The Russell Girl:
Hallmark Hall of Fame Movie starring Amber Tamblyn (General Hospital) and Jennifer Ehle (Pride and Prejudice)
CAST:
Amber Tamblyn ... Sarah Russell
Jennifer Ehle ... Lorainne Morrisey
Paul Wesley ... Evan Carroll
Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio ... Gayle Russell
Tim DeKay ... Tim Russell
Daniel Clark ... Daniel Russell
Henry Czerny ... Howard Morrisey
Ben Lewis ... Jon Morrisey
Max Morrow ... Rick Morissey
PLOT:
from Hallmark-
Sarah Russell's (Amber Tamblyn) rare visit from Chicago to her small hometown is a welcome surprise to her parents (Mastrantonio and DeKay), her 21-year-old brother, Daniel (Daniel Clark), and her former boyfriend, Evan (Paul Wesley).
Sarah decides to withhold the true reason for her homecoming after an old conflict resurfaces during an uncomfortable encounter with Lorraine Morrisey (Ehle), who lives across the street from the Russells with her husband, Howard (Henry Czerny), and two teen-aged boys (Ben Lewis, Max Morrow).
Sarah's sudden presence has a debilitating effect on Lorraine, who rebuffs Sarah's attempts to make amends. However, Sarah musters the courage to keep trying, knowing that she must finally deal with her past as a means of being able to face her future. It takes time for Lorraine to put the past behind her and to grasp that forgiving Sarah will not only ease Sarah's burden but also her own.
Movie Review:
**SPOILER ALERT**
Hallmark should work out a deal with Puffs Kleenex.... it's another mysterious tearjerker. The movie is intriguing as you try to piece together Sarah Russell and (neighbor) Lorainne Morrisey mysterious actions. Eventually it is revealed that Sarah Russell used to babysit for the Morrisey children next door, and their baby girl accidentally fell down the basement steps to her death, while in Sarah's care.
Sarah and Lorainne learn to forgive themselves and each other... releasing their burden of guilt and helping one another, especially now since Sarah is facing her own illness, and is scared to tell her parents. Lorainne and Sarah, eventually, help each other heal through these tragic events and memories. This movie may be rather sad, but also very helpful to those who have lost a child or loved one.
See or Skip:
See, as it is a very moving film. Not suitable for children, but may be helpful to those who are grieving and those who are dealing with unforgiveness.
