Watch Board and Care

Board and Care is a 1980 American drama film directed by Ron Ellis. It tells the story of eight mentally disabled residents who live in a board and care home in Los Angeles. The film explores the daily lives of the residents and their caretakers, including the emotional struggles, physical limitations, and social behaviors. The film opens with the arrival of new resident, Terry (Richard Goss), who is shown to have down syndrome. The other residents vary in age, personality, and disabilities, from the elderly and insular Mrs. Porter (Luana Anders) to the talkative and hyperactive Raymond (Robert Glaudini). The caretakers, consisting of the kind-hearted Mary (Laura Jean Ellis) and the stern but caring Nurse Lacy (Diane Delano), play a significant role in the residents' lives, providing assistance with daily routines and emotional support.

Throughout the film, the residents engage in a variety of activities, including arts and crafts, physical therapy, and group therapy sessions. Viewers are shown the residents' daily lives, which include difficulties with basic tasks such as dressing and eating, as well as moments of humor and joy. One touching scene involves the residents getting ready for a dinner party, with Mary pampering them and helping them choose their outfits. Another scene shows the residents participating in a talent show, with Terry singing a touching song about love and acceptance.

The film delves into the caretakers' lives as well, exploring the emotional toll of providing full-time care for the residents. Mary, in particular, is shown to struggle with balancing her own life and emotional well-being with the demands of her job. She is torn between her desire to care for the residents and her longing for a love life and a family of her own. Meanwhile, Nurse Lacy is shown as a no-nonsense figure, who provides a sense of structure and order in the home but who also has a sympathetic ear when the residents need to talk.

Board and Care offers a poignant window into the lives of people with disabilities, highlighting their unique personalities and abilities while also addressing the challenges they and their caretakers face on a daily basis. The film's raw emotional power, nuanced performances, and authentic portrayal of life in a board and care home make it a must-see for anyone interested in disability issues and human empathy.

Overall, Board and Care is a touching and emotional film that sheds a compassionate and sensitive light on the lives of people with disabilities. Its masterful storytelling, stirring performances, and unflinching exploration of life in a board and care facility make it a must-watch for anyone looking for a deeply moving and authentic film.