Fact based drama about an American couple on vacation in Italy in 1994 with their two children who are attacked and shot by highway bandits. Shortly, they discover that their son is brain de... Read allFact based drama about an American couple on vacation in Italy in 1994 with their two children who are attacked and shot by highway bandits. Shortly, they discover that their son is brain dead. The parents are then faced with the hard decision to donate the boy's organs, which ul... Read allFact based drama about an American couple on vacation in Italy in 1994 with their two children who are attacked and shot by highway bandits. Shortly, they discover that their son is brain dead. The parents are then faced with the hard decision to donate the boy's organs, which ultimately led to saving the lives of seven seriously ill Italian patients.
- Nominated for 1 Primetime Emmy
- 1 win & 2 nominations total
- Eleanor
- (as Hallie Kate Eisenberg)
- Richard Brown
- (as Jeremy Zimmerman)
- Director
- Writer
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Featured reviews
What a sad but inspiring story. I cry every time I watch it. The strength and courage of the Green family shines through the performances of Curtis (Maggie) and Alan Bates (Reg). Their performances were wonderful as was the film in itself.
I'm surprised it only has a rating of 6.9 (???). Maybe too light on the violence and action for some people's tastes.
It could've easily been awash with sentimentality; the subject matter certainly lends itself to it, but I thought the director and writers hit exactly the right balance.
Also, very well acted by both Bates and Curtis, and the child actor who portrayed Nicholas was so likable. You are emotionally drawn into the family's joy, ordeal and subsequent altruism.
Words can't express the beauty and tragedy of this movie.
And the score...so simple and yet so very expressive, and imparts hope in the sadness.
You'd have to have a heart of stone not to cry thru some of the parts.
Every aspect of this film comes together like a fine swiss clock.
I would think that this movie is a fitting memorial to Nicholas and his family, and how their sacrifice transformed an entire nation.
Alan Bates was such an undervalued actor in his lifetime. Though I haven't seen very many of his films, I've enjoyed the ones I have. A fine, fine character actor.
And Jamie Lee Curtis, she's come a long way from the slasher movies, and the fluff sexpot/comedy pieces of the 70's and 80's.
And finally, Hallie as little sister was adorable.
I'd liked to have seen a piece of film of the actual family. That would've capped the ending beautifully. I assume the photo on the gravestone was the real Nicholas.
Inspirational. The Green family are all heroes, and they embody the best of the human spirit even under the most difficult circumstances.
Nicholas Green, they'll build monuments in your name!
Excellent movie. Brought me to total tears. I cried during the entire end of the film.
This is movie making that should be shared.
10* out 10
Did you know
- TriviaThis incident caused organ donation in Italy to triple. It has been referred to as The Nicholas Effect.
- ConnectionsFeatured in The 50th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards (1998)