Brilliant Performance makes this worth watching

Rating: 8/10 (29 January 2004)

Oy, where to start! This life story is depressing to say the least. The product of abuse, Aileen was a truly disturbed woman. Charlize's physical transformation is remarkable (to the say the least) but the real catch in this movie is the acting. Every emotion and every action is portrayed amazingly by a truly talented actress. Hollywood movie this is but Hollywood story it's not. There are no happy endings here. As if her life hadn't been hard enough, Aileen finds herself in love with a manipulating, irresponsible girlfriend who does nothing to help. Truly sad and utterly depressing. A poignant look at a woman who suffered her entire life.
8/10 A powerful movie, just be careful you don't go home and think on it too much...