O Óleo de Lorenzo

LORENZO'S OIL (1992) **** Nick Nolte, Susan Sarandon, Peter Ustinov, Zack O' Malley Greenburg, Kathleen Wilhoite. Powerful and educational true life story of Augusto and Michaela Odone who learn their young son is stricken with a devestating and rare disease (adrenoleukodystrophy or ALD) with no cure. The parents take on the awesome task of finding hope when doctors and support groups won't make an effort in learning how to conquer their son's debilitating nerve disorder. Although there are some distrubingly realistic depictions of a child suffering, the film never insults or preaches, but instead, enlightens. Sarandon, in my opinion was cheated out of an Oscar (she lost to Emma Thompson for "Howard's End"), gives the performance of her career and Nolte is wonderful as the frustrated father who risks everything in his research odyssey. Effectively directed by George Miller ("Mad Max") who also has a degree as a doctor (!)