User reviews

After 10 minutes, I was really afraid of the melodrama, the thousans violions of 90 % of the American movies. And we saw that a thousand times : movies with mental problem persons who are always so fine... (Le Huitième jour, Rain man, and also a film of the early 80's with Mickey Rooney - sorry, I don't remember the title!) But the simplicity of the whole thing charms me. The two young actors gives a superb performance. There are also very funny gags : the fanfare music that Danny loves and when Juliette Lewis looks in the book for sex positions). Perhaps the conservative aspects of the family irrates me a little bit : why in most American films the people have always to be rich and boring? A little bit of social reality should help this one. But I give a 7 out of 10 of this fine film. The best of the genre is Belgium's Le Huitième jour.

In this film, about a frustrated mother trying to cope with a mentally disabled daughter, there is a message for all of us - that we all need our independence and wish to fulfil our desires for happiness in our own way. Diane Keaton plays the role of Elizabeth the over protective mother in a most convincing performance - she shows all the desperation, the moods and emotions of a mother hoping to do the best for her child and suffering arguments and rebuffs at every turn. While Carla (Juliette Lewis)and her lover Daniel (Giovanni Ribisi) both disabled hold us in a state of nervous fascination,it is Diane Keaton who holds the storyline together. This is not a depressing film. On the contrary there are moments of humorous sexual exploration, numerous embarrassing situations and outright hilarity. A few of the scenes which I find particularly amusing are: The sweet innocence of the young couple reading a sex manual and earmarking the pages of appropriate positions, the initial introduction of Daniel in fancy dress as a large dog to Carla's parents and the church wedding in which church dogma is dispensed with and the couple "do it in their own way. The film is quite touching at times and some tears may appear, but in retrospect it is the joyous ending that seems to make everything right. And doesn't Diane Keaton look absolutely stunning in her magenta outfit with the big hat?

Many tear jerker moments in this film, wonderful work by Lewis and Ribisi now part of my DVD collection.

okay this was a great movie, great acting, great story ... my dad even cried during this movie .. sure my mother cried like always during movies .. but my dad come on.. give this movie a 10 imdb under rated this

Garry Marshall makes genuine cinema in 'The Other Sister', it's a romantically challenged film with love that works big time.

A young mentally disabled woman named Carla Tate falls in love with A young man named Daniel McMahon, also slightly mentally disabled. Will they live happily happy ever after? 'The Other Sister' is a simple story, that has complicated characters. The film was not a box office hit and was critically panned, and was un-mentioned in 1999. However, 'The Other Sister' carries a 6.6 rating at IMDb today, with much favorable reviews. I loved the film, it's a fascinating love-story!

Marshall's direction is neat, Music by Kyle Vincent is fantastic. In the acting department, It's a shame to know that Juliette Lewis was nominated for a Razzie for her earnest performance in here. Lewis is a terrific actress! Giovanni Ribisi steals the show with a excellent performance. Diane Keaton is efficient. Tom Skerritt is likable.

On the whole, 'The Other Sister' is a gem. Watch this film, don't avoid it due to some Roger Ebert!

I thought this was a very beautiful and touching film... I can't remember the last time a movie stirred up so many emotions in me all at the same time as this one did. And you know what? I really couldn't care less if this movie portrayed these type of people the "right" way or not (this *is* a fictional piece of work after all) because I saw the ideology behind the movie instead of just the movie itself.

What I took away with me from this film is that you shouldn't care about what anyone thinks about you, not your mom or your dad or your friends and relatives either, that you should just try and live for the things that you love and enjoy. The way that these two questioned almost everything that was happening to them and listened to their feelings more than their minds made me feel a lot better about the way I think and the way I feel. I love how they aren't burdened by the way they are, they just simply accept it, and I find that beautiful, absolutely uplifting! I've never seen a movie that made me laugh and cry at the same time as many times as this masterpiece did. "Don't be afraid to feel" would be the perfect tagline for this underrated film. Solid story, solid actors.

My favourite line of the whole movie? When Carla tells her mom "We can take care of each other!" Talk about tears! I'm definitely going to try to find this movie and buy it the next time I'm out and about.

By the way, in case you were curious, this was just written by a 24 year old straight male. (I'm not afraid of showing my "feminine side", whatever that means.)

Grade: A+

My girlfriend and I saw this film as a sneak preview locally. We were both duly impressed with the calibre of acting shown by both Lewis and Ribisi, more so for my girlfriend since she worked with mentally retarded children and adults for many years and couldn't tell that they were actors! (don't blame her, she didn't know who Juliette Lewis was, and I didn't tell her until after the movie.)

Bravo! This is a film we will definitely see again!

It is a rare occasion that leads me to want to walk out of a theatre (I actually sat through "Tarzan the Apeman" with Bo Derek), but this movie came close to propelling me into the lobby. The plot (and I use the term lightly) centers on the life and loves by a young "retarded" girl who returns home after having been sent to a 'special school' by her guilt ridden, extremely wealthy parents for several years. In the course of 128 tedious minutes, this girl goes through a number of "challenges", all of which are presented in the most maudlin and melodramatic manner possible.

The faults of this piece of schlock from Gary Marshall are too numerous to mention, so I'll focus only on those elements, which were most offensive. These include: 1. Fatuous acting by the 2 'retarded' characters, both of whom obviously spent a few days with intellectually challenged individuals, but learned nothing other than the most overt mannerisms. These they portray in a way that would embarrass a first year drama student.

2. Playing disabilities and intellectual impairments for laughs. Virtually every five to ten minutes there would be an episode where one or other of the 'retarded' characters would engage in some socially unacceptable or embarrassing behavior, invariably presented as funny. There were several young women behind me who erupted in gales of laughter each time one of those crazy 'retards' did another 'cute' thing.

3. Diane Kenton, whose over the top, hysterical acting as the guilty mother makes us yearn for the subdued and deep performances seen in Something About Mary.

4. A total ignoring of the real issues faced by the intellectually challenged. These 'retards' are rich, physically attractive, with totally supportive families and oodles of friends. No loneliness, rejection, physical disabilities, or poverty to interfere with the fun.

4. Lastly, and most damning, is the fact that there was a potential for a real movie that could examine the issues and lives of the intellectually challenged. Any random sample of such people would reveal incredible stories of courage and heartbreak, which are rarely, if ever, heard.

As someone who has worked extensively with the intellectually impaired, I am offended that such a piece of utter drivel could command the effort and money needed to bring it to the screen. If you want to find out about the intellectually challenged, do yourself a favor, and volunteer with the local agencies that work with this population. You'll learn more in five minutes than you will from 2 hours of this drek!

(2 out of 10, mainly for technical merit in the film production).

This movie was excellent. The family was well portrayed; from the beginning with the father not wanting to admit his daughter had a disability, to the mother dealing with the guilt of putting her daughter away by trying to make up for it almost a decade later.

Excellent cast (Lewis, Ribisi, Keaton, Skerritt, etc.) and I loved how the disabled characters were believable. Sometimes movies depicting the disabled are no more than an insult. Lewis and Ribisi were incredibly believable in their roles, actually I had never seen Ribisi in a role previous to this one and - I have to be honest - I really did not think he was 'acting'. I thought the casting director had found someone disabled to fill the role. Once I found out the truth, I thought Ribisi should have been nominated for an Oscar!

For the person who complained about the other story lines going on in the movie; a movie has to be multi-faceted, otherwise it can become boring. And I don't think the other story lines were too indulgent, they added flavor.

And a mother that has a child whom she believes she has failed in the past yes, she will be a basket case and indecisive with every step she takes. That's what mothers do...it's the norm.

Another great movie that was obviously overlooked by Hollywood. (So what else is new?)

Normally I always try to find some alternative movies. I'm not saying that I can't enjoy a Hollywood blockbuster from time to time, but I like to see smaller, less well-known movies as well. That's one reason why I gave this movie a chance. The other reason was because Juliette Lewis was in it. I'm not saying she's the best actress ever, but she's quite good most of the time...

"The Other Sister" tells the story of a mentally retarded girl, Carla Tate, who wants to be more independent from her parents after she got out of the training school where she has resided for many years because of her handicap. But her rich parents and especially her mother, don't see it that way. She still sees Carla as her little girl that isn't capable of doing anything and who has to be thought the more 'meaningfull' things in life like playing tennis or chess, learning about art,... But Carla is able to convince her parents and they send her to school, where she meets a boy who is equally mentally challenged as Carla. They fall in love and want to start a live together, much against her mother's will...

Even though I didn't have too high expectations of this movie, I can't say that I was convinced by it. It's not Juliette Lewis' performance that bothered me. She's very believable as the handicapped girl, but it's the rest of the movie that I didn't like all too much. This felt more like an "oh let's blow our noses in the curtains because our handkerchief will never be big enough" - TV-movie and if there is one thing that I absolutely hate, than it must be that kind of movies... That's why I give this movie only a 5.5/10.

AS a brother of an mentally challenged sister, this movie captures my heart. The innocence and honesty the movie presents through out the film is outstanding. I have been to many functions involving mentally challenged kids and adults from Christmas parties to the Special Olympics. As a volunteer at these events I can speak from experience, that the true feelings were caught in this movie. If you ever lose the Christmas spirit, go to a Christmas event for the mentally challenged. You'll find it there and what the true meaning of the holiday spirit really is. The anticipation of Santa popping through the curtains, just to see his face. The gifts are secondary. The Special Olympics are a true test of the will to compete..NOT WIN. Everybody is a winner at these Olympics. It is the most evened playing field in all of sports. In ability and in the true manner and meaning of what sportsmanship really is.

The Other sister captures the very true to the core daily lives of mentally challenged individuals. From the emotional outbreaks to the highest of enjoyment of a special moment, to the acceptance by others, to the point of "yes i can if you give me a chance Mother". My sister is living on her own with a roommate and works at Opportunity Enterprises for a living. Leading not only a very normal life, but a far productive environment that wasn't available many years ago. They see things in an honest way. The very things we complain about daily are the same things they wish to be given a chance to have. The portrayal of both Daniel and Carla is just tremendous acting. You just don't throw that together and say cut and print and release this movie. Dustin Hoffman studied for over a year for rain man with savant families. Producers were'nt sure that movie would ever be made because of the tender care Dustin Hoffman had to portray. The Other Sister is a tremendous movie about all the true features that mentally challenged people face and strive for in every day life. We should watch and learn from them. They see life for what it is, things we have forgotten in our material world. Kudos Gary Marshal for this wonderful film. I remember those times, and look forward to the continuing journey.

The Other Sister is a enjoyable and charming film. The film was treated in light, optimistic manner. Based from the comments of those who didn't like the movie, I think I'd feel better watching in the comfort of home. It's the kind of movie that held a lot of punches to go the easy way out. Giovanni Ribisi did well in the movie. Juliette Lewis' character, Carol, sometimes annoys me when she bawls, and gets angry because she's not getting something her way. I have an uncle and a cousin who are mentally challenged and while they can be difficult at times, they're not spoiled.

The idea that they can be independent is intriguing given that my uncle and cousin are always under frequent if not constant care and supervision. That's what makes Ribisi's character interesting. He has his own apartment even if he couldn't keep it for long and basically works on his own. Somehow Carol's was more due to envy. I hate to put Juliette Lewis down, she's so cute.

An unnecessary part is the revelation that one of the sisters is lesbian. It was resolved, but it was a subplot that didn't enhance the story. It's as if it's done just for PC's sake. The beginning of the film has interesting intros but somehow doesn't really affect the rest of the movie. Again, sugarcoated for convenience. What mattered most was theromance.

The verdict: 3.5 of 5 stars.

This movie is definitely one of the best movie ive seen thus far. Its a feel good movie, filled with comedy, drama and well... a bit of action. I agree that its probably unrealistic....but, life is already so depressing,so a little pinch of fairytale element is always welcome. I don't think the movie is made for us to laugh at disabled people, it just helps us to know them a bit better, to give them the respect and chance of having a normal life.The acting is excellent, Lewis and Gibsi did a very good job. Also bonus points for keaton. Its a shame that it didn't do very well in the cinemas. But,overall, i think if you have a heart and a sense of humor, you will definitely enjoy this movie. Two thumbs up!

I just saw an advance preview screening of this film and must say I really enjoyed it. It is one of those films that critics will say is too much like a tv movie or sitcom material...but you can't help but fall in love with the characters and care about the situations they are put in. The performances are all around sincere and thoughtful. Regardless of what the critics might say...I felt that this movie truly took me into the lives of these people and made me feel for them, and that is what I go to the movies for...

Juliet Lewis shines as 'Carla', a 'backwards' girl returning from special school, who is determined to make her own way in the world. She meets the similarly unique Danny (Ribisi).

The two soon fall in love, and face a life of difficulty and adversity, both from the 'outside' world because of the way they are, and between one another.

Lewis is magnificent and convincing, portraying both a young woman in love facing life, and a woman with learning difficulties. Ribisi is just as magnificent as the sensitive Danny.

Their innocence and forthright honesty on the one hand, will both shock you and disarm you, while the normality of these 'abnormal' people will truly make you rethink your attitude towards those who are not 'like us'.

I use inverted commas because, with this movie, nothing is certain, and old prejudice is challenged and overcome, as these two beautiful people overcome their adversities.

This movie will make you laugh, cry, and cheer. It is a romantic comedy par excellence. Even those who dislike most 'Rom-coms' will love this movie.

Buy it or rent it, but either way see this movie, it will change you deeply.

10 out of 10

A highly recommended movie for any couple or a sappy group of friends. I was pleasantly surprised by the exceptional acting and superb emotional content. The entire film (with the exception of the ending) unfolded very well.

Perfection is not a good word here, however. At some moments you feel suddenly drained and disappointed at what is occurring. You will also pity the main characters instead of loving them at some awkward moments. Though true, perhaps, in real life - this is the movies we're watching and it almost makes you want to stop watching. The ending also feels very rushed.

In it's entirety this is a good movie, despite the imperfections. The cast, score, and story leave you feeling warm and entertained.

I'm sure everyone involved in this movie had the best of intentions. Maybe that's the problem. Certainly the idea and much of the execution of the romance was well done, but the movie just didn't work. All conflict was removed from the screenplay, other than the conflict between Carla and her mother, and it was obvious from the start that that would be resolved. The movie dragged out, hitting its points over and over and over and over again. It all looked phoney (especially the scene between the mother and Michelle. The mother's line to her was the height of hypocrisy). The acting was good, but the story was too weak, contrivied, and pat. If you want to see something good on this subject, rent BEST BOY. Give everyone here an A for intentions, but an F for filmmaking.

'The Other Sister' is genuinely..........okay. It has its strengths and its weaknesses, but they sort of balance out in the end to be 'okay'. The performances are uniformly very good, and that is the movie's greatest asset. It is also very sympathetic towards Carla and very reflective of any young woman's desire to get out from under the thumb of a over-bearing mother. You don't have to be mentally challenged to know what that's like! It is also, however, perhaps overly sappy, simplistic in plot and self-consciously PC. Not that PC. movies are necessarily always bad, but when a movie is self-concious about being so, it can occasionally feel vaguely stilted- which 'The Other Sister' does. The sappiness comes from the love story angle. I think I would have preferred if the story simply stayed with Carla in her simple, honest attempts to become part of every day society, rather than becoming a romantic comedy with some rather off-putting aspects to it. Juliette's performance is pure enough to have carried the film without her having a love interest, and while I like Giovanni and his performance was very good, he is not quite the natural that Juliette is. Diane Keaton is every over-protective mother trying to spare her daughter the cruelty of the world, and 'The Other Sister' oddly forebears 'The Virgin Suicides' in the message that parents cannot shield their children from life or death. That film toasts this one in virtually every way, but since 'The Other Sister'- while largely mediocre- had the ambition to try addressing the issues facing mentally-challenged young women as they try to navigate life, I'm giving it points for effort- and for the good performances.