Watch Lorenzo's Oil
- PG-13
- 1992
- 2 hr 9 min
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7.3 (23,936)
Lorenzo's Oil is a 1992 drama film directed by George Miller, starring Nick Nolte, Susan Sarandon, and Peter Ustinov. The film is based on the true story of Augusto and Michaela Odone, a couple who tirelessly sought a cure for their son's terminal illness. Lorenzo's Oil is an emotional and compelling story about a young boy named Lorenzo who is diagnosed with a rare and incurable disease called adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD). The disease attacks the brain's myelin, causing it to deteriorate, and can lead to blindness, deafness, seizures, and ultimately, death.
After their son is diagnosed, Augusto and Michaela Odone begin to research the disease and its possible cures. Feeling helpless and frustrated with the lack of progress in the medical community, they take matters into their own hands.
Augusto, an Italian economist, and Michaela, a linguist, become amateur scientists in their quest to save their son. They do extensive research, read every medical book they can find, and explore unconventional treatments. The couple discovers an oil that can reduce the levels of very long-chain fatty acids, which is the cause of Lorenzo's illness.
Augusto and Michaela develop "Lorenzo's oil," a concoction of different acids that can slow the progression of the disease. They work tirelessly to distribute the oil to other families who are struggling with ALD.
The couple faces criticism and opposition from members of the medical community who were skeptical about their unorthodox approaches to combating the disease. They are often in conflict with Lorenzo's doctors, who believe that there is no cure for ALD.
The couple's son, Lorenzo, is played by Zack O'Malley Greenburg, and his portrayal is exceptional. You can feel the sadness and fear that he feels as he slowly begins to lose his bodily functions.
The film's performances are outstanding, with Nick Nolte playing the role of the determined father, Augusto, and Susan Sarandon as the tireless mother, Michaela. The supporting cast is also excellent, with Peter Ustinov playing the sympathetic doctor who supports the couple in their fight.
Lorenzo's Oil is a film that tugs at the heartstrings and is an excellent portrayal of the power of the human spirit. It shows the struggles and determination of a couple to overcome the odds to save their son. The film is a reminder that sometimes, the greatest success comes from defying the odds and that love, hope, and determination can lead to remarkable achievements.
The cinematography of the film is beautiful, capturing the essence of the Odones' journey through the beautiful Italian countryside. The movie uses music to great effect, heightening the emotions of certain scenes.
In conclusion, Lorenzo's Oil is a deeply affecting film about the power of determination and love in the face of adversity. It tells a story that is both inspiring and heartbreaking, and the film's performances, direction, and cinematography are top-notch. Lorenzo's Oil is a must-watch movie for anyone who enjoys emotional, true-life stories about overcoming the odds.
Lorenzo's Oil is a 1992 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 9 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3 and a MetaScore of 80.