Lost for Words

This bittersweet exploration of what familial love is, and the pain there is for all concerned in losing someone to this most alienating of diseases (alzheimers) proves something exceptional in that it shows Dame Thora aware of her own frailty (physically and mentally) yet still able to put it all together for one last truly great performance.

It tells too of the various shades of reality of existence that really are what some mental illness (or deterioration) can be about.

And it's OK to laugh, because it shows the fragility of what we are all so sure of...our hold on the world and the way we see it. And that certainty is laughable.

Pete Postlethwaite - magic.

A brilliant TV movie which portrays the slow deterioration of an elderly parent which I have experienced first hand, it is very true to life. I know this after I looked after my Aunt who suffered with the terrible symptoms of dementia for over 4 years. I just wish it was available on DVD or VHS as it is discontinued now. Pity. Thora Hird is excellent as the old lady and plays the part brilliantly as do the rest of the cast. It shows how difficult dealing with dementia can be and shows the symptoms very well indeed. The frustrations of the disease are terrible and more people should be aware of what can happen to elderly people and could also happen to any one of us. This film should be shown to school children and carers of others dealing with dementia as it shows clearly the problems you may have to face.....if you do please remember that dementia patients are NOT mad....they have simply forgotten their life and friends / relatives....it is brain damage..they don't know! I found this the most difficult thing to cope with, the fact that she thought I was her Brother or her husband when in fact I was her Nephew...also saying they are OK and don't need any help. It is hard.

`In Asian cultures old folks are revered. In America they are generally ignored. In the UK they are accepted and enjoyed.`

While this is a gross generalization, watch this film and you will see a bit of what I mean. This story is one of the best that I've seen dealing with the relationship between a grown man and his rapidly aging mother. This mother has a unique way of dealing with the world and this son loves her even though she sorely tries him.

In this movie there is a sadness that is, in itself, comforting. While the sadness is heart-rending, the absence of it would be even more terrible. In some way the presence of this sadness brings its own comfort with it. See it and you will never forget it.

This is a very "British" movie in that everything is understated. Thoroughly enjoyable. High praise for Dame Thora Hird and Pete Postlethwaite. I recommend the movie and especially for anyone with aging parents.

Wonderful picture. If any part of this production wasn't superb, we must have not noticed. Casting, directing, and acting were all right on target. I haven't read the book by Mr. Longden YET, but I intend to do so now.

"Lost for Words" was shown here on PBS's Masterpiece Theatre. The network previews looked so appealing that we did not watch it late on the Sunday it aired, but taped it so our whole family could enjoy it. We did indeed.