What Makes a Family (2001)

A very heart-wrenching, powerful, and emotional movie that I highly recommend. A definite must-see for those who are interested in movies that relate to lesbian and gay topics, and the ongoing struggle for their full civil rights. If any movie makes the case for the ability of lesbians and gays to be loving, decent parents, it is this one. The acting was incredible, especially that of Anne Meara and Brooke Shields. They were such genuine characters, and my heart ached and my blood boiled to see what Shields's character had to go through and the prejudice she put up with just because she loved someone of the same gender. Nobody should have to go through what this mother did.

From the cinematic point of view, this film is excellent, for this reason I give it a good vote - picture quality, music, actors' performance, and the plot itself provide plenty of interest for the spectator with not a dull moment. There is doubtless some idealization of the couple as they cannot put a foot wrong in the story and everything is calculated in the story to at least attempt to make the spectator sympathize with their plight Politically and morally, the film seems much more dubious to me and whilst two ladies living together is one thing, that they should want to have a child is pure anathema to me as we all know that to bring up a child properly requires a male and a female presence. Therefore, basically, they are not doing the child a favour by doing this and are acting out of pure but incomprehensible selfishness. The act therefore of obtaining a child by artificial ( not natural means ) is therefore reprehensible and against nature. That said, I would tend to agree with the judge on his decision that in spite of this, the remaining partner was probably the best person to bring up the child if she indeed was able to reconcile professional and family life. But as I said earlier, the film manipulates the spectator to support the remaining partner against the grand parents who are depicted as possessive and "not-so-nice" people, suddenly turning against the remaining partner after the death of their daughter which is of course unfair, as she didn't catch lupus from her partner. Their daughter's gradually deteriorating condition is genuinely painful to witness and would-be spectators should be advised that the film is indeed very distressing but of course well acted. All this tugs on the heartstrings of the viewer and why not indeed, as cinema is here to make us feel emotion.

Just thinking of this movie brings tears to my eyes. It was beautifully done. I admit before the movie I thought lesbiens and homosexuals had no business having children. In two short hours my opinion changed. This movie was so beautiful and it showed me it doesn't matter what your sexual preference is. Love is love. Period. I'm outraged that Florida is so backwards. They need to get with the program.This movie is about a lesbien couple, Sandra Cataldi and Janine Nielson. Sandra, who's a dog trainer, comes from a loving middle class class family. Janine, a nurse, comes from a cold, uncaring wealthy family. She has a poor self image until she starts dating Sandra. During their relationship, she really comes into her own. Shortly after their "wedding" they decide to have a child. Sandra gets pregnant through artifical insemination. Her parents are thrilled. Janine's are not. Everything is wonderful until Sandra is diagnosed with lupas. Through the whole ordeal, her parents were warm and loving. That changed after her death. After that, Sandra's parents take the child away and Janine must fight for her child. I was holding my breath until the end. Although I was rooting for Janine, the movie doesn't make you do that. They make it so you understand both sides, which is something I loved. This movie will make you laugh and cry. Well done Brooke, Cherry, Anne, and Sandra's father and daughter.

I don't know what words there are to say about this movie that can begin to describe how I felt while watching it. From the brilliant script to the acting done by Brooke Shields, her partner, the adorable little girl, and everyone else, I was moved in a way that no other movie I have seen has affected me. I still cannot stop crying and it ended fifteen minutes ago... everyone, especially those who are cynical of domestic partnerships and their competence as parents, should see this movie. I was so happy to hear that it was based on a true story- how wonderful!! I only wish that I could contact the real Janine, and praise and thank her for being such a role model and pioneer in a controversial area that so desperately needs widespread recognition. Kudos to Barbra Streisand, Whoopi Goldberg, Cis Corman, Brooke Shields, and everyone involved in the production of this movie for their courage and integrity.