I remember this film clearly though I was ten at the time. It initially intrigued me because Reagan was in it, a politician I certainly did not admire as I was politically aware even then and I am English by the way but still entitled to my views, so seeing he could act surprised me. That was soon forgotten as the plot became more important. Reagan, and the other actors and especially actress all contribute to the gripping emotion of the film. Todd though is stunning and invokes emotion of sympathy to extreme dislike stunningly. The premise of the film is quite simple but because it tugs at your emotions left to right, pun intended, it absorbs you and what you want to happen very well. As you are aware of the health situation Todd's character is in it still manages you to like and dislike, sometimes simultaneously, him as the plot develops.
I have an admission to make. Though I started to take a deep interest in film very early of all genres though I had a deeper interest in comedy, understandable as a young, and horror this film still is a film that sticks in my mind deeply from my mind. It kicked me hard emotionally. And I remember clearly that I cried during the film. I remember the shock that a film could provoke such a deep emotional response.
Personally I could not watch this film again even though it is in my opinion a classic because of the reality of life and death and also the intention of people to cope with it.
I would recomend anyone watching this. Even though it must seem odd to see someone who became the President of the USA to film viewers especially younger people I can say this is an excellently made film and maybe you will never forget the performance of Todd too. You may even shed a tear? I did.
Review of The Hasty Heart
