Movie Review: Little Sparrow
- 29-6-2010
- All Flourish: Articles: Archive, Movie, Reviews
A Little Sparrow’s love for her Mother
Reviewed by Tammi IrelandMovie Review: Little Sparrow
Reviewed by Tammi IrelandThe story of a mother dealing with secondary cancer while her three daughters face their own challenges was extremely emotional, in some ways depressing and yet incredibly identifiable. Tammi explains why, here.
"I find the movies I tend to love best are the ones where I can deeply identify with a character. When I felt lost, I loved Breakfast at Tiffanys, when I discovered I wanted to be a writer, I loved Sex and the City, when I returned from Italy it was all about Under the Tuscan Sun. I don’t think I’m unique in this identification/movie love ratio and I feel that’s the reason so many people left the screening of Little Sparrows in tears.
There was no sole character I identified with, rather seeing my life in different parts of theirs but the mother – suffering from terminal cancer and being the sole strength of the film – was incredible to see. It was a celebration of motherhood and I instantly felt more love for my own mum as a result. As her three daughters ran to her with problems of their own – some fixable, others inexcusable – she continued to be their rock and their strength, even as her own physical strength was waning.
The bond between mother and daughters is unlike any other. They are so unlike a father-daughter/mother-son relationship, just as I’m sure a father’s bond with his son is unrivalled. When we feel a mother’s love, we feel completely and utterly safe and understood. This was evident in Little Sparrows and is evident in all flourishing mothers’ lives. As a daughter, your mother is always the person you can run to, the person who will take your secrets and hold them regardless of their price. She’s the person who will always forgive you (even if it takes a long time) and whom you know will be there for you whenever you need. I could not imagine a life without mine and when the possibility of a mother being terminally ill was thrust upon me through Little Sparrows, a sadness and gratitude came with it.
Often we can take the people around us for granted, particularly if they share our blood or are in a romantic relationship with us. We just make the assumption they will always be there. It’s not always the case and so I ask you to say thank you to your mum today. To tell her you love her and to trust her to hold your secrets, keep you safe and nourish you through thought and love."
Little Sparrows was directed and produced in Western Australia.
For further information: www.littlesparrowsthemovie.com 
