Sam

Production and year: USA, 2001 Originaltitle: I Am SamGenre: dramaDirector: Jessie NelsonScreenplay: Jessie Nelson, Kristine JohnsonCast: Sean Penn, Michelle Pfeiffer, Dakota Fanning, Dianne Wiest Medicaltopics: intellectual disability, agoraphobia Description: Sam Dawson, an adult man with the mind of a seven-year-old, is raising his daughter Lucy on his own. He is helped by a group of mentally disabled friends and a neighbor suffering from agoraphobia. When Lucy turns seven, social services begins to take an interest in the family’s situation. Officials conclude that Sam will not be able to properly raise his intellectually gifted daughter. To retain custody of Lucy, Sam decides to hire the most expensive lawyer. Rita Harrison, a lawyer, agrees to work for him pro bono to improve her reputation. Over time, she realizes that, as a mother, she has much to learn from the warm and caring Sam. A wonderful film; the atmosphere brings to mind the brilliant "Rain Man." Sean Penn, as always sensational, does not disappoint this time either. I wholeheartedly recommend it.