remember this film, and subsequent VHS tape, getting a fair share of publicity when it was released. The story certainly was different and so interesting to me (on the first viewing) that Jodie Foster's constant incoherent phrases didn't bother me. They aggravated a lot of other viewers, however. However, after three looks at this film,

I had had enough, too, not because of Foster but because this is a disturbing film. It's not a lot of fun to watch. The fact I watched it three times tells you it's pretty darned good.

Liam Neeson played a no-nonsense good guy. Natasha Richardson also adds to this unique story.

I would definitely recommend this film to first-time viewers but be wary it's different and not always pleasant to see and hear. I don't want to say more in fear of spoiling the story, but kudos to Foster for an outstanding effort.

Stroke victim Violet Kellty passes away in her isolated North Carolina cabin. Town doctor Jerry Lovell (Liam Neeson) and Sheriff Todd Peterson (Nick Searcy) find a young woman (Jodie Foster) living in the house speaking her own language. She is Violet's daughter Nell from a rape. Lovell asks Dr. Paula Olsen (Natasha Richardson) to help him decipher her language. Olsen is looking to commit her but Lovell opposes her asking for informed consent. The judge gives them 3 months to observe her before making any decision. However her language hides the fact that she had a twin once.

The movie navigates some interesting matters like Nell's sexuality but handles it without much depth. The movie ends with a Five Years Later scene. I think those five years hold something more interesting. It's also perplexing that Nell doesn't figure out some more English. The movie seems intent to keep her a virginal innocent to the end of the trial. The speech in court starts off well but quickly turns cheesy. There is a vein of cheesiness going on in this movie. Jodie Foster gives her all in this performance. It would be great if director Michael Apted dig deeper into the character.

I just watched a news story of a group of four teenagers, two boys and two girls, kidnapping and assaulting a boy with special needs. They are so delighted with themselves that they film it an put it on Facebook. We have a culture that enjoys going after those the least able to defend themselves. The character of Nell, based on a real person, is a woman who was raised in the woods and has developed a language all her own. It was a hybrid of two influences as she grew up. Of course, this brings in authorities who want to have her committed. One is a doctor who has no respect for her humanity and who wants to have her handy to study. Fortunately, someone intervenes and begins to "break the code" of the language she uses. How this happens is really interesting. Jodi Foster as the title character does a fine job, once again showing the versatility of her acting.