Reviews

This HBO production is a stellar achievement in storytelling. This a great culmination of many great talents coming together. First, there is the story of Temple Grandin and her unyielding and devoted mother. From these people unfold the inspiring story of her life. Then, the director, producers, the actors,all the great support staff who brought it to life as well. Also the musical score provides a great backdrop that links with the visuals in the movie to give you a wondrous effect of how "Different, but not less" her mind views the world.

This story would not have turned out to be the inspiration that it is had Temple's mother, Eustacia followed the advice of the day. That being to institutionalize your child. I am sure at times it was a very long and arduous road to go down, that of raising a child with these difficulties. Child rearing is challenging on all levels, but from just the small glimpse you see of Temple as a child you get a feeling of her mother being the person who would not give up on her child no matter what the conditions might be. That in itself is an admirable tale, of unconditional love.

To quote a phrase from "Forrest Gump", people say they don't believe in miracles. To which Forrest replies,"But they do, they happen everyday!" This in essence is so true for Temple Grandin. The story portrayed here in the movie is a true tale, not one of fiction as is the case in "Gump". She had "miracles" so many times in her life. There were so many roadblocks to hinder and stop her but between her determination and the right combination of people with true and understanding hearts, the miracles happen for her. I do not bring up "Gump" as a story that is similar to Temple because they are not similar in anyway.It is just that the quote brings the wonder of daily miracles into perspective. Grandin's story is true and that brings this tale to a level beyond amazing. Clare Dane's performance is nothing short of astounding. Julia Ormond and David Strathairn bring so much heart to their roles. Temple Grandin is an amazing person. She has her BS,a MS and her PhD as well. Lectures about autism and animal husbandry. Published as an author,a professor at Colorado State Univ.,she is in short to me nothing but a hero for never giving up and "Opening New Doors!".

I had the pleasure of watching all of "The Pacific". It is an outstanding production with top notch acting and production values. I did not understand how the graphic sex scenes fit into the scheme of it all. Now, some will say how can you watch someone have their leg blown off and soldiers with their entrails over the battle field and be offended by a sex scene. It's just that if you would like to watch this in a setting with young viewers(14 and above because of the graphic violence) it can be an uncomfortable situation watching these scenes with them or your mother as well!

My grandfather served with this very group of Marines on these same Pacific islands in the tank core. I wish I could have seen a production like this in the 70's or 80's and I could have a much deeper understanding of how this affected him in his life. Episode 10 although not the most physically graphic of the series had the most emotional affect on me. You see how much of their heart and soul was there on the battlefield and then how do you put the pieces together and have a "Normal Life" in peacetime. When the soldiers come home after such hardship they are treated not so very well and this was termed the "Good War". It is a tough road they face. Trying to fit in with society, finding a new occupation other than the brutality of war and survival. At this time in history, there was no diagnosis of PTSD. These guys were pretty much on their own returning home.The war had many personal devastating effects on my grandfather as it did for millions of others who served our country with all their heart and soul. I was moved by Sledge in the last episodes depicting him smoking the pipe. My grandfather was very much like Sledge in the simple comfort of this small relaxation. I was especially moved by the end credits. The actors who portrayed these individuals and then the photos of the real characters. Of note, when Snafu first appeared I was not particularly taken with him. Snafu grew on me very much though and your heart went out to this man who had to find a way to make it through this ordeal. I hope you do get to see it all. There was a incredible moment of humanity in episode 9 by Sledge's character. It was one of the most powerful I have ever seen in any movie. So, these men and women who gave so much should always be remembered and shown extreme gratitude for their actions. There are not enough words I can say for the gratitude that is due them all and our all those who have served from when this country began to those who walk the line today. Bravo Series, from Hanks and Spielberg.