See Grace Fly

Watch See Grace Fly

  • 2003
  • 1 hr 31 min
  • 7.6  (98)

See Grace Fly is a heartwarming Canadian drama film directed by Pete McCormack, released in 2003. The movie stars Gina Chiarelli as Grace St. John, a middle-aged woman with intellectual disabilities who has spent most of her life institutionalized in a psychiatric hospital. The story revolves around her journey to freedom and independence, and the people who helped her along the way.

The film opens with Grace being released from a mental hospital after spending thirty years there. Grace's only friend at the hospital, Teddy, helps her pack her bags and gives her a cutting from his plant, which becomes her cherished possession. Grace boards a bus to Vancouver to start her new life, but she has no family or friends waiting for her.

With no place to go, Grace wanders aimlessly until she meets Marcy (Vicki Papavs), a young mother who lives in a rundown apartment building. Marcy, who is struggling to make ends meet and care for her young son, takes Grace in and gives her a place to stay. Grace quickly adapts to her new surroundings and starts to make friends, including a kind-hearted neighbor named Jerry (Paul McGillion), who becomes a source of emotional support for her.

As Grace builds a new life for herself, she faces challenges from people who take advantage of her intellectual disabilities. She becomes a victim of sexual assault, and she is betrayed by a man she trusts. Despite these setbacks, Grace remains resilient and determined to live life on her terms. With the help of Jerry, she confronts her abusers and stands up for herself.

Throughout the movie, we see flashbacks of Grace's life in the hospital, and we learn about her past traumas and struggles. Her mother abandoned her as a child, and her father was an alcoholic who abused her. Grace was sent to the hospital after she accidentally caused a fire that resulted in her father's death. She was diagnosed with schizophrenia and institutionalized for thirty years, during which time she received very little support or treatment for her condition.

The film's title is derived from a scene in which Grace and Jerry visit a butterfly sanctuary. Grace explains that when caterpillars transform into butterflies, they have to struggle to break free from their cocoons. Jerry wonders if it hurts the butterfly to break free, and Grace responds that the struggle is necessary, or else the butterfly won't be strong enough to fly. This metaphor resonates with Grace's own struggle to break free from her past and fly towards a better future.

One of the strengths of See Grace Fly is the way it portrays Grace's intellectual disabilities with respect and dignity. The movie never treats her as a joke or a burden, but rather as a woman with her unique strengths and weaknesses. Gina Chiarelli's performance as Grace is the heart of the movie, and she brings a warmth and vulnerability to the character that makes it impossible not to root for her.

The movie also touches on broader themes of mental health and the way society treats people with mental illnesses. It highlights the need for better support systems and more humane treatment for people with schizophrenia and other forms of mental illness. It also raises questions about the role of institutions in people's lives and the consequences of long-term institutionalization.

In conclusion, See Grace Fly is a charming and inspiring movie that celebrates the strength and resilience of the human spirit. It showcases the talents of its cast and crew and tells a story that will stay with the viewers long after the end credits roll. If you're looking for a movie about overcoming adversity and finding the courage to strive for a better life, this one is definitely worth watching.

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Description
  • Release Date
    2003
  • Runtime
    1 hr 31 min
  • IMDB Rating
    7.6  (98)
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