I Am Sam

Director: Jessie Nelson
Producers: Edward Zwick, David Rubin
Screenwriters: Kristine Johnson, Jessie Nelson
Cast: Sean Penn, Michelle Pfeiffer, Dakota Fanning, Doug Hutchinson, Stanley DeSantis, Brad Silverman, Richard Schiff, Dianne Wiest
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Year of Release: 2001
Released on Video: 06/18/2002

Sam has the mental capacity of a 7-year-old but the heart of a giant. His retardation does not deter him from his goal: he is determined to raise his small daughter, Lucy, himself. But as she turns seven and becomes smarter than Sam, she holds herself back. That prompts the state to put her in a foster home, forcing Sam into court where he must convince the judge, and even his own lawyer, that he is capable of parenting a child.

Ask Yourself:

- How did you feel when you observed Sam accepting himself?
- How and where in your life could you adopt this behavior to focus on your true capacities?
- How would this make you feel?
- How would it affect your self-esteem?