Movie Review: Seven Pounds

July 12, 11:40 PMOrgan and Tissue Donor ExaminerCathy Doheny

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(Seven Pounds movie poster - Wikimedia Commons)

Released in theaters in December and on DVD in March, "Seven Pounds" has brought considerable focus to the cause of organ and tissue donation. A reference to Shakespeare's "The Merchant of Venice" where creditors demanded their "pound of flesh", no matter how painful the repayment, the title of the movie reflects the struggle of main character, Ben Thomas (Will Smith), whose self-imposed attempts to atone for a past mistake leads him to heroic acts, including donating multiple organs to strangers.

As Ben carries out his meticulously crafted plan to help seven strangers he has deemed the most worthy, he finds that he has fallen in love with one of them, Emily (Rosario Dawson), who suffers from congenital heart disease. Ultimately, he discovers that he must choose between loving her and saving her, which leads to the completion of his stunning final act of martyrdom.

Though the film has received some criticism for lapses in accuracy regarding protocol of organ donation, the introduction of the topic into a popular medium cannot help but to foster greater awareness of the cause. At the very least, this movie serves as an effective catalyst for increased dialogue regarding the dire need for more organ donors.Ultimately, this film is a refreshing change from Hollywood's usual offerings of futuristic science fiction and action flicks. The human drama is intense from start to finish, all at once heartbreaking and morally inspiring.

This thought provoking film was honored at the Inaugural Donate Life Film Festival  for "Outstanding Portrayal of Organ and Tissue Donation in a Motion Picture."Seven Pounds" is the first feature film to show the real-life pain of those waiting for a transplant and the profound joy of receiving the gift of life and sight.

 For more info: "Seven Pounds" falls short of the facts (Los Angeles Times), Donate Life America (Commit to Donation)