The movie is based on Margaret Edson’s play and follows the life of professor Vivian Bearings who is a literal and a hardnosed English professor who is diagnosed with advanced stage ovarian cancer. During the story, she reflects on the reactions of her loved ones and herself following her diagnosis. Along the story, she also reflects on the significant moments of her life as a teacher and professor of English poetry. During her stay at the hospital, she meets many new people in her life; she is taken care by Jason Posner, her attending doctor, who finds peace with life only whilst carrying out his profession. A nurse, Susie Monahan, is the only person in the hospital that truly cares about her condition and helps her. The head doctor, Dr. Harvey Kelekian (Christopher Lloyd), is a result driven person who wants results no matter what might be the cost. During her stay at the hospital, Vivian goes through several treatments. Due to her advanced condition, she goes through a very aggressive and experimental chemotherapy program.
Showing sympathy for patients
The movie shows her fight and struggles against ovarian cancer, Emma Thompson brilliantly portrays the role and makes way into our heart, making the finale ever so more emotional. This film is used at many medical colleges, as an example for future doctors and researchers on how not to behave. This is a main highlight of the movie as to how the patient is mistreated by the head of staff and other doctors; they turn her into an experimental dummy, instead of showing sympathy for her condition.
Weathering through the storm
The movie appeals to audiences for it teaches people bravery, it teaches them to stay strong during hard times and to stay positive. It also sends a message to the people about the problems people with such terminal diseases face. It helps people to realise that life is precious and that we should take time to reflect on our decisions and choices.
