Monsieur Lazare (2011)

This is an amazing film.  It touches on the impact of suicide on pupils of a teacher and also on fallout of specious accusations of child abuse.  It is a memorable movie.
From NY Times review.
"“Monsieur Lazhar” sustains an exquisite balance between grown-up and child’s-eye views of education, teacher-student relations and peer-group interactions. The students come quirkily alive in superb naturalistic performances devoid of cuteness and stereotyping. Like no other film about middle school life that I can recall “Monsieur Lazhar” conveys the intensity and the fragility of these classroom bonds and the mutual trust they require." 2011  94 minutes

Beat the Drum (2003)

When a mysterious illness nearly wipes out his entire village, claiming the lives of both his parents, 9-year-old Musa (Junior Singo) is forced to set off on his own, eventually joining the ranks of the scores of orphans who live on the streets of Johannesburg. Directed by David Hickson, this poignant award-winning film examines the heartbreaking effect that AIDS has had on the poor and underprivileged children of Africa.  2003  113 minutes.  Netflix

DJE:  This is a sensitive film about the scourge of HIV/AIDS in sub-Sahara Africa.  Well worth watching.

Saving Face (2011)

Synopsis

Every year in Pakistan, many people – the majority of them women – are known to be victimized by brutal acid attacks, while numerous other cases go unreported. With little or no access to reconstructive surgery, survivors are physically and emotionally scarred. Many reported assailants, typically a husband or someone else close to the victim, receive minimal punishment from the state.
Zakia is a 39-year old woman who had acid thrown on her by her husband after filing for divorce. She strives to find justice, alleviate pain and restore functioning and features to her face.
Rukhsana is a 23-year old woman who was attacked by her husband and in-laws and forced to reconcile with them.
Plastic surgeon Dr. Mohammad Jawad left the prominence of his London practice to return to his home country and help the victims of such attacks.
SAVING FACE chronicles the lives of Zakia and Rukhsana as they attempt to bring their assailants to justice and move on with their lives. The women are supported by NGOs, sympathetic policymakers, and skilled doctors, such as the Acid Survivors Foundation-Pakistan, Dr. Mohammad Jawad, attorney Ms. Sarkar Abbass who fights Zakia’s case, and female politician Marvi Memon who advocates for new legislation.
Saving Face follows their personal stories and that of the nation of Pakistan as it attempts to tackle this horrific social problem.

On April 10, 2012 an article appeared in the NY Times on the suicide of one such survivor:
Years After Horror, Suicide Stirs Pakistan.

"Saving Face" is available at HBO starting on may 1, 2012.

Pariah (2011)

Brooklyn teen Alike (Adepero Oduye) is a model child around her devoutly religious family, but she sheds the good-girl image to reveal a harder side during a nightclub excursion with butch pal Laura (Pernell Walker) in this coming-of-age tale of urban identity and sexual expression. With curfew looming and her parents none the wiser, Alike must catch the bus back home, where she faces the complex negotiation of her contradictory worlds.


DJE: This is a serious and fine film. It deals with the coming of age of a lesbian teenager in a gritty section of Brooklyn. For the most part, great acting that covers a tough subject.

The Way (2010)

"Filmed on location against the gorgeous landscapes of northern Spain, the spiritual journey of American ophthalmologist Thomas Avery (Martin Sheen) begins as he is called from the comforts of his California home to Saint Jean Pied de Port in France to identify the body of his only son Daniel (Emilio Estevez). Avery elects to walk the Camino on behalf of his son, embarking with Daniel’s ashes which he dutifully portions out along the way." From Brian Maurer's excellent review which appears on his blog.

This fine movie is about grief and growth. Few who watch it will be disappointed. Few will forget it. 2010, 2 hours.

Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead

This is an important film that has the potential to change lives. It may "push" the Reboot program; but that is not a deal breaker. This holistic approach may save some people a life of disability and heartache. It may also help some patients who are not obese. FSND follows two men with chronic urticaria, but this diet may also be applicable to persons with hidradenitis, psoriasis, arthritis and a host of other disorders. It's unlikely that research will be done since the raw food diet is cheap compared to medications and surgery.

From NetFlix: This documentary "focuses on two men whose bodies have been trashed by steroids, obesity and illness, this documentary chronicles the rigorous healing path -- including a two-month diet of fruits and vegetables -- that both attempt in a bid to rescue their health"

Someday Melissa (2011)

The Story of an Eating Disorder, Loss and Hope.

About: “Someday Melissa” is a documentary inspired by Melissa’s journal writings and designed to raise awareness of this insidious disease. Throughout her life, even in her darkest moments, Melissa’s creativity shined through. It was always hard for her to express her feelings verbally so she used film making, writing, drawing and acting as means of self-expression.

Website. NY Times article.

I have not seen this film yet -- will add a paragraph after I have.