Rory O'Shea Was Here (2005)

Rory O'Shea Was Here (2005)

CAST: James McAvoy, Steven Robertson, Romola Garai, Brenda Fricker, Gerard McSorley, Tom Hickey DIRECTED BY: Damien O'Donnell SUMMARY: When Rory O'Shea (James McAvoy) moves into a home for the disabled with a diagnosis of muscular dystrophy and befriends a deeply bored young man with cerebral palsy (Steven Robertson), he infuses his pal's life with renewed hope, even as he struggles with his own demons. O'Shea refuses to surrender to the desperation of his life, choosing instead to embrace the potential in everyday opportunities. Romola Garai co-stars in this uplifting drama. MY THOUGHTS: "Probably now my favorite James McAvoy movie. It was funny, heartwarming, and inspiring. The story is strong and you really start caring for the two lead characters. The acting is superb. Rory has muscular dystrophy and not much time left in this world. He's determined to make every moment of it enjoyable. He rebels against his disease and everything they say is impossible for him to do. He refuses to not live. That's so inspiring. He becomes fast friends with Michael. Michael has cerebral palsy and has lived in an institution his whole life. He's never dreamed of a life outside of the institution, but on a trip to a meeting Rory has to be granted independent living inspires Michael to want the same. It's unbelievably sad that the disabled have to ask permission to live freely like others their age, when the rest of us take that freedom for granted. This isn't just a movie about two disabled guys. Its a look at a piece of their lives and their fight for independence and the fun they have along the way. I loved it. For those who aren't interested you should give it a chance. Great film.."