Plain Truth

I'd recommend reading the book before seeing this movie. I was extremely disappointed by the way the movie was portrayed. Aside from having some of the names & events changed, there was a lot missing. I would have preferred that this movie be made into a mini-series that encompassed the entire nature of the story. Specifically Ellie & Katie's relationship & how that came to develop throughout the story. By not reading the book 1st, the movie allows for one to be completely lost. I love Marishka Hargitay in L & O: SVU & she did a great job in this movie. I would have on the other hand found someone else to play the role of Katie other than Alison Pill. I believe too that she didn't do Jodi Picoult's work any justice. If I had to grade the movie it would be a D. I think even that's a little too kind...

Defense attorney Ellie Harrison (Mariska Hargitay) just got a big win but she's conflicted about getting a white collar criminal off the hook. On an Amish farm in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, a dead baby is found and unmarried Katie Fitch (Alison Pill) is arrested for killing the baby. Katie refuses to acknowledge her pregnancy no matter what. Ellie is pushed to defend by Katie's mother's cousin Leda who's been shunned. The judge orders that Katie could go home as long as Ellie is there as her guardian. Katie talks to her dead sister. Her father is exceedingly tough.

I really like Mariska Hargitay and Alison Pill. They are doing perfectly good work here. It's a Lifetime movie filmed in Nova Scotia. That's probably its main drawback. The production lacks a cinematic style. Paul Shapiro is a TV director and this looks like a slightly below average TV show. I think the movie could have done a lot more with the style.

As for the story, Ellie should be concerned with trying to get Katie off rather than worrying about the truth so much. Also the trial drags on for too long. It doesn't have enough drama. There is a shocking twist which would be so much more useful as part of the trial. It's not the most compelling TV movie.

I first heard about Jodi Picoult (author of the book Plain Truth) from one of my teachers during a Values through Literature class. I decided to read Plain Truth after reading one of her other books. Then a buddy of mine bought me the movie. The movie and the book work really well together. I wish they would have used more from the book and made the movie longer, but i really really enjoyed it. I'd recommend that you read the book, then watch the movie. This way you know a lot more about the characters, and then get to see them. It's a great companion. Mariska Hargitay as always gives an incredibly convincing and extraordinary performance. I had never heard of Alison Pill, but was pleasantly surprised with her performance. The soundtrack is also amazing. A movie I would definitely recommend.

This movie was wonderful. It had you guessing the whole time and changing your mind about what happened. I felt so sorry for Katie she wanted to tell the truth so that her family would still accept her and she could stay in the community but then Ellie wanted her to stand up for herself so that she wouldn't go to prison. When you thought you knew what happened the story changed just enough to make you change your mind. Mariska Hargitay and Alison Pill are great actresses. I have always loved Hargitay's work and can't wait to view more of Pill's work. I hope everyone else takes the time to watch this movie. Hope to see more movies like this soon.

It had you guessing the whole time. Had some really great actors to and I think it told a good lesson. If you like movies that keep twisting then this movie is one you'll want to see. It also showed how two different types of people can try to live in each others world. Truly an amazing movie. Also it has a valuable lesson in it. Plain Truth has anything but the plain truth in it. This movie keeps you guessing. A true mystery where things aren't exactly what they seem. Also a good movie for mothers and daughter to watch together because it also shows a strong bond between them. It shows a lot about family dynamics too and how family and culture can really shape someones life.