89 minutes, Documentary 

Movies. They can be a wonderful thing. Transporting us from our seats into a foreign land, whether fiction or real, allowing us an experience we may never have in our lives. They can fill you with joy, bring you to tears, frighten you and best of all – they can hand you a new tool to be used in your own life. And that is something that this wonderfully produced documentary feature conveys. Filmmaker Roger Ross Williams (GOD LOVES UGANDA) takes us inside the home of the Suskind family, where Ron & Cornelia face many struggles from the time they’re advised that their son, Owen has autism. As a coping mechanism, Owen uses animated Disney movies to comprehend the world around him.

Based on the book by Ron Suskind and winner of 6 awards including the Directing award at Sundance, it is the truthful and eye-opening insight given – by way of interviews with its main subjects and the use of personal family recordings taken over the years – that make LIFE, ANIMATED truly engaging. The heart & soul of this documentary is Owen, who is a most endearing young man in which compassion and sentiment are never an effort to feel. But what triumph’s above any adversity this family face is the discovery and understanding of how Owen’s parents and brother can connect with him. Surely a vital reason this film has been made, it is factual proof that finding the right method of communication (in its many forms) for the person in question is the key to unlocking everything that just can’t find a way to be expressed or let out. Even if it is a more unique form used here!

3.5 out of 5

LIFE, ANIMATED FILM TRAILER

Viewer Discretion 
PG – Mild themes and Coarse Language

Moviedoc wishes to thank Sophie from Madman and Madman Cinema for the in-season pass to watch LIFE, ANIMATED. 

Review by Moviedoc 
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