Friday, October 9, 2015
Captive Adoption Movie Review
Brian Nichols is on the run. He escaped from a courthouse’s
prison cell after knocking out his guard and shooting a judge, a court reporter
and another guard. While on the run, Nichols seeks safety in the home of Ashley
Smith. Smith is fighting drug addiction and is trying to be reunified with her
daughter, who is current living with an extended family member. Nichols holds
Smith hostage overnight. Smith is concerned for her own safety, and is also
concerned that she will miss a big appointment with her young daughter.
The Adoption
Connection
The protagonist is a mother who is battling drug addiction
in an effort to get back custody of her daughter. Her story will be familiar to
people who have been involved with the foster care system.
Strong Points
Ashley’s dedication to her daughter is evident. She
desperately wants to overcome her addiction. She exhibits some amazing bravery
and courage.
Nichols also is able to show some tenderness toward a child.
Challenges
Ashley’s Aunt Kim challenges her about how her addiction has
impacted her daughter. She says, “You’ve broken almost every promise you’ve
made to her.” Kim later calls to apologize for being “rude and unfair.”
When Ashley is held hostage by Nichols, he keeps her
daughter’s address as a means of threatening Ashley into complying with his
demands – he’ll attack her daughter if Ashley doesn’t follow his orders.
Weak Points
A scene where it appears that Ashley may be on the verge of
getting raped could be very difficult for some viewers.
Recommendations
This movie is geared towards adults. While a child is in
out-of-home care, that’s not the main point of the story. This is an interesting
film, and adults watching it could perhaps develop some compassion for parents
whose kids are in foster care. It’s not for kids, and adults could take it or
leave it.
Questions for
Discussion
Where did Ashley’s bravery come from?
How does Ashley fit with your preconception of parents whose
children are in foster care?
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