Donna Kee Missa Chickabee. Review on Nell Movie

I watched this movie several years ago and was impressed. I watched it again recently and was even more impressed. This is one of those films that just seems to stand the test of time.

It is the story of Nell. She is something of a wild woman raised in a secluded cabin by her mother. No one even knows of her existence until her mother suddenly dies. She is then discovered by the town sheriff and local doc when they come out to investigate her mother's death. They must then decide what to do with her. Should she be left in the woods alone are taken in for her own good?

Dr. Lovell, the town doctor, decides to seek some assistance in making this determination. He goes to Dr. Paula Olsen for this help. She thinks it is a good idea to consult with her boss. He sees this as a fabulous research opportunity and wants them to immediately bring her in for testing.

Dr. Lovell disagrees with their assessment and fights for Nell's right to live as she chooses. All of the decisions are complicated by the fact that Nell can not speak for herself. It seems she speaks some form of unknown language. Dr. Lovell and Dr. Olsen both move into the woods to observe Nell and to try to learn to communicate with her before she is to be brought to court for a competency hearing. In the process of this observation they learn a lot about Nell, but even more about themselves.

What makes us human? Do we need people in order to survive and to be happy? Should everyone be judged by what they have and what they want out of life? These are some of the questions that they are forced to face and that the viewers as well are forced to face.

I was completely blown away by the acting in this film especially that of Jodie Foster as Nell. There are so many times throughout the movie that even though you aren't able to understand from her words what she is saying, you know just the same. The use of body language and facial expressions is just amazing. It is no wonder that she was nominated for an Academy Award. Liam Neeson does a great job as Dr. Lovell. Natasha Richardson is also terrific as Dr. Olsen.

I highly recommend this as a great family film. It is a film that will not only touch you on many levels, it will also make you think. You will laugh. You will cry. It will have you thinking about some of your prejudices and some of the things you take for granted. Go out and rent it or buy it today.