Genre: drama
Directed by: Janet Grillo
Story: Jennifer Deaton
Produced by: Joey Carey, Lucy Mukerjee-Brown, Stefan Nowicki, Morgan White
Cast: AnnaSophia Robb, Famke Janssen, Israel Broussard, Taylor Richardson, Sophia Anne Caruso,
Rating: PG (Mild themes and course language)
"She can be a lot more than who she is if you give her a chance." -Jack
If you loved AnnaSophie Robb in Soul Surfer, you will be equally impressed with her very different role in this confronting yet moving film, Jack of the Red Hearts.
Jaqueline (AnnaSophia Robb) and Bethany (Sophia Anne Caruso) have been left to fend for themselves after losing their mother to illness as young children. With no family to take care of them, they promised their mother they would take care of each other, even after being handed over to a flawed foster system.
On the run from her probation officer, streetwise Jack (Jaqueline) desperately wants to rescue her younger sister Coke (Bethany) from another placement but not before she can prove she can provide a stable home environment. Needing an immediate job, she takes an opportunity to con her way into a nanny position, not realising that the child to be cared for is an 11 year old autistic girl named Glory.
Challenged by this role and in order to pull off her con as an experienced, qualified carer, Jack delves into research on Autism and to her surprise and the surprise of others, develops a bond with Glory that is able to get through to her in ways others haven't.
As she develops a relationship with Glory, she also develops a relationship with Glory's family which proves healing in more ways than one. The story draws to a close with Jack's past catching up with her - but you will just have to see the film for more details.
This movie reveals the challenges and advantages autism brings within the families and the broader communities of autistic children. Taylor Richardson is very convincing in her role as Glory and the experience from Producer, Janet Grillo, as a real life mother of an autistic child, has been very effective in bringing the realities of autism to the screen. The moments where Glory's family and friends are able to cut through the barriers of her condition and connect with Glory are priceless and worthy of celebration. Glory is endearing, and Jack's growing fondness and commitment to her finds Jack sacrificing her own good for someone else's.
Delve a little deeper, see beyond the surface and allow yourself to be touched by this very moving film.
I gave this movie a rating of 7/10. Jack of the Red Hearts will be released in selected cinemas on the 19th May, 2016.
To find out more information and to watch the trailer, head to www.jackoftheredhearts.com.au
Rebecca and her husband Tony, have four children and live on the Sunshine Coast, Australia. Rebecca loves writing children stories, interest articles and teaching piano. She is grateful for a God who loves us.
Rebecca Moore's previous articles may be viewed at www.pressserviceinternational.org/rebecca-moore.html