Movies That Have Changed My Life

Over the past few months, while guesting at a few author blogs, I listed the movies which have had a strong impact on my life and my writing. Except for one, all are based on real life incidents or persons. In no particular order of preference, they are:
1. The Killing Fields tells the story of journalist Sidney Schanberg and Dith Pran, his assistant and photographer whom Schanberg was forced to leave behind after Cambodia fell to the communist regime of Pol Pot. It is a salute to the perseverance of the human spirit and is made even more magical by John Lennon's "Imagine". A winner in more ways than a few Oscars.
2. Steel Magnolias is the lone fictional piece in the bunch. The first time I saw it, it made me laugh and it helped me to weep on a day when I needed to shed buckets of tears--we had sent our first-born child off to college and I was beside myself with grief. I am forever indebted to Shirley MacLaine and Olympia Dukakis.
3. The Accused starred Jodie Foster [pre Silence of the Lambs days], and Kelly McGillis. Based on an incident of gang rape at a bar in New Bedford, Massachusetts, Jodie earned herself a well-deserved Oscar and Kelly should have received one. Though more than 20 years old, this is still fresh and current as it graphically demonstrates how society punishes any woman who fails to 'follow the rules.'
4. Defiance showcases two of my faves: Liev Schrieber and Daniel Craig as two brothers who saved thousands of Jews by hiding them in the forests of Belarus while carrying out guerrilla attacks on the Nazis and their Belorussian collaborators. Another powerful tribute to the indomminant human spirit.
5. Veronica Guerin is the true story of an Irish investigative journalist who delved too close into the activities of a vicious Dublin gangster--then paid the ultimate price when she refused to heed warnings to cease and desist. Another fine example of a woman who didn't follow the rules set down by men. Cate Blanchett is a wonder.
6. Romero. Starring the charismatic Raul Julia, this follows the life of Archbishop Oscar Romero of El Salvador, who transforms from a bookish and reclusive hypochrondiac to an outspoken advocate for the poor and disenfranchised. He will be declared a saint for his martyrdom--once they prove a few miracles of healing.
7. The Official Story won an Oscar for best foreign film back in the late 80's and tells the story of a high school history teacher who begins to suspect her precious adopted five year-old daughter may be the child of one of los desaparecidos, thousands abducted, tortured and murdered during Argentina's Dirty War. The story is graphic in the telling and shows the sadness and strength of Las Madres de la Plaza, women who lost their children to the powerful military junta and to this day continue to demonstrate every Thursday afternoon for acknowledgement of wrong-doing, information on the location of the dead, and the rightful return of the babies born during their parents' captivity. The ending, left to the viewer to decide, is a catch-22.
8. Cautiva, another film out of Argentina, focuses on a 15 year-old convent school student who is pulled out of the only family she has ever known after it is proven she is the child of two los desaparcidos. It is truly remarkable if only for the professionalism and emotions by the two teenage leads. The ending, slightly different from that of The Official Story, is equally as emotional and rewarding.
9. The Stoning of Soraya M. proves, again, that male chauvinism continues to flourish in many parts of the world. Soraya's husband desires a younger, prettier [less shop worn] model so he lies and says Soraya committed adultery with a neighbor man. She is stoned to death as is the law of the land. If this doesn't raise consciousness I don't know what will.
Until next time.

She's here!!!

It is official. Embraceable You will be released on February 23, 2011. I couldn't be happier.

The cover art takes my breath away. WRP artist Tina Lynn captured the vulnerability of Dru Horvath and the strength of protector Rory McElroy to a T. I am beyond thrilled. I hope you are also.
Slainte
Kat