Matialth Good concept, poorly executed.

Listonixio Fresh and Exciting

Bereamic Awesome Movie

Keeley Coleman The thing I enjoyed most about the film is the fact that it doesn't shy away from being a super-sized-cliche;

TxMike A lot has happened in the ethics of medicine since this movie was made. I only got around to seeing it now.Thirty-something Richard Dreyfuss is creative sculptor and all-around active guy Ken Harrison. Early on we see him driving home and distracted does not see an accident in time to avoid it. His small car becomes wedged under a truck. Awake in the hospital he finds himself with a number of broken bones but, more importantly, an injured spinal cord which makes him a quadriplegic, at least for the short term.Ken initially makes the most of it, his good humor carrying him through, bantering with hospital staff and his wife, joking about his condition. However, months into treatment when he finally realizes he will never walk again, never sculpt again, and must rely on dialysis for the rest of his life, he loses his desire to keep on.He asks for the hospital to discharge him, but they don't want to because it would mean certain death withing a short period of time. Their medical ethics require that he be kept alive by all normal means.So the most of the movie is about Ken's fight to allow him to make his own decisions, thus the title "Whose Life Is It Anyway?" He hires a lawyer, etc, etc.John Cassavetes is good as Dr. Michael Emerson who fights Ken's discharge. Christine Lahti is good as the young Dr. Clare Scott who achieves a split loyalty, because she understands what Ken is going through. Bob Balaban is Ken's lawyer Carter Hill .SPOILERS - As if anybody still does not know - after a court hearing with experts, held in a makeshift hospital room, the judge rules that Ken can make his own decision to be discharged.

Michael smith This film may well deal with a taboo area of medicine which of course is patients control over their own death. The film deals with a very morbid subject area without descending into difficult viewing.Richard Dreyfuss's delivers a continum of comedy while not betraying the feeling of hopelessness felt by his character. Other than great dialogue and acting the film leaves the viewer questioning common sense notions of the rightieusness (probably spelt wrong sorry) of medical professionals as well as acknowledging the reality that the institution of medicine is a new religion that dictates its own values on the less powerful subjects in its claws (claws is too much isn't it). Great film!!!

Zeorymer Before I start, let me say 2 things. 1. All names here are the original names, unchanged from the script that I have right here in my hand. It is Kay Sadler, not Mary Jo Sadler. In my Bye Bye Birdie cast list, it is not Rose DeLeon, but Rose Alvarez. 2. My opinions on Ken Harrison's argument shall not affect this cast list at all.KEN HARRISON-A sculptor who is crippled from the neck down in a car accident. Seeing as how he can not use his hands, he sues the hospital for the right to die.DR. MICHAEL EMERSON-A very professional doctor who has a God complex. Views himself as Ken's "father". He's quite opposed to letting Ken die, and will go to Hell and back to ensure that Ken doesn't.DR. JOAN SCOTT-Emerson's underling, she sympathizes with Ken much more than Emerson does. During the course of the movie, she begins a relationship with Ken's lawyer.HEAD NURSE ANDERSON-The nurse that oversees Kay Sadler in her training. She's developed a reputation as a cold-hearted person. PHILLIP HILL-Ken Harrison's lawyer who represents him in his bid to die. He begins a romance with Joan Scott.JOHN-Perverted orderly who will not stop flirting with Kay. The comic relief in the play, he agrees with Harrison.DR. PAUL TRAVERS-Resident psychiatrist at the hospital where Ken is staying. He examines Ken and pronounces him legally sane to stand trial.KAY SADLER-Nurse in training. She takes care of Ken's daily needs, but John won't stop flirting with her.MRS. GILLIAN BOYLE-Medical social worker that is sent in to try and cheer Ken up. She remains relatively detached from her patients and is sickeningly optimistic.DR KERSHAW-Phillip Hill's senior partner in his law firm. Examines Emerson at the hearing.DR. BARR-Psychiatrist who examines Ken Harrison and also find him legally sane.DR. EDEN-The hospital's lawyer. He also examines Harrison as well as Barr in the hearing.JUSTICE MILHOUSE-The judge called in to decide Ken's fate. He emphasizes the idea that neither side of the argument is right or wrong, and that nobody is the bad or good guy.Note to all potential performers of the play: If you find yourself having too many females or males, it has been decided that the following roles could be played by either male or female: Dr. Barr Dr. Eden Dr. Kershaw Dr. Travers Ms. Boyle (In extreme cases) Justice Milhouse (In extreme cases)

gregson This film is not even about life or death it is about power and is especially relevant these days what with the Oregon Death With Dignity Law controversy. It is a well-done film that masterfully lays out the issues involved. It is also a well-told story and in my book, that is the prime requirement for a good film.