"Veronika Decides to Die"

Sarah Michelle Gellar
Jonathan Tucker
Erika Christensen
Florencia Lozano
Rena Owen
Erica Gimpel
Victor Slezak
Barbara Sukowa
Victor Steinbach
Melissa Leo
David Thewlis




R           103min           2010




The story centers on Veronika, a woman in her mid twenties who appears to have everything: good looks, good job and a great life ahead of her. Yet she decides to end her own life. She is unsuccessful and awakens in a mental hospital where she learns that she a short time to live. However in the hospital she meets people who are only 'insane' because they don't always follow society's rules. With little left to lose, Veronika embarks on a journey on which she frees herself to experience relationships and emotions and ultimately discovers what it means to live. Written by Anonymous on imdb.

“Veronika Decides to Die” lives up to the quality standard that I have come to find in most independent films, something most Hollywood big budgets don't have. This had the outstanding cast that you find with most big budget film. It's based on the novel by Paul Coelho and the remake of a Japanese film of the same translation. I think the production team does a great job of crafting this film.

“Veronika Decides to Die” is an quality independent film. This is a drama that capture is and you want to see this journey through. This young woman trying to find her way back from suicide, is a tough subject. I think they did it respectfully and in a honest way. The doctor's philosophical closing remarks makes this film all the more poignant.

“Veronika Decides To Die” is an outstanding performances due in larger part to Sarah Michelle Gellar's performance. It was nice to see her on film again. She's a great actress that has popped up here and there on my radar since her “Buffy” days. She did lead a cast of other outstanding actor's David Thewlis who's starting to show up more on my radar since in “Potter” days. Jonathan Tucker and Melissa Leo performances had little to say but impacted with the nonverbal.

I think this film was shaped by having a female director. I've started to notice that material from a female perspective needs a female director. I don't think Veronika journey would have been as compelling drama if it were in a male's hands.

If you're looking for an outstanding drama, with a great story. A film that has great performances dealing with a tough subject. “Veronika Decides to Die” is the film for you to see.

I give “Veronika Decides To Die” 4 out of 5.