OK for kids 13+
Surprisingly fresh romance upends your assumptions.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that, despite the marketing campaign, this romantic film about the unusual but deeply compassionate relationship between a man with a high-functioning form of autism and his new neighbor is more dramatic than comedic. There are frank discussions about sex, since the man's condition means that he always says exactly what he thinks, even about sensitive matters. Also, some characters are perplexed by Adam's autism and sometimes downright hostile.
- Families can talk about the difficulties inherent in Adam and Beth's relationship. Are they any worse than challenges that other couples face, or just different? Why are they drawn to each other?
- How does the movie approach sex? Do Adam and Beth communicate well?
- How have other movies and TV shows depicted characters suffering fromautism and other similar conditions? How does Hugh Dancy'sinterpretation compare?
The good stuff
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Messages: A young man with Asperger's syndrome (a form of autism) attempts to forge a connection with his neighbor, whose big heart allows her to see beyond his limitations. But the rest of the world isn't as embracing, and some scenes depict others being hostile to him. Still, the woman who loves him does so wholeheartedly, with little judgment.
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Role models: Two very different people take great pains to understand each other and wind up learning more about themselves -- and love in general. It's a touching pairing, especially since it's juxtaposed against what appears to be a solid marriage wounded by deceit and betrayal.
What to watch for
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Violence: A young man explodes in frustration; he screams and throws objects around, and the woman with him is afraid. But the tantrum doesn't appear directed toward her. Instead, it's fairly clear that it's because he can't control his overwhelming emotions. Another screaming match ensues later between father and daughter.
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Sex: Fairly frank discussion about sex and arousal. A couple has sex for the first time -- though there's no outright nudity, there's some kissing and tumbling in bed. She also places his hand in her bra. Later, a married man admits to having an affair.
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Language: Expletives are used pretty sparingly, but include words like "bulls--t," "f--k," "dick," "damn," "hell," and "oh God."
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Consumerism: Not an issue
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Social drinking at parties, etc.
Fan Reviews provided by
4
ADAM - is charmingly sweet! Rating: 86 out of 100. (Based on advance press preview) by MOVIES REVIEWER
Wed. July 29 - I just attended the advance press preview of this evocatively 97-minute movie by directer Max Mayer - starring the talented Hugh Dancy and Rose Byrne - good chemistry and wonderful performances.
This gentle well-made drama chronicles Adam's journey to self-reliance/independence plus his search for a relationship. Adam is afflicted with ASPERGER'S SYNDROME (NOT "ASBERGER?S syndrome" - also, Adam is NOT a "computer genius" - please, get your facts right, jimchudnow).
Aside from the engaging story-line and deep insightful thoughtful themes(love, relationship/friendship, truth, self-reliance, inner beauty, etc.), I was immersed in this movie also because of how beautifully it was filmed - good cinematography; it's delicate treatment of this particular autistic disorder; and the humanistic approach of the main character's portrayal.
VERDICT:
Highly recommended for fans of dramas, romance and lovers of 'independent' films
Actual GRADE: B-PLUS
5
Adam is a "first"! by pscohen
Having married someone whom I've come to realize has mild Asperger's syndrome, I found this movie extremely touching, but also a watershed event to help people realize how people with Asperger's don't mean to be insensitive, and in fact are quite loveable, within their limitations. Hugh Dancy completely inhabited the role of Adam, a young man with Asperger's syndrom trying to find his place in the world after losing his father. I brought my husband to this movie, because he had yet to recognize that he has AS, and FINALLY, he agreed that the similarities were too hard to deny. So not only did Hugh Dancy do a fabulous job teaching "NT"s or normal people about those with AS, he also was able to commune with AS people. Beautiful, beautiful movie with a realistic but wonderful ending too. Five stars!
5
Aspergers is a way of life by HarvardMan2009
For those of you who do not know or do not care to know, Aspergers syndrome is a label, and as is the case with many labels; when ever the aformentioned "label" is read about in such publications as the New York Times, or Scientific American, or any other well decorated, and well researched stack of lies; the only thing a neurotypical, unchallenged person can do is feel bad for people with Aspergers. I know this is true, because I have Aspergers, and I know that Aspergers is for me and many other people a way of life rather than a way of living, I have studied the works of many brilliant men, whom like me have Aspergers, Einstein had Aspegers, and he did a lot more for all of humankind than any neurotypical person has ever done, and by typical I do not mean smart. Kudos the people who made this movie a reality. It has a lot of heart. and as a wise man once stated, "Imagination is more important than knowledge, knowledge is limited, imagination encircles the world - Albert Einstein
5
Adam by jumpngeorge
Loved this movie. Story was very interesting and the characters were great. Not your typical love story, but does the typical love story actually exist?
5
I have a son who is autistic (autism is a severe form of asbergs) by cloudy9
I have a son who has severe autism. He is 13 and I know he will never lead a normal life or have a wife etc... but, there are many forms that are not as severe and I have seen/met many people with this syndrome who can and will lead normal lives. What a touching movie and people with special needs have so much more love, patience and understanding than the regular every day person. This movie is a must see.
4
"Adam" A Touching Little Film w/a Big Heart by Bokiluis
I thoroughly enjoyed this movie and cannot fathom why it just has not found an audience. I saw it at the Sundance Cinemas in San Francisco opening weekend with only a handful of other people (didn't bode well for its first week's box office returns). I was not familiar w/Asperger's Disease so this movie served a dual purpose in providing pleasant entertainment AND useful information. In this fast-paced world we live in, it causes one to pause when thinking of how we interact w/each other in our daily lives. Being rather sensitive to the rudeness and coldness so many seem to suffer from in our society, I now must think twice before I take someone's actions (or lack thereof) personally. It is easy to dismiss someone thinking they are being inhumane....when there may be other challenges at hand.
But onto the movie, Hugh Dancy is quite effective and charming in this little movie. The romantic side story makes for great summer fodder. I'll have to wait for the DVD for repeat viewings.
4
Do I know Adam? by mrs_drkl
"Adam" was an extremely realistic portrayal of the difficulties (and unexpected blessings) of living with an individual who is on the autistic spectrum. I appreciated the ending, which left just enough of the story to our own imaginations. I'll definitely recommend this film to my Special Education colleagues.
5
One of the Best Films of the Year by parsonsdavid
Very cerebral, very touching, very realistic. This movie is the "Once" of 2010... an Independent film that touches the heart and the mind, and makes you realize that there are some good films being made after all! (So, why on why, do the masses go see brainless movies like Transformers, and leave these good ones unattended??)
Top three Independent films this year: Adam, Anvil, and The Cove.
4
Had to see it by bu82
When I saw the trailer I knew I had to go see this movie. I took my 16 year old daughter, who has AS. I thought the portrayal of Adam was pretty accurate; especially the inconsistencies of his abilities. We both became quite emotional the last half of the movie. I hope that many "NTs" go to see this movie so that they will have a better understanding of people who have AS. And I liked the ending. I thought right away-"how could a person with AS live in NYC?" But you never know-people with AS can really surprise you.
4
Adam by Academcy Lite
As an educator I found it refreshing to see a grown adult with Aspergers?s portrayed in a very realist manner. The movie was endearing and sweet, yet very realist about the limitations that young adults with Aspergers have with in the ability to connect and form long term relationships. I just caution all that see it ? is that Aspergers has a very wide and diverse continuum of characteristics. I have never worked with a student with Aspergers or Autism that is alike ? as a matter of fact ? they all have been very different. That is the challenge. Good movie.