Breathe

Breathing is the most natural thing on earth, right? But when British tea broker Robin Cavendish contracted polio in Kenya in 1958, he found that he was paralysed from the neck down and could not breathe without the constant support of a mechanical ventilator. This true story is told with Andrew Garfield as Robin and Claire Foy as his wife Diana, both of whom give fine performances of nuanced emotion.

Inevitably the film will be compared with "The Theory Of Everything" but it is no bad thing to be reminded that people with disabilities can achieve remarkable things. In Stephen Hawking's case, he was still able to make great contributions to theoretical physics; in the instance of Robin Cavendish, he transformed the treatment of those with paralysis, both in the UK and much wider.

For first time director Andy Serkis, this is clearly a very personal project. His professional partner and producer on the film is Jonathan Cavendish, the son of Robin and Diana, while Serkis's sister has multiple sclerosis. Serkis is known for his acclaimed acting in performance-capture roles, but the only major use of special effects here is to enable Tom Hollander to represent both of Diana's identical twin brothers.

At the end especially, the heart strings are well and truly plucked, but it is gratifying to see such a well-made and life-affirming work on our screens.

I truly enjoyed this film that I saw at TIFF. Apparently a lot of critics were expecting something grittier from Andy Serkis. Jonathan and Diana Cavendish are 100% behind this film and I DO believe that what is shown is true. Perhaps some critics wanted more darkness, but I do believe with these peoples' zest for life, they didn't allow much darkness to cloud their love and triumph.

I believe that Robin, Diana, and Jonathan enjoyed their time together as much as humanly possible. It is a love letter, a tale of triumph over adversity, and most of all it is a wonderful love story. Sometimes there IS more light than darkness. Especially when you have talent like Andrew Garfield and Claire Foy. Both are excellent in their roles, allowing me to completely immerse myself in this uplifting story.

A truly remarkable story, well scripted and performed, is based on the life of Robin and Diana Cavendish and produced by their son, Jonathan. Claire Foy and Andrew Garfield lead a great supporting cast. Great themes about life, death, love, faithfulness, the courage it takes to live and the tenacity of love that pushes the boundaries of courage and creativity. I heartily recommend it to you. I give this film an 8 (great) out of 10. {Drama}

English isn't my native language, so forgive me in advance:)

I loved this movie. I was impressed by the acting skills of Andrew Garfield, totally believable. Claire Foy did a great job too, I think she's a very good actress, I have to admit that at times I found it difficult to not see Queen Elisabeth in her.

The story line was a bit rushed though, their relationship didn't really develop on the screen and for me it was hard to believe she really loved him in the very beginning of the film. But towards the end it was totally believable. One thing I missed was a great score, the music was almost absent, they should have asked Rachel Portman for the soundtrack (Never Let Me Go). But hey, that's just my opinion.

I shed some tears at the end.. It's a story about true love! Go watch it, you won't regret it!

This is a beautifully filmed movie. It's inspiring to watch the devotion of the wife in supporting her husband struck down with polio at age 28. His subsequent efforts to live outside the hospital and advances in a wheelchair with a ventilator attached are quite illuminating. Especially with what happened to Christopher Reeve it is still relevant today. This movie doesn't focus too much on the awful side which is good or it would be too depressing.

The leads are watchable. Claire Foy QE2 of the Crown speaks and acts a lot like she does as Queen Elizabeth. Andrew Garfield isn't one to shy away from difficult roles. Here he speaks with his British accent.

It's a good thing to be reminded about Polio amidst the recent debate whether or no to vaccinate.