carlabag

Like Maggie, I was diagnosed with a degenerative, neurological illness (with no cure or treatment) in my early 30s, and also met my husband around that time. Hathaway's acting (and the script) captures with devastating accuracy the emotions one goes through when confronting a degenerative illness at an early age, particularly when falling in love (i.e. trying to push someone away/set them free before you become a burden on them; stubbornly seeking independence/avoiding vulnerability, though in real life, you really do need someone to love and take care of you; wanting to avoid the grief inherent in your diagnosis, and particularly, wanting to avoid pulling someone ELSE into that grief; going out and seeking support groups, and feeling empowered by this; getting angry at your partner's refusal to accept what is; etc. etc.)

I agree that portions of this movie were VERY Hollywood and over the top,and also that it was trying to be everything for everyone (love story,guy's flick, corporate commentary, light-hearted comedy, melodrama,etc.) Regardless of any criticisms, though, I was sobbing like a baby during the last third of the movie. It was just too real, too familiar,too spot-on, and I know that unless people have walked in similar shoes, they wouldn't be able to fully grasp the depth and grief of what was unfolding on screen. In a way, I'm grateful for all the fluff and comedy, because I wouldn't have been able to get through the movie otherwise.

So I say, overall, this movie was incredible due to its sensitive and accurate portrayal of Maggie's illness, and all of its emotional ramifications. Good job.