An inspiring and touching look at how members of three families decide or not to find out if they are carriers of the Huntingtons gene. I knew very little about Huntingtons Disease before watching. I knew one person who has Huntingtons Disease and another who is a carrier of the gene. Seeing this film gave me some understanding of what Huntingtons Disease is and how it impacts whole families. Witnessing the struggle each person has when facing the decision to find out if they carry the Huntingtons gene or not, was riveting. The film brought multiple perspectives on the decision making process to the viewer, which allowed for a deeper appreciation of the complexity of this process. The film had an excellent balance between its emotional and informative content and the subject was treated with respect, compassion and understanding. Inspiring and humane, this film is definitely worth your time!
4 Reviews
Moving and personal; solid production values; suspenseful
RichardMM13 May 2012
I saw this film at the DOXA film festival today. It follows the stories of three families affected by Huntingdon's Disease. The families are all different from each other, as is their disease stage, and their individual responses to it. The film takes us through the family's struggles, and draws us in emotionally, yet without sentimentality. Pacing is good, and overall the movie's look and feel is solidly professional. The viewer really cares about each at-risk character's dilemma regarding whether or not to be tested for the disease, and what the outcome of said tests will be--this suspense is handled artfully throughout the film's duration. Also, we're given an opportunity to develop our own feelings and to make our own judgments--I didn't sense myself being manipulated by the film maker. Well done!
Well done and informative.
ggouldin12 August 2015
Warning: Spoilers
This movie has extreme personal importance. My family recently discovered that we have a history of Huntingtons. We hadn't known about any of this before since both my grandfather and great grandfather (who must have been gene positive) died young in plane crashes completely unrelated to the disease before an onset of symptoms. Since the knowledge of the disease in our family has become known there has been much debate about getting tested. A few of us want to know but many don't. This documentary does an excellent job of really showing the reality of the disease, of the test, and of the consequences of the result weather it is negative or positive. It doesn't pull any punches about the severity of the illness or the reality the knowledge of a disease. Knowledge is a powerful and dangerous tool. I appreciate that the film doesn't make a judgment call on if people should or shouldn't be tested it simply presents the logical outcome. Before watching the film I was certain I would get tested and I would do so as fast as I can. Now I'm more aware of the consequences of that knowledge. Very well done and worth watching, even if this disease doesn't personally touch you or your family. Would you really want to know?
Huntington disease
yimyum7 September 2014
Warning: Spoilers
Eye-opening documentary
This is an educational documentary about the circumstances surrounding the Huntington's disease. The documentary shows the consequences the disease has on the patient, those at risk and the burden it puts on the family. The development of screening for the disease raises a lot of ethical questions that the individuals at risk have to consider e.g. how it would affect their lives knowing or not knowing that they have the disease. I like how the documentary focuses on three very different families' but with the Huntington's disease in common. This shows that there is a variety of ways to live with or "without" it, and to tackle this disease. They all make choices based on what they conclude is the best for them and their family's future. One choice is not necessarily better than another. It affected my view of people with disabilities and their families. I have not thought much about how difficult it must be not being born with symptoms of a neurodegenerative disease or brain damage, but waiting for the symptoms to show while leading a "normail" life. I recommend that everybody watch this documentary by John Zaritsky. It is hard not to admire John Roder's, a scientist who has been having symptoms for ten years, and his desire for the best quality of life, as well as Jeffrey Carroll's admirable commitment to find a cure for Huntington's disease. Not only is the documentary educational for families with HS; it is relevant for all of us. Genetic tests are developing, and more of us have to decide if we want to know our genetic depositions in the future. Watch!
This is an educational documentary about the circumstances surrounding the Huntington's disease. The documentary shows the consequences the disease has on the patient, those at risk and the burden it puts on the family. The development of screening for the disease raises a lot of ethical questions that the individuals at risk have to consider e.g. how it would affect their lives knowing or not knowing that they have the disease. I like how the documentary focuses on three very different families' but with the Huntington's disease in common. This shows that there is a variety of ways to live with or "without" it, and to tackle this disease. They all make choices based on what they conclude is the best for them and their family's future. One choice is not necessarily better than another. It affected my view of people with disabilities and their families. I have not thought much about how difficult it must be not being born with symptoms of a neurodegenerative disease or brain damage, but waiting for the symptoms to show while leading a "normail" life. I recommend that everybody watch this documentary by John Zaritsky. It is hard not to admire John Roder's, a scientist who has been having symptoms for ten years, and his desire for the best quality of life, as well as Jeffrey Carroll's admirable commitment to find a cure for Huntington's disease. Not only is the documentary educational for families with HS; it is relevant for all of us. Genetic tests are developing, and more of us have to decide if we want to know our genetic depositions in the future. Watch!
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