"My Sister's Keeper"

"My Sister's Keeper" is a movie based on New York Times bestselling author Jodi Picoult's novel of the same name. It is directed by Nick Cassavetes who also directed "The Notebook" and "John Q."

The story centers around Anna portrayed by Abigail Breslin -- a remarkable and brilliant young actress who always gives her best to her roles. Anna is a young girl born into a family with an older brother and an ailing older sister, Kate, who has leukemia. Although Anna herself is not ill, she might as well be since she was conceived as a "donor" for Kate. Anna has been probed and prodded from birth and undergone medical procedures designed to save Kate's life. Anna's activities are also restricted by this and she longs to be a normal young woman participating in normal pursuits. When Kate needs one of Anna's kidneys, Anna balks and hires an attorney (a great role for Alec Baldwin) to seek medical emancipation allowing her the right to make all medical decisions regarding her own body.

Anna's decision rips her family apart. Her mother (played to perfection by Cameron Diaz) gave up her law practice to care for Kate but returns to the courtroom to fight Anna's right to medical emancipation. Anna's brother already appears to be on her side -- helping her hock a piece of jewelry to pay her attorney. Anna's father, who I believe already saw her as an individual apart from her sister's medical needs, begins to view her in a new light as he recalls the physical and emotional pain Anna has endured in order to help Kate -- who Anna does dearly love.

Joan Cusack portrays the judge assigned to hear this unique case and brings great depth to her role as a judge who is also a mother who has suffered the loss of her own child.

This movie would be a good starting place for a discussion about family relationships, love, loss, and much more.

Cassavetes has brought together a spectacular cast to tell this story that is not only emotionally gripping but full of love and moments of light heartedness plus a totally surprise ending. Please don't let the subject matter deter you from watching this one -- It's well worth seeing in my opinion.

pazt