Dance Me to My Song

What an excellent film. I had the opportunity to see it at Roger Ebert's overlooked film festival in Champaign, Illinois on April 22, 1999. It at this time does not have a distributor in the United States. This is unfortunate because the film is so much better than much of the crap we make here in the US. Heather Rose's performance is heartwarming and I fortunately was able to see her as a guest on the panel after the film was shown. She helped write and direct this movie and is only able to speak through a computer voice machine. The film is about the character she plays and how she is dependent on someone to care for her constantly because she is unable to do anything for herself. She unfortunately is abused by her caretaker. This is something that happens in the US (the film takes place in Australia) too often and this is a reason why this film should be shown in as many theatres as possible to raise awareness of this problem. I'm fortunate to have seen it and not wanting to give much of it away I will only say that I think it is something many people would get a lot out of.

Although quite difficult to watch because of some of the violence, it is a very realistic portrait of a young handicapped girl and her care-giver. Having taught children and adolescents with these kinds of handicaps, I and my wife were completely enthralled and could not leave our TV screen. Yes we winced at some of the violence and hoped for a good ending, but this is a must movie. Ironically, this kind or movie does not show up on English TV but was shown on Canada's French language "life" network! What a pleasure! An excellent picture. Oh, I forgot... the movie, even though shown on a French language network, was not dubbed, so if you wish to view this excellent picture, please watch "Aime-moi telle que je suis". An experience you won't forget!

I saw this film at the Telluride film festival in 98 or 99. This film has never left me. Making critical comments on this film is simply foolish. The director and Heather filmed this film over a 5 year period due to the physical limitations of the writer/actress. This was a labor of love and inspiration. This was a project that stunningly provides an impeccable vision into a kind of life that is led by some of our fellow human beings that the rest of us would prefer to deny. Some of the comments have indicated that they were uncomfortable or that they did not get it or they didn't not care for the gratuitous moments of the film. Well tough. This is reality, the pain of body, mind and spirit and the conquering of these trials by a monumental demonstration of power, creativity and fortitude that those of us defined as "normal" can not hope to understand or match. This film is a must see for any young person or adult who wants or needs an amazing reality check. This film is a vehicle to tell a story of freedom and unquenched intellect trapped but not surrendered.

A strange, compelling film about a topic we never hear much about. Severely disabled people don't have a voice in our cultural landscape. Like in other films, De Heer manages to tackle topics in ways which are confronting and innovative, such as the way the microphones on Rose's body pick up her body's sounds and give us a very subjective view of her physicality. The script was mostly written by Heather Rose, who played the main role and sadly passed away a few years after the film was made. Apparently she wrote the script together with another severely disabled writer on an early bulletin board (pre-internet) The film is challenging, provocative and has surprising moments of humour.

Isn't creativity and innovation what the art of film-making should be about? Check out other De Heer movies, too, they're all different from each other. B. Huber

Ok, I did the whole nine yards:saw LONDON, the PALACE( did not meet the Queen)Saw the sights and heard the sounds, met wonderful people and saw a great movie at the Festival. Dance Me To My Song is unforgettable, mesmerising, thought provoking and emotionally charged.

Story of ulia is played by Heather Rose, a cerebral palsy sufferer/co-writer. She keeps your attention hooked with the aid of her emotional nemesis Madeline, played by Joey Kennedy. This movie is a must see and makes a refreshing change from what we suffer in our local theaters. Initially, a tad slow to begin with the movie picks up remarkable pace and energy as all the characters come to the fore front and yes I said characters because this is one movie where the director, Rolf De Heer has not sacrificed his characters to the gods of money or editing. Look out for the touching cameo by the brilliant Rena Owen.

The direction is great. Currently I am busy locating other Rolf De Heer movies like Bad Boy Bubby. Another great Australian director.

this is a must see movie.