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)

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.

I enjoyed watching the ensemble cast in this heartwarming film. The way they found a "family" together and all supported each other was so nice to watch. Enjoyed watching "Sophie's" acting very much. Seemed quite authentic. She was very believable as an empathetic, kind, yet firm woman who runs the house. Christina Tsialtis and Maritzka Brikisak did a great job directing. I enjoyed the interwoven stories of the various characters. It definitely kept me interested and invested to see what would come of them. I felt satisfied by the ending, I like how it all wrapped up. I would definite recommend this movie to anyone.

This is a story of how human hardships can bring everyone together! Directors, Christina Tsialtas and Maritza Brikisak did an excellent job illustrating each character's pain and vulnerability. The writing was on point. The motley crew of characters makes for great storytelling. You get a inside look into each character's mind. The cast was well assembled. The storyline kept your interest throughout the entire movie. The menagerie of personalities made for an interesting and unpredictable movie. You have to watch until the end to understand how everyone comes together for the better good. This is a must see!

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.