Barbara Welch

I fear that the critics and people who gave this movie a low rating never grew up in a dysfunctional family nor in poverty. You would have to experience both to understand the depth of this movie. Amy Adams and Glenn Close both gave stellar performances, deserving of awards. Ron Howard was also spot on in directing drug addiction and poverty in this film. I thank Netflix for providing this quiet unadvertised movie for viewing. I think if it had more promotion it would have been given better reviews from the critics...just saying money talks. One thing I have not heard mentioned in regards to this film is, how important it is to get an education. My favorite part of the movie is when JD wakes up to realize how important it is to have and education, plus realizes this may be a way out of poverty. Mee-maw doesn't show physical affection as that generation rarely did but did show her love by by getting JD out of the drug ridden environment he was living in and providing him with the calculator he needed for school even if she had to do without. The only thing missing here is where was the sister in all of this...was she left with her mother and marajuana using husband? Or did the grandmother rescue her as well? I'm still wondering about that.

If you've ever had a childhood friend who you were close to, you need to watch this movie and/or read the novel. The narrative follows childhood girlfriends from school age into adulthood. Some friendships are much closer and more endearing than between siblings. This movie personifies a deep and abiding friendship through trials, tribulations and accomplishments in the lives of Elena and Lila. It will stick in your memory so vivid that you will recall your own upbringing no matter the culture you grew up in. In that respect it is a universal book/movie about live.