Um Leão Por Dia

Usually when I've seen something this sad, afterward I have a sense of relief, and that my life just isn't so bad. This one was hard to recover from. I'm dumbfounded that some voters gave this 1 or 3, I just can't imagine not being moved to tears by the heartbreak contained in this film. I have to assume these were some of the folks who left before it ended at Sundance.

I believe the purpose of art is to touch someone, to make them think, to make them feel. This does that in the most human of ways. I had second thoughts about whether I was up for this, but it was incredibly captivating. I had the luxury of having this on my DVR, so I could pause to rest and recover as needed, but at no time during the nearly 4 hours did I have thoughts of not watching it in its entirety. It is one of the finest documentaries I've experienced, one I will never forget.

This documentary is one of the most incredible things I've ever seen. The way this is filmed is so real and raw. To see into the lives of the hospital as well as the families is heartbreaking yet so educating at the same time. Definitely watch this, it'll change a part of you

When I was a child I spent years with my grandfather while he tried to battle cancer. I then spent a summer with him at 9yrs old while he lost the battle and my mother, his daughter, took on the role of his hospice nurse. I can only imagine what these parents went through, and the many parents who are currently going through it. This isn't just about the kids, but their whole family.

Some of these reviews are atroc, especially the ones judging the parents. Imagine judging people who are trying to do their best while living their worst nightmare. This documentary spans years, and they call it amateur. So what if it is! It's honest. In a world full of instant gratification this documentary was instead a long journey, as it should be. Most people who give terrible reviews no jack all about filmmaking.

This was honest, and beautiful, and heart wrenching and ugly. Ignore the 3 or less ratings, and take a chance on this.

Julia Reichert and Steven Bognar do an impeccable job of capturing five families whose children must fight cancer to survive and live. Justin has been fighting leukemia for ten years. His family like the others would travel anywhere to get him treatment. Alex is a lovely seven year old girl who is also fighting leukemia with her parents and sister. The directors had plenty of access to the families and the medical staff at Cincinnati Children's Hospital in Ohio. The film directors spent year filming and editing this documentary. The cameras aren't intrusive but shows the pain and anguish of the families. There are some light hearted moments like Justin's mother and stepmother getting along beautifully. Her husband joked that his ex wife and wife could be lovers. Next on Jerry Springer, it's nice to see them get along so well.

From the start of the movie, viewers are emotionally invested in the beautiful children whose stories are shared. Their personalities shine through as do those of their family members. Parents watching this movie will feel a common bond with the parents of Justin, Alex, Tim, Jen and Al as they dare to ask, "What if it were my child?" While some criticize things like the movie's camera angles, lighting, voice-overs, etc., I, an average viewer, thought it was beautifully done and very "real." Hopefully, seeing "A Lion in the House" will spur viewers to do research on childhood cancer and become a voice for the children. While great strides have been made in curing all kinds of cancer, many do not realize that very little funding is allotted specifically for childhood cancer research.