Film critic Jason S. Lockard reviews This Is My Sister.
In the 1950s the stark reality of special needs children was life in an institution, such would have been the fate of Mary, if not for her mother that said; after seeing the institutions, "not our Mary!" So as Bernard Siegel once said, "No Matter what the statistics say, there is always a way." The family determined within themselves to take care of Mary and make her life as happy as they could possibly make it.
Filmmaker Frank Caruso in his film "This Is My Sister", takes us on a journey of parents who were not willing to just put their child away. Two sisters who love their special sister with undying love and a very special lady named Mary Fisher who even though she had down syndrome lives a full and productive life.
This film will have you running the gambit of emotions you'll find yourself crying one minute and singing along with Mary the next. This is an incredible story of love, sacrifice and devotion. As Frank Caruso himself said, “Without love, you have no home.” And Mary has a loving home.
This is a film everyone should see. So I highly recommend you head over to http://www.frankgcaruso.com and watch the trailer of this impactful film. It very well may change the way you see special needs children forever.
Moral Rating: Parental Guidance
Genre: Documentary
Length: 61 minutes
Our Rating: A
What people are saying about the film.
"This is a beautiful story."
"What is remarkable is other families during those years who also made the choice to keep their children at home to give them a real life in a world who so often misunderstand the gift each person with a disability is to all of us."
"Lovely film. Thank you."
"Woke up thinking about it this morning. So much can be learned in life if we take the time to see the beauty and love that exists in us all. "
Ron Dentinger , United States, WI
"This is my sister" was a very heart-warming story.
Paulette MacMaster, United States, NY
Touching story
Daniel Nicoletta, United States, CA
What a great and loving tribute to people first concepts for people with disabilities, cognitive or otherwise. - Dan Nicoletta
June Bloss, United States, WI
This story is about a truly amazing family. I know that in real life because these wonderful women are my cousins, so I knew all of them as I was growing up and am very proud to say that.
Linda McGoey, United States, WI
This documentary was very touching and it warms my heart, as it could be a story about my family having a sister with Down Syndrome. We went down a similar path... wondering what the future would hold for her. We are blessed having her part of our lives. She has touched the hearts of many with her contagious smile. Mary reminded me so much of my sister.
Jackie Peterson, United States, OR
This is a heartwarming film with an imporant message about the power of love and kindness.
Sue Shephard, United States, NY
Love, Pride, Dignity, and Respect. It was SO very beautifully done. I felt as tho I was sharing intimate moments with this beautiful family, and I was deeply impressed with the message that they delivered. I admire the courage of their decision, which I am sure was very difficult in those years. The world has come a long way since then, and mostly because of awareness, understanding and education through public exposure such as this film. This film should be seen by everyone. I think it should be shown in schools and educational environments as well.
Tony Gangemi, United States, CA
A story rich with soul. Timeless.
Mary Ann Lust, United States, WI
As a teacher of students with challenges, this story warms my heart.
Ruth Battaglia, United States, WI
Beautiful story!
Stella McGlinchy, United States, CA
I was fortunate to see the screening,"This is My Sister" at The Carmel Art & Film Festival. It brought me to tears when Mary sang " May Each Day". "There will be sadness & Joy, there"ll be laughter & tears". "May each of your days be a day full of Love" Just like the song, Mr Caruso has captured how each of Mary's days are so full of Love♥
Janet Vrtol, United States, IL
Frank Caruso is one of the most talented, humble individuals I have had the pleasure working with and knowing. A consummate professional with such a heart - he's truly an inspiration. Janet Vrtol
Mickey Schwarz, United States, WI
Frank has captured something truely amazing and wonderful that most people look for their entire lives and don't find: unconditional love. Mary is an amazing person because of this wonderful family.
Amy Verheyden, United States, WI
Truly inspirational!
Dan Zadra, United States, WA
Very inspiring, your story touched my heart. Unconditional love personified. Dan
Elizabeth Sampson, United States, NY
Beautiful story! As for someone that has worked in the developmentally disabled industry and their institutional settings, I am so grateful to Mr. Caruso for taking intrest in Mary and her sister. Mr. Caruso has done such a wonderful job showing the relationship and the love that these two sisters share.
Anna Hitz, United States, WI
Mary is a wonderful lady and it is amazing to see the love that she and her sisters have for each other.
“This Is My Sister” is a journey of Love, Strength and Commitment, all taught by example, by Earl & Marion Fischer to their three daughters. In 1957, when nearly all babies born with developmental disabilities were institutionalized, Earl & Marion said, “No, not Mary,” even as the doctors said Mary would not even know their name or may even harm their family. The sisters take Earl & Marion’s example of what unconditional love is, redefining it…