Watch My Louisiana Sky
- 2001
- 1 hr 38 min
-
6.9 (873)
My Louisiana Sky is a family drama movie released in 2001, directed by Adam Arkin and starring Juliette Lewis, Kelsey Keel, and Shirley Knight. The movie, based on the book of the same name by Kimberly Willis Holt, follows the story of a young girl named Tiger Ann Parker, who lives with her strong, wise grandmother, mother, and mentally challenged father in a small town in Louisiana in the 1950s.
Tiger Ann is a bright and curious girl who has big dreams for her future, but she struggles to balance her aspirations with the challenges of her family life. Her mother suffers from epilepsy and her father is unable to take care of her due to his mental disability. However, what sets Tiger Ann apart is her resilience and the tough choices she has to make to protect her family.
As the story unfolds, Tiger Ann becomes more aware of the limitations of her family's circumstances and the harsh realities of life in rural Louisiana. She learns about love, loss, and the power of family bonds through the relationships she forms with her grandmother, mother, and her best friend, Jesse Wade.
One of the film's main themes is the importance of familial relationships, especially those between mothers and their children. Tiger Ann's mother has a complicated relationship with her daughter, sometimes acting distant and unapproachable while at other times showing a deep love and care for her daughter's well-being. Tiger Ann struggles to understand her mother's condition and why she acts the way she does. This creates a tension between them, but as the story progresses, they find common ground and learn to appreciate and support each other.
The movie also tackles issues of disability and mental illness, showing the struggles and prejudices that come with these conditions. Tiger Ann's father is often stigmatized and mistreated, especially by some of the town folks who don't understand his condition. Tiger Ann, being a loving daughter, fights against this and tries to create a safe and comfortable space for her father, even with the limited resources at their disposal.
Throughout the movie, we see Tiger Ann mature, grow and come to terms with the challenges of growing up, including the realization that she may never leave Louisiana. But despite all the adversity, the story is ultimately a heartwarming and uplifting one, showing the strength and resilience of the human spirit.
The acting in My Louisiana Sky is top-notch, with Juliette Lewis giving a standout performance as Tiger Ann's mother. She brings depth and nuance to the character, and conveys the complexity and vulnerability of someone dealing with a neurological disorder. Kelsey Keel, who plays Tiger Ann, is equally impressive, conveying a sense of innocence, curiosity, and determination all at once. Shirley Knight gives an understated yet powerful performance as Tiger Ann's grandmother.
Overall, My Louisiana Sky is a beautifully made family drama that portrays the complexities and joys of life in rural Louisiana through the eyes of a young girl. It's a story about love, family, and the power of resilience in the face of adversity, and is sure to touch the hearts of anyone who watches it.
My Louisiana Sky is a 2001 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 38 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9.