Sophie's Rules

A touching film about the lives of forgotten people in transition and the woman who becomes the driving force for healing in their lives. Told with honesty and simplicity and occasional humor, it stays away from stereotypes and easy answers. Well directed and very well acted, it's recommended for anyone wanting a break from films that are all plot and no heart.

A touching film about the lives of forgotten people in transition and the woman who becomes the driving force for healing in their lives. Told with honesty and simplicity and occasional humor, it stays away from stereotypes and easy answers. Well directed and very well acted, it's recommended for anyone wanting a break from films that are all plot and no heart. (repeated review because I don't like being told how much to write by an algorithm)

Movies frequently tell the stories of lone heroes who overcome troubles on their own.

"Sophie's Rules" give us something different....and far more realistic. This ensemble movie dramatizes the truth that for most of us the key to moving beyond suffering is becoming part of a caring community. In this intense and hopeful film, the mutually helping group consists of half-a-dozen down-and-outers. These include an alcoholic magician, a young woman who was pimped out by her boyfriend, a brain-damaged football player, and a soldier's mother who refuses to accept that he was killed in battle.

Most of the action takes place is a comfortable home owned by Sophie Hagan, whose empathy and love work miracles. But Sophie herself is not above the fray. She has her own demons, and we learn from her journey that the gift of compassion begets compassion. Sophie is healed by healing others.

Although it deals with suffering, the movie is not gloomy. Tears are balanced by laughter as the characters find pleasure and strength in sharing meals, dancing, playing games, teasing each other, and exploring difficult questions. The actors-led by Maritza Brikisak (who also co-directed)-perform in a naturalistic way. That style, which is well-suited to the material, intensifies the movie's emotionally satisfying climax.

What stands out about the film Sophie's Rules are the strong script and the very good acting by the ensemble of the piece. I felt the film to be very entertaining and involving, making you care about what was happening to the characters on the screen. The standouts were the characters of Amber, Alice/Kathy and Sophia Haggard played by Maritza Brikisak who also co-directed and co-scripted the film. This is a feel good movie with a very poignant message of s people helping each other to find themselves in this crazy world. The story is told with a felt sincerity by everyone involved that makes you overlook its low budget limitations. While watching it I felt this film could easily be a pilot for a continuous dramatic series. If you are looking for a sweet dramatic film give this film a try.

Escape your reality when you need to face it head on . Its a long road to recovery. It is a long road to recovery. Its a disease and people need to treat it that way which ties to mental health. This film made one see that even tho you seem good one day you can you be a huge mess the day. The ache and need is real and youre haunted by the need to stop but the devil of addiction rides you hard and wont let you be. People try to escape reality but you cannot escape it. You think you can. You cant. 'Dont judge me egg man' , hit hard. Judgement is real. Film is good i think if you have the means for bigger production these stories are real. Little girly wants to fit in one you look good next day you look like the demons are riding you. I just know what i like. This hurts a bit. And i like it.

Touching threads of folks who are struggling being given a supposed temporary safety zone. Broken systems around the works are not able to care for people they govern. Veterans are to be treated with dignity and respect not forgotten. Sophie imposes rules and she has to follow them, also while making it possible for her to help people in need. PTSD, anxiety, panic attacks, grief mental anguish of all kinds are often not understandable can lead to different outcomes. This is a descent touching film that hits the heart and has a cute finish. Comedy drama? More drama and not so much comedy. I recommend this.