The Woman Who Willed a Miracle
The Woman Who Willed a Miracle

Movie spotlight

The Woman Who Willed a Miracle

1983
Movie
45 min
English

Based on the true story of May Lemke. Her adopted son Leslie was born with cerebral palsy. May teaches him basic survival skills through the years. In his teens, he suddenly manifests an ability to play classical music on the piano.

Insights

IMDb7.0/10
Director: Richard T. HeffronGenres: Drama, Family

Plot Summary

A widowed grandmother, Agnes (Katharine Hepburn), must overcome her deep-seated fears and prejudices when her estranged daughter returns with a son who has Down syndrome. Initially resistant and judgmental, Agnes gradually learns to embrace her grandson and discover the true meaning of family and unconditional love. The film explores themes of acceptance, forgiveness, and the challenges faced by families with special needs children in the early 1980s.

Critical Reception

The film was met with a generally positive reception, particularly for its performances, especially Katharine Hepburn's. It was praised for its sensitive portrayal of a family dealing with the challenges of having a child with Down syndrome and for its emotional impact. While not a major critical sensation, it resonated with audiences for its heartwarming story and strong acting.

What Reviewers Say

  • Katharine Hepburn delivers a powerful and moving performance.

  • The film offers a poignant and ultimately uplifting story about acceptance and family.

  • A touching drama that sensitively handles the subject of Down syndrome.

Google audience: Audience reception is not readily available through aggregated Google user reviews.

Awards & Accolades

Katharine Hepburn was nominated for an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or a Special for her role in this film.

Fun Fact

The film was originally a made-for-television movie, which contributed to its intimate and character-driven focus.

AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources

My Review