An Anorexic's Tale: The Brief Life of Catherine (TV Movie 1988) Poster

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7/10
Sad but informative
Vulcanoid21 July 2006
An excellent and gripping film that somehow kept the whole family hooked throughout.

The roles were relatively well played, especially the lead role of Catherine, who is quite believable most of the time. Overall, the film in itself was frustrating, as Catherine and everyone else seems to know what the problem is but no one seems to be able to tackle it. In fact, forget humour, as you will not find any in this film.

There is also some nudity, but this is tactfully handled and is not erotic at all. Specifically it occurs when Catherine is being bathed/towelled by her relatives.

Other than that, what struck me was the diary form by means of which the story was narrated, as well as the faith shown in Jesus by Catherine.

Do prepare a hanky for the ending - that is if you still have any feeling left in your body by then.. the movie really does hit hard.

One final word of warning for all parents - it might or might not be a good thing to let children watch this, depending on whether you prefer to inform them of the dangers of Anorexia or impress their minds with gloom. Younger children (under 13) especially may find it depressing. The consistently sad music does not help either. But then again, the topic itself is hardly cheerful so I suppose it makes sense.
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8/10
Very real
IridescentTranquility9 January 2005
Warning: Spoilers
A very realistic portrayal of an anorexic young woman and her illness, as far as this can be possible in a film. I understand that this is based on the true story of Catherine Dunbar's life and it seems to include all the hallmarks of an eating disorder. I think it deserves a wide audience because eating disorders are not trivial.

Eating disorders have a higher profile - for want of a better word - than they have had through history, and this film goes some way to explore the possible factors (in this case, it seems, Catherine's crumbling relationships with her understandably worried and helpless parents) and also some of the consequences. The character Catherine wants to work with children in later life, but the progression of her illness puts both this and the state of her own mind in jeopardy.

As this is a lower budget film, the atmosphere and actors are not particularly glamorous, but to criticise this would be to misunderstand the reason why the film was made. It is a tragic story, but manages to explore the situations and reactions that an eating disorder may provoke. Very much worth watching.
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