Rent I Am Sam (2001)

A real tearjerker - I Am Sam review by CP Customer

A lovely film that will have you reaching for the tissues. Sean Penn as Sam is left, literally, holding the baby when his girlfriend walks out after giving birth. He copes, in spite of his mental disability, and becomes a loving father to Lucy, played brilliantly by Dakota Fanning. It is amazing that someone so young can be such a brilliant actress, showing tenderness and maturity beyond her years. Sam's friends, many of whom also have disabilities, provide a support network and much of the film's humour. The tears start rolling when Lucy is taken away after the authorities question Sam's parental abilities. Michelle Pfeiffer is brilliant as the workaholic lawyer who represents him. In spite of her own problems, she finds a soft spot for Sam and soon finds him teaching her lessons about life and love. A beautiful movie, definitely worth an evening in.