Il dono di Nicholas

This is an excellent movie. I caught it quite by accident when it came on one late night. Not knowing anything about it beforehand, I was soon drawn in. I just saw it again on TV just now.

I'm surprised it only has a rating of 6.9 (???). Maybe too light on the violence and action for some people's tastes.

It could've easily been awash with sentimentality; the subject matter certainly lends itself to it, but I thought the director and writers hit exactly the right balance.

Also, very well acted by both Bates and Curtis, and the child actor who portrayed Nicholas was so likable. You are emotionally drawn into the family's joy, ordeal and subsequent altruism.

Words can't express the beauty and tragedy of this movie.

And the score...so simple and yet so very expressive, and imparts hope in the sadness.

You'd have to have a heart of stone not to cry thru some of the parts.

Every aspect of this film comes together like a fine swiss clock.

I would think that this movie is a fitting memorial to Nicholas and his family, and how their sacrifice transformed an entire nation.

Alan Bates was such an undervalued actor in his lifetime. Though I haven't seen very many of his films, I've enjoyed the ones I have. A fine, fine character actor.

And Jamie Lee Curtis, she's come a long way from the slasher movies, and the fluff sexpot/comedy pieces of the 70's and 80's.

And finally, Hallie as little sister was adorable.

I'd liked to have seen a piece of film of the actual family. That would've capped the ending beautifully. I assume the photo on the gravestone was the real Nicholas.

Inspirational. The Green family are all heroes, and they embody the best of the human spirit even under the most difficult circumstances.

Nicholas Green, they'll build monuments in your name!

This is an incredible movie, and the fact that it's a true story will blow you away. Jamie Lee Curtis gives yet another stellar performance, but this time in a motherly role. The casting directors chose the cutest kids for this film! This is a heartwrenching, tearjerking, wonderful movie that you truly have to see to believe.

An extremely moving and tearful film. Beautifully filmed in Italy, with glorious romantic theme music, very convincing acting on the part of the stars. Of course it is painful to watch, to see a small child's life snuffed out, almost imperceptibly, without the parents even noticing at first. Very difficult to watch and I can understand it not being everyone's cup of tea, especially for the more sensitive natures. Of course the initial shock and sadness is replaced a little by the feel good factor derived from " putting the dead boy's organs " to good use and this sustains the spectator's attention. The film has been issued on DVD in the UK region 2 and the DVD also contains a very interesting documentary on the real Nicholas and the Italian Children that received his organs. The subject may well be taboo in some countries and cultures but I applaud this film wholeheartedly for having been made and showing that although death is a very hard experience to bear, another type of good and happiness can follow on behind. The pleasure of seeing the happiness brought to other families whom they didn't even know before compensates in some way the grief they suffer from the loss of their little son !

I saw this movie this past weekend on Lifetime.

Excellent movie. Brought me to total tears. I cried during the entire end of the film.

This is movie making that should be shared.

10* out 10

I watched this movie after seeing the interview with the Green's and Jamie Lee Curtis on the Oprah show and I'm pleased that I taped it when it came on TV too.

What a sad but inspiring story. I cry every time I watch it. The strength and courage of the Green family shines through the performances of Curtis (Maggie) and Alan Bates (Reg). Their performances were wonderful as was the film in itself.