LORENZO'S OIL

CAPSULE REVIEW –– I guess I'm just a sucker for the medical miracle stories, but this is one you definitely shouldn't miss. Partly because of the performances, but mainly because it's true. Sarandon and Nolte are wonderful as the parents of a deathly ill boy who struggle to unlock the secrets of their son's illness, determined to find a way to cure him. They butt heads with everyone from nurses to the medical establishment to members of their own family, who tell them the miracle they're yearning for is just not possible. This story illuminates the importance of faith and the power of determination. Nolte gives a staggering performance as the father who teaches himself everything there is to know about his son's disease and the human body for the sole purpose of being able to have more time with his son. I'm sure this is one of those films the medical establishment just hates. God forbid someone think out of the box when it comes to medicine. What keeps this film real and makes it even more touching are the performances by the young boys who portray Lorenzo over the years. What they had to go through to bring this disease to the screen is beyond impressive. I've seen this movie several times and it never fails to lift my spirit, despite the subject matter and Nolte's annoying Italian accent. A real dramatic gem.