The Things We Carry

This movie is as real as it gets for me. The lead takes us on a journey with her through memories of her mother's life/death. She reaches her breaking point toward the end of the story with the "things she was carrying" about her mother's addiction and it's impact on her and their family. During the body of the film I was stuck by her inability to be social with other people because of her inner rage. In the interaction she has with her sister during the film, we see her more human side. It really made me admire her for taking on a difficult, personal story line. She did an amazing job as well as the whole cast. This movie truly moved me. and made me think. I highly recommend it!

I can relate this this movie very much as I too lost my mother who was also fun and artsy like Sunny. However, I would have enjoyed seeing more kindness built into Em by thanking her moms friends for their help at the end. This film really opened the door to the reverse roles in a parent acting more like a child and I am glad it did.

It is a familiar story. Abusive addict mother with 2 daughters who react at opposite ends of the spectrum. One daughter stays with mother. Other daughter runs. Sisters initially unable to see the others perspective. It's a sad story and sadly true to so many families without a loving mother. I identified to the end but was really hoping for something new.

It's hard to watch a movie when you don't care much for the main character. I believe she is portrayed much too unreachable, like she's passed the "point of no return". Though I appreciate the journey written for her, the character shows not even subtle signs of a desire to grow or change. So in a sense, the film then becomes quite static and unattractive, and predictable even.

What saves the movie for me are the two main supporting characters. Catherine Kresge does an amazing job in this film. Very real, very believable performance. Her character feels human, not robotic like her sister (which unfortunately leads to a non-believable relationship between them). She will most likely be moving on to bigger and better things. Alexis Rhee gives a very dramatic performance, filled with much needed intense moments helping to "stir the soup".

I think this film would have been much better as a short. Too much "looping" going on, with no real movement of the main arc until the very end.

I saw this movie at the Arclight in Hollywood and was very impressed by the acting and the story/script. I was lucky enough to stay for a Q&A after the film and found out that the movie was produced by two sisters and is based on actual events. Knowing that there's truth the story adds a whole new depth to the drama, making it an inspiring tale. Without getting into the plot (the trailer is available on youtube), I'd just like to say that this is a moving film that will keep you captivated until the end. Definitely recommended! Although female driven (and not enough movies are!!), this is a movie that both genders can watch, relate to and learn from.