Um Ato de Esperança

This is a very moving film and despite its official subject matter it really is about how the law and real life are not always compatible. The lady judge in this film is very accomplished in her profession advocating in court for children but she herself has avoid having her own children and her relationship with her husband is limited to "goodnight dear" expressions when convenient. But her encounter with a sick teenage boy whom she has to deal with officially and then unofficially brings her to a realization of who she has been and who she has not been. Not without its depressing moments the film is still very worthwhile.

The story is just sensational and filled with emotions from start till that unexpected sad ending .

The plot of the movie is so current and relatable ,, probably based on somewhat true stories .. and the script was organized and tight ,, no holes or dull lines ..

As for the cast ,, Emma Thompson and Stanley Tucci did an amazing job power couple ,, and Fionn Whitehead was also very engaging and convincing.

So recommended.

This film starts off engaging, as the judge is presented with a dilemma that would spark a controversy whichever way she decides to do. The courtroom drama is interesting and makes me want to find out what is next. However, the second half of the film is just really strange and uninteresting. It is far fetched, overly sentimental and plainly unbelievable. The second half spoils the experience for me.

Kudos to all hands involved in making "The Children Act", a chamber drama about a family court Justice in London failing to achieve balance between her job and her private life. The legal issues involved are clearcut, but star Emma Thompson's acting brings out the profound emotional and pyschological issues underneath.

Stanley Tucci is perfect in understated support as her neglected husband, and a true discovery here is Fionn Whitehead as the teenage protagonist, a Jehovah's Witness whose life hangs in the balance as his parents, Church elders and he himself refuse the blood transfusions necessary to give his treatment for leukemia a chance to save his life. Fionn Whitehead, previously in a lead role in "Dunkirk", struck me as a powerhouse at the level of a young Tom Courtenay, and would be perfectly cast as either Billy Liar or the Long Distance Runner.

This is a small but intelligent film that will stay with you for a long time after the final credits. It is well made in all categories and addresses a number of issues that are current and important today including faith vs law, love vs life, youth vs experience. This is probably the best adaption of one of Ian McEwans novels and benefits from a strong and nuanced performance from Emma Thomson who is hardly off the screen for a minute and excellent support from Jason Watkins as her clerk and newcomer Fionn Whitehead. As one of the characters says .. I could see you listening and thinking.. and this is really the crux of the film.What decision you come to in the end may differ... but at least you have the enjoyment of being challenged!