Jewel

Our 17 mo. old daughter has Down syndrome and this movie really put into perspective how people with Down syndrome were treated years gone by. Fortunately, Jewel was strong enough to know that her daughter would have a productive life...and by God, she did! God bless all those who went against the system and succeeded. Steps to a brighter future is our goal!!!

"Jewel" is a typical TV movie about a subject that will make a lot of housewives cry their eyes out. It's about a large, very Christian and happy family in the 1940's that will soon be "blessed" with a 5th child. But of course there are some complications. The child appears to have the Syndrome of Down, and will ask all her mother's attention. Mom does everything for her daughter but forgets that there are other people around her as well...

All in all it isn't the worst movie I've ever seen, but it never stands out above the average. This isn't much more but typical TV pulp. The acting is quite good (for this kind of movies), but the actors aren't able to give an extra touch to the uninspired script.

I'm sure this movie will be loved by many, especially by women in their 40's, 50's or older, but personally I find this movie nothing special and not worth a second watch. It's message like "you can run but you can never hide from your problems" and "you have to take your life the way God has intended it to be" is much too conservative to my taste, but I'm sure the average American will love it. The only problem: I'm not average and certainly not American... I give it a 5/10.

This was a beautifully told story that anyone can appreciate, but those parents of children with special needs will find particularly emotional viewing. It conveys the challenges well, and treats a sensitive subject with great tenderness. It's also a reminder that the world has come a very long way in a relatively short period of time when it comes to acceptance, but - and this is not related to the movie - it's worth noting that over 80% of those with Down Syndrome are terminated prior to birth. So perhaps we're not that 'inclusive' after all.

I pre-screened this before suggesting it to my wife, but decided against suggesting it after all. It would feel too raw. So be warned, if you have a child with DS or similar, this is a beautiful movie but may tug at your heart strings too deeply for comfort.

I have never heard of this movie until yesterday when I was doing research on movies with actors and actresses that have Down Syndrome. I have Mosaic Down Syndrome and so it got me into tears a few times. Times were different in the 1940s - 1950s. I have had a difficult life but I do well considering. I live on my own, I can drive, and most importantly I give hope and inspiration to new families when they get the diagnosis that their child has Down Syndrome. I love doing what I'm doing in the Down Syndrome community. Providing acceptance, kindness and inclusion

The cast did a super job on accepting.

I thought this movie was very good. It showed so much emotion within the family. Farah Faucett was excellent portraying the Mother of a mentally challenged child. It also showed the emotional turmoil which impacted the family as a whole. But I felt it brought out some very true feelings that can occur with parents who have mentally challenged children.