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REVIEW ON FAMILY MEMBER WITH CANCER

One True Thing THIS IS A MOVIE ABOUT THE VERY REAL ANGER IN A FAMILY TRYING TO COPE WITH THE CANCER THAT A MOTHER HAS BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH. SAD, BUT VERY POINENT , A VERY TRUE AND HEARTBREAKING STORY THAT A LOT OF FAMALIES GO THRU .

Streep is magical

I enjoyed this movie as much as you can, given the subject matter. Streep is completely amazing, Renee has some great moments, and Hurt does his usual preppy jerk routine. Several scenes will make you cry, but this is not the usual fatal-disease-in-the-family fare that you might expect it to be, thanks to Carl Franklin, who keeps the story fresh when stereotypes and cliches prevail.

uncompromised, brilliant performance by Meryl Streep

A wonderful movie. Meryl Streep's no-holds-barred performance, along with a beautiful story and intensely strong acting by William Hurt made Renee Zellweger's lackluster performance totally bearable. Highly recommended.

Good portrayal of a family dealing with cancer

"One True Thing", at the beginning, is a hard movie to watch. Rene Zellweger's character is the penultimate bitch, cold and unfeeling, and very unlikeable. As are all the characters when you first meet them. Once you make it past the first, say half hour, this movie begins to overtake you quickly. The storyline is basically this; a young, driven career woman is called home by her father to care for her aling mother, who has been stricken by cancer.
Meryl Streep, who I normally cant stand, delivers a DEAD ON performance of a woman dealing with cancer. I personally lived this story back in '97 (my then wife survived, and remains cancer free to this day) and her performance was 100% accurate to what I personally witnessed.William Hurt plays the father, who seems unable to cope with the fact his wife is dying. I too, lived that and can attest to the fact that the emotions and behavior portrayed were accurate."One True Thing" is at first, a test to get through, but if you fight through the opening.....you will end up rewarded, as this is a first rate tearjerker.4 out of 5

Solid performances, depressing movie

Renée Zellweger, in a definite departure from Jerry McGuire's ever faithful love interest, plays a newspaper journalist with high ambition and a deep-rooted need to gain her literary father's acceptance. Streep plays the somewhat flighty mother that Zellweger never understood while growing up, and even looked down on, until Zellweger is asked by her father to nurse her mother newly diagnosed with cancer. From here Zellweger takes a familiar journey to a greater understanding and appreciation of her mother and something of an estrangement from her father as she realizes his inherent egotism. The plot interweaves a few interesting sub-plots and themes, such as a brother whose academic life fails to meet his father's expectations, and a brief foray into the realm of assisted suicide, but on the whole retains the offspring/parent discovery plot. Perhaps the nicest twist in this story is the exploration of a mother/daughter relationship. Tom Hanks and Jackie Gleason in "Nothing in Common," and Ted Danson and Jack Lemmon in "Dad" are just two of a slew of father/son movies that explore this same theme, but "One True Thing" has a definite more tender edge, although somewhat distant and cold.Kudos to Karen Croner for writing characters that seem closer to real life than most tear jerkers. While it takes some time to begin empathizing with any of these somewhat distant characters, they are people you know. These are not caricatures, there is no one "bad guy" whose every move is malicious and there is no "good guy" whose every thought is self-sacrificing. These are people with foibles and problems and vices and times of weakness. Every character has a dark side and the audience understands that.Of course Meryl Streep shines again, as she does in all her roles. This time she is completely believable as a mother dying of cancer. She is warm, human, and never has a false moment. William Hurt plays a regular William Hurt character-a man so caught up in his own world that he fails to recognize what is around him (a la "Broadcast News" "The Accidental Tourist" "The Big Chill" "The Doctor" etc.) and completely believable, as well. Renée Zellweger plays a daughter extremely well, and has magnificent scenes with Streep and Hurt, although you never quite buy that she's really a reporter. She nails the humanity but somehow misses the ambition.In all, the cast pulls together wonderfully and completely engrosses you in the process. Again, the characters are all distant to us in the beginning, never knowing who to really identify with in the first few minutes. While many will point to this as an inherent weakness, this is what makes this movie real to me. We must settle in with these characters. They are not us, but we know them and it just takes some time to understand where they're coming from. In this, the discovery is worth the investment.

Depressing

Alright, I love Meryl Streep, but this movie was too sad, too slow, and just plain BORING! Maybe I didn't like it because the subject matter hit too close to home, but it just kind of dragged on, and the dialoge didn't help. If you like weepy movies that will make you cry, then this should be your thing. I for one, just couldn't take it. I'll have an action movie over this rubbish any day.

It's Not The Brady Bunch

If you want your next family flick to be sugar coated and ideal, skip this marvel of a film. If you want to pay attention to subtle dialouge details, be enthralled with rich, textural cinematography and possibly weep at moments so close to your heart, it hurts, actually hurts, add "One True Thing" to your video collection.

This film adaptation of Anna Quindlen's book may be considered a "chick flick"--and those viewers may cluck all they like. But once in a while, I like to be moved, deeply moved. And this cast does that: William Hurt, Meryl Streep, and Reneee Zellweger (of Jerry Maguire fame), encircle a plot like campers tending a continuous fire. Each doing their part to kindle, fan, and eventually stare into dying embers.

One of my favorite scenes of this "daughter comes home to take care of dying mother, realizing her perfect father has faults of his own" drama, is when William Hurt reaches for Meryl Streep's fragile hand, a rare reassurance of his love, and ever so slowly swirls her to Bette Midler's rendition of "Do You Wanna Dance".

I watched this film with yearning. Craving chances not taken with issues regarding my own mother. She did not die of cancer--she died of her own hand by pills, in my arms. I best stop here. Got tissues?

A grand film for thoughtful provocation.

Thank you for your interest & comments--CDS

After a good thing, immediately comes a bad thing.

"One True Thing" reminded me so much of those 80's drama movies, either because it is set during that decade, or because both William Hurt and Meryl Streep are in it and they usually were the stars of those 1980's drama movies. I may be wrong, but anyway, it's actually a very simple movie; nothing too special about it. The flashback method they used wasn't very effective. Also, what I've noticed about the film is that whenever a really good thing has happened, it'll be followed immediately by something bad. It sometimes tries too hard for your sympathy. But just like what everyone else has commented, Meryl Streep's performance was outstanding. It was so real and consistent. Though her Oscar nomination slot should have been given to somebody else, she's still worth it.

Very unusual but.....

Normally when I read a book AND see a movie taken from it, I prefer the book to the movie (if I liked either one) In the case of One True Thing-- I preferred the movie because the book text was constantly reminding you what an acheiver Ellen Gulden was which I thought to be a tad uneccessary. I found myself thinking "I GET the point already, come on!" In the movie version, Ellen is also smart and successful, but this is shown to us without hitting us over the head with it.

Current problems in a family

The plot of the film goes deeply into the current problems of any family. A couple with two children, both studying, the lady very well but the boy doing someething different of what his father wants from him, the mother as a housewife happy organizing parties and other social activities and also aware of what his husband beside his work is doing. She felt sick with cancer, and she does not want to be helped, she wants to work and to do what every day she does. Her daughter, already a professional inspired in the example of her father who is a professor, started to take care of her mother but also noticed that her father was doing something wrong out of the family. They discussed in a violent way publicly, and the mother before her death asked her to accept the life as it is and his father too. If you analyze the plot you may find that the situation drawn here is common in several other families all over the world. Life goes more or less smoothly until one of the member starts decaying, the family goes well but need all elements functioning, nobody is perfect and it is necessary to co-exist with the problems of the others making the life of each one compatible in the family and in the society. So the content of the film is quite interesting, but we should also acknowledge the acting of Meryl Streep, who in every film shows her extraordinary class, she is probably among the all-time five best actresses of cinema, while young Renée Zellweger did a work even much better than the one she did in "Bridget Jones's Diary" (2001). Her acting was so natural that at certain point I thought she was real. Certainly she is better to star in dramas than in comedies. William Hurt, as usual, acted also splendidly.

A wonderful, wonderful film.

This is one of my favourite films of all time, no doubt about it. Everything about it is superb. While it may appear to be a film which mainly appeals to women, I think that the men should give it a chance too - a substantial part of the storyline is from George Gulden's (William Hurt) point of view, as the father of the family.Through 'One True Thing', we see how a family copes with disease - from everybody's point of view. Although we follow the story from Ellen Gulden's (Renee Zellweger) eyes, it never feels like we're missing out on anything.The strongest point of the film is the superb acting. Hurt and Zellweger give very strong, convincing performances, and the supporting cast are also very good; however, it's Meryl Streep who stands out here. I truly believe this to be not only one of her best performances to date, but one of the best ever. Her work in this film is absolutely astounding. She's everything and anything the film could require from her - and then so much more. What she brings to this role is truly magical; the woman is a genius. How she could have missed out on the Oscar that year, I have absolutely no idea.There isn't much more to say, except for SEE THIS FILM. It is all at once extremely insightful, moving, humorous and beautiful. You won't regret watching this one.

I absolutely loved it!!

I rented the video last night and couldn't wait to watch it. A little slow in a few places, but the incredible acting kept me interested. I laughed and cried. Watch it with a girl friend and make sure you have plenty of tissues!

Zellweger is a revelation

Although Meryl Streep is excellent as the mother, Renee Zellweger is unbelievably magnificent as the career-minded daughter who journeys from castigating her mother's domesticity to truly revering it. In the process, she learns much about the shortcomings of men, and what we can and cannot demand from life. An excellent slice-of-life film, with wry humor, from beginning to end, is worth recommending to everyone.

One Awesome Mom

O.K. ladies, you have to see this movie. Yes it is very sad, like a "Terms of Endearment" kind of sad, but there is so much to see and learn. Meryl Streep plays this awesome mom that is probably the model homemaker, who through during her whole sickness is still the anchor of her family. This is a great movie for young girls to see so that they may get a better understanding of their moms. Meryl's character through the whole movie teaches us all to appreciate every little thing in life, to make the best of every moment, holiday, and relationship. The best quote from this movie, "More IS more". Great scenery during the holiday shots, wish I lived there. Get this movie for those rainy days when you want to just relax in your p.j.'s. Enjoy

ONE TRUE MOVIE...THREE GREAT PERFORMANCES

The movies I enjoy most are the ones I can relate to, or at least identify with a character to the point I can be moved by what they are experiencing. Such is the case of ONE TRUE THING. I lost both my mother and sister to cancer and had the agonizing experience of watching them both deteriorate before the end came. Meryl Streep gives the greatest performance of her life as Kate Gulden, whose life has been totally dedicated to giving herself sacrificially to her family. Now, as this debilitating illness overtakes her, she can't accept the fact her family now has to take care of her. Yet, it is only in this transfer of power that her family comes to know and appreciate just how strong she really is. How Ms. Streep was overlooked by the Academy is beyond me. Perhaps it is, as another has said, we just take her great talent for granted. To watch her character change through the progression of her illness and the resulting chemotherapy was astounding to watch. She is truly one of the greatest actresses ever to grace the screen. Renee Zellweger is convincing as the daughter who is forced to come back home to care for her dying mother, who she has never been close to. It is a traumatic experience to, once you have worked so hard to earn your independence, have to return home to live with your parents again. Even Ellen Gulden is not aware of the family values that have been instilled in her by her mother but, although naturally rebellious at the thought, she is willing to give up her promising career as a writer for a New York magazine to take on this responsibility because "It's the right thing to do". This character trait is revealed again later in Ellen's pursuit of a hot story that could make her career--the expose of a Senator and former classmate at Harvard whose political career is in jeopardy because of a variety of indiscretions. Ellen gets the interview, but lacks the "killer instinct" to pull it off, knowing her article would ruin not only his career but his family as well. Renee turns in a really sensitive performance. Her comedic genius comes through as well in the scene where she attempts to make a luncheon for her mother's ladies' club meeting and nearly sets the kitchen on fire. For some reason, the women barely touch their lunch, but they are still so impressed by her efforts, they make her an honorary "Minnie". It is then Ellen's greatest fears are realized; she is starting to feel trapped in the very world she tried so hard to escape. William Hurt is the father and husband, George Gulden, literary professor at the local university, winner of the American Book Award. He is an intellectual giant whose acquaintances include some of the great authors of the day. He does not understand his wife's housekeeping and ladies' club lifestyle, but finds it a convenience to him and a complement to his own career. In literary circles, George is a master of words, but in communicating to his family, he suffers "inflammation of the sentence structure and hardening of the paragraph". George was Ellen's idol when she was growing up, but now, as an adult, she sees his vulnerabilities and cannot accept them. Ellen's entire work ethic was motivated by her dad, now he has become, in her eyes, weak and helpless in a time of crisis. ONE TRUE THING is a story of how a family, so diverse yet so much alike, can be drawn together by tragedy. In the end, they all learn to accept each other as they really are--flaws and all. The film and the characters all come across as very real and, yes I cried even though I'm a guy. Anna Quindlen's story is very moving and thought-provoking. The music in the film really helps to set the mood, the score by Cliff Eidelman, and a very beautiful rendition of "Silent Night" by the Morrow Memorial United Methodist Church Choir of Maplewood, New Jersey (the film was shot in and around areas of New Jersey, not in Langhorne, Pennsylvania). There is also a terrific song by Bette Midler, "One True Friend", sung over the ending credits. Some of those who leave a movie as soon as the last scene fades and don't stay for the credits don't know what they miss. Unfortunately, neither of these two songs are on the soundtrack CD. It could have been the greatest soundtrack of all time and they blew it. Bette's song is on her CD "Bathhouse Betty" for all you Midler fans who might be wondering. Nevertheless, ONE TRUE THING has become one of my all-time favorite movies.

Absolutely divine!!!!!

"One True Thing" was just the best. Suffering through a relative's fight with cancer is very emotionally and mentally tough on those around them. I've been there and it's a sad and tough thing to bear. Renee Z is by far my least favorite actress but..... I have to give her a ten for this movie. Her character Ellen was a snotty carefree little snit in the beginning, not caring about anyone but herself. All of that changed in a flash. Renee did a wonderful job portraying a victim's caretaker. Meryl, as always, was superb. She, like my aunt, fought to the bitter end to overcome the illness. My aunt did not die of an overdose. As for William Hurt, his character was lousy. I realize that it's hard for some ment to come to grips with an illness such as cancer, but.......that does not condone his attitude or behavior. SELFISH SELFISH SELFISH!!!!!!!!!! See this movie, it's the best!!!!

Kudos, once again, for Meryl

A good movie, but not a great one, unfortunately. Plays a bit more like a "movie of the week" than a classic movie "weeper" (e.g., "Terms of Endearment"). Yet, all the performances are good, and . . . as always, Meryl proves (as if she has to) that she is perhaps the greatest film actress of our generation.The trouble with the film is that it tries to be about too much. About a woman dealing with her impending death; about a mother/daughter relationship; about a father/daughter relationship; about a marriage affected by a devastating disease. And, what, pray tell, happens to the character of the brother? For someone who so obviously feels great love towards his mother, where is it when the end draws near? That was never explained satisfactorily for me.But, at least we've got one actress in the running for this year's Best Actress category.

Good start, weak ending

Unlike Terms of Endearment and Steel Magnolia's, I left the movie theater feeling VERY disappointed. I started to get into the characters and their complex mother/daughter and father/daughter relationships at the beginning. I even cried. But I had no sympathy for the characters with the ending. The final act did not seem in line with the mother's character at all. So, although the acting was pretty good, I thought the movie on a whole was disappointing.

I hope everyone will take something from this movie

I put off seeing this film until now. My mother was seriously ill when it was released and passed away shortly thereafter, and I knew I couldn't handle it emotionally until some time had passed. Now I'm glad I did see it, and really appreciate the message it gives us.There are awkward moments in the beginning before the story really is set in motion, and I don't feel the framing device with the D.A. works all that well, but these problems are more than compensated for by what does work well. Carl Franklin is to be congratulated for his excellent job of direction, and also the producers and studio for having the insight to select him to direct, as I'm sure he would not have been a lot of people's first choice!I have always found Meryl Streep a difficult actress to warm up to - technically brilliant, yes, but I find something about her chilly and offputting, with certain exceptions of course, like "Sophie's Choice".
Well, she demolishes those reservations here with her stunning, deeply felt work. If another actress, who didn't already have a zillion nominations like Ms. Streep, had given this performance she would have waltzed off with the Oscar. William Hurt also does wonderfully well with his best role in years. Renee Zellweger has some problems with her role (I'd say notably an unsuccessful drunk scene) but makes a sincere and serious effort and succeeds more often than she fails. I do wonder what happened to Tom Everett Scott's role, though?The lesson of this film is such a valuable one - don't ever take the people you love for granted. Appreciate the contributions they make to your life now, and TELL them! You can't know now how much you'll miss them when they aren't there anymore, but take my word for it, you will.

Screenplay doesn't give men a chance

It is the women who carry the honours here: Meryl Streep as a housewife dying of cancer and her long-suffering daughter (Renee Zellweger) who rises to the occasion to manage the household after being asked to by her father, university lecturer William Hurt. But this screenplay doesn't give men a chance and the title, if nothing else, appears to refer to the fact that you can depend on women, but not on men.For all the men portrayed in the film are failures in one way or another: from Zellweger's employer, who mistakes a request to attend to her sick mother as a bid for a promotion, to her brother who is a Harvard drop-out, to her boyfriend who forever seems perplexed when faced with Miss Zellweger's far-richer repertoire of emotions.I suspect that this movie will strike a chord with women who find themselves in an unhappy marriage, or who have separated from a husband for it stereotypes the women as strong and ready to make sacrifices and the men weak, selfish and opportunistic.Meryl Streep's and Renee Zellweger's performances carry this somewhat ponderous movie that runs its course gracefully through the seasons in New England to its rather downbeat conclusion, and while William Hurt is called upon to be shallow, he does this well in what is an undemanding role for him.