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An exceptionally well-made and powerful piece that focuses on women and their body images. This tells an interesting diametric between Lydia, a genuinely overweight retail clerk, and Darcy, an anorexic real estate agent who envisions her stick-figure self as obese, and the friendship bond that they form. This film could have dove into some characteristic fat and skinny jokes, and maybe even gotten a bit darker than it should, but instead, it touched on the subjects with care and intelligence that, if nothing else, will give the audience a means to look at themselves, and perhaps understand what others go through.

Director Glenn Gers expertly touches upon this tale from thoughts that he had had himself about how women saw themselves. Through some research and good dialog writing, the film touches upon a wide variety of issues that surround obesity, anorexia, self- envisionment, and the anger that can arise. Much of the dialog was ad-libbed by the actors, given only the instructions to follow whatever they would normally say or want to talk about - especially during the social group for fat people scenes. Should obese people accept the term "fat," or embrace it? Should other people be forced to face them and deal with it? Would boycotting help? What about anorexics who view themselves as fat, and think others see them that way? Should fat people take offense, or be more understanding of their plight?

There are places of slight unreality, and some questionable discussions of how certain things might be handled, but it's not so much that it affects the outcome of the film and its message. One thing to point out as well are the main actresses - neither of whom has any major personal issues, nor eating disorders, in their real lives. Overall, "Disfigured" is compelling, and excellently made. Recommended for everyone to see, to help promote better understanding of ourselves.

"Cheers" alumni John Ratzenberger stars as Art Leroldi, a grumpy barber who holds some personal issues of his past a bit too closely. When troubled times come, he is forced to hire Gloria, a female - something he never thought he'd do. Although she comes across a bit brashly at first, she ends up being his business mind that might save the day. Enter other characters along the way, that both add and disparage each of them, and the tale keeps the viewer watching. The filming was done well. The story is interwoven with subplots, and moves ahead at a good pace. The characters are interesting, and each has their own tale to tell, while intertwining with each other. For a first effort, director/writer Chris Ford strikes a winner with this piece. Expect great things in the future. Don't miss this flick though.

I just saw this film at Cinequest Film Festival 18 in San Jose, CA. Although my tastes personally range towards quirky comedies, and dark thrillers, I have to say that I found this film to be a wonderful and delightful movie (not words normally spoken by one of my film tastes). It carried back to the grand days of film-making, as it is done in crisp black and white (which makes it work all the better). 91 year old actress (at the time) Danuta Szaflarska, is fantastic as the spry old woman, who is both stubborn, yet introspective.

The story focuses on the character, Aniela, and her life in what once was a grand and beautiful house, now running down, but still home for her. On one side of her house are scheming neighbors, apparently in cahoots with Aniela's unappreciative and greedy son, as developers attempting to buy the property to build apartments. On the other side is a nice family who host a rather noisy local children's music club. Aniela is stuck in the middle - but has her faithful companion dog to mirror her emotions, while also adding his own personality. The interaction between Aniela and the dog is enough alone to make this film enjoyable. As it goes, even for being 91, Aniela is no fool - as she spys and learns of her neighbors' ways and true intentions. She is always ahead of the game, as the film moves ahead, and some surprises may yet be in store for those who are not wise to her thinking and abilities.

A fantastic film that should be seen by any film lover. I hope to see it again a few more times.