pictures. A Truly Moving Picture "…explores the human journey by artistically expressing hope and respect for the positive values of life."

The life of Sophie Smith in England is traced from childhood in 1989 to a young woman in 2005. She has two dreams. One is to be a champion gymnast. The other dream is to be a medical Doctor. While she is quite talented as gymnast, her dream is cut short by an injury. So she turns her attention full time to her second dream.

Unfortunately she has severe learning disabilities and has awful problems in her school studies. And that's where the story really begins. She has to work twice as hard as everyone else, and even with this kind of effort, she often fails. Despite all of her numerous failures, she simply persists with a little help from her friends.

This film is based on a true story of a woman who ultimately achieves worldwide scientific fame. As a young girl and young woman, we witness her extraordinary hope and sacrifice and humility and faith.

This is inspirational storytelling.

FYI – There is a Truly Moving Pictures web site where there is a listing of past Crystal Heart winners that are now either at the theater or available on video.

I am surprised that this movie gets low ratings from users. I enjoyed watching the movie, especially since it is based on a true story of a young woman who faced many obstacles to actualize her dreams.

A Mind of Her Own" is described as "the poignant and moving story of Sophie, a determined young girl whose ambition to become a doctor is obstructed by the fact that she is severely dyslexic" in its marketing materials and in advertisements from the 2005 Heartland Film Festival.

Poignant and moving? Try boring and uninspiring.

"A Mind of Her Own" takes one woman's inspirational story and somehow manages to reduce the source material to a histrionic After School special. Owen Carey Jones writes and directs this film in such a way that I found myself uninvolved in Sophie's life and not even remotely caring that her brilliance in paralysis research may in fact benefit me. I would rather stay paralyzed than have to sit through this film, which left me emotionally paralyzed and unable to continue at Heartland last evening. That's right...the film was so lifeless that I found myself exhausted and unable to continue to the next round of films.

The film stars Nicky Talacko, who also starred in Carey's other film, "Baby Blue." Talacko is a UK native, currently residing in Australia. Mostly, her background is theatrical with some television work and independent film work. Talacko is definitely more suited to a television screen. Her performance seems to waver in and out, almost in sound bytes. A good cinematic performance involves the journey of the character...one can clearly see the connection between beginning and end. Even if that journey doesn't make sense, it is there. This film seems like a series of scenes, disconnected even though they are, in fact, quite connected. Talacko's performance lacks energy, lacks focus and her dialogue is monotonous.

The same is true for the rest of the cast, with the exception of Amanda Rawnsley, who plays her friend Becky. Rawnsley has a natural screen presence, and is endearing and affectionate in her scenes of support and devotion.

Yet, I'm not sure what the performers could do here...the script is insipid, the dialogue stilted and the film's pacing utterly lifeless. I was willing to surrender to the inspiration of the story itself, despite the fact that I was hearing lines like Sophie's biology teacher saying "you're the most determined person I've ever met", even though Sophie'd just been complaining about her "disability" and had walked out of a classroom. However, the true detachment came when Sophie, finally having graduated with a Bachelors Degree is able to "date" this same biology teacher who had also taught her as a substitute in high school and discovered her dyslexia. So, in reality, the wonder of this teacher actually helping his student turned into teacher helping a cute student, secretly lusting after her and finally being able to go out with her after done teaching her.

One word. Ick.

In short, everything about "A Mind of Her Own" plays like an Afterschool Special, and not even a good one. A stunning, wonderful and inspiring story is reduced to histrionic crap.

Personally, I've never found histrionic crap inspiring.