The Other Sister is a romantic comedy/drama about the special relationship between two mentally impaired young people- Carla (Juliette Lewis), who just came back from 8 years in a special school, and wanted to prove she can now handle her life on her own and be independent, and Daniel (Giovanni Ribisi), a sweet young man who falls in love with Carla after she helps him with the vicious students in their Polytechnic school. Of course things aren't perfect for the special couple- in their way stands Carla's overprotective mother (Diane Keaton), and Daniel's financial problems. The movie doesn't have an actual plot, it mainly talks about Carla's journey on her way for a normal, happy, independent life, life that she never had, and focuses on the main event of Carla's life- her relationship with Danni. .
Juliette Lewis is great as Carla, real and strong, and Giovanni Ribisi's Danni is very well acted. Ribisi managed to talently create a charming, sweet and sensitive Danni. He, Lewis, and both of them together will touch you, make you laugh, cry, and make The Other Sister a movie that you will not be able to forget for a long time. .
This film increased my sensitivity to the needs of people with disabilities in many ways. It helped me to better understand what it must be like to have a disability, and the hardships that one goes through. I have come to realize that just because someone is labeled as having a disability, it doesn't mean that they don't have the same dreams and goals that everyone else has. They shouldn't be restricted and held back from reaching their goals, because of a mere condition. I think that the most important thing this movie taught me about persons with special needs is that they are no different from the rest of us, and shouldn't be treated as if they are incapable of having the same feelings as the rest of us do. My sensitivity to people with disabilities has most indefinitely been increased because of my viewing of this movie, and the thing I will remember is that it is wrong to make assumptions about people before giving them the chance to prove to everyone what is in their hearts and minds, and what they are capable of.
