One of my all time favorites. I immediately feel related to the young actress in her family struggles and eventual loss of her mother. The actor who plays her father( played in Silence Of The Lambs) creeped my out in this film too-- i always hope he is only acting, thats how good he is. Its inspiring how this young girl keeps her wits about her through all her struggles even though her trembling hands betray the crumbling inside she's feeling. Great performances--- i get so angry at the grandmother, she's that believable --- by the entire cast. I came to this page to get "Ellens" real life name to check out other movies she has made since then and took this opportunity to write a review. Number four on my top ten movies of all time.Thanks, enjoy the movie.