Watch The Lion's Mouth Opens

The Lion's Mouth Opens is a heart-wrenching short film released in 2014, directed by Lucy Walker. The movie explores the story of a young woman named Marianna Palka, who is suffering from Huntington's Disease, a genetic disorder that causes the progressive deterioration of nerve cells in the brain, leading to mental and physical disabilities.

Marianna has a family history of the illness, and she decides to undergo a genetic test to find out if she too is at risk. The film begins with her preparing to undergo the test, followed by a series of flashbacks that provide a glimpse into her life and her battle with the disease.

The flashback scenes reveal Marianna's struggles with the disease, including the time when she was living in a nursing home, unable to take care of herself. Through it all, Marianna has been supported by her friend, Jason Ritter, who provides a comforting presence throughout the movie.

The Lion's Mouth Opens showcases the harsh realities of living with Huntington's Disease and highlights the urgency for a cure. The film achieves this by interweaving Marianna's personal story with the stories of other individuals and families affected by the disease. The movie features interviews with scientists and researchers who are working to find a cure for Huntington's, including Christian Williams, a musician and activist who has dedicated his life to raising awareness about the disease.

The movie's title, The Lion's Mouth Opens, is a reference to a traditional Himalayan test of courage. The test involves placing one's hand inside the mouth of a lion statue to retrieve an object. The test is a metaphor for the bravery that Marianna and other patients with Huntington's Disease must exhibit every day.

The film concludes with Marianna undergoing the genetic test, and the result is revealed in a powerful scene that is both heartbreaking and hopeful. The result leads Marianna to make an important decision about her future, underscoring the personal and ethical implications of genetic testing.

The Lion's Mouth Opens is a visually stunning film that addresses an important and underrepresented topic in a thoughtful and empathetic manner. The movie is a powerful testament to the resilience and courage of individuals living with Huntington's Disease, and a call to action for greater public awareness and research funding.

In terms of cinematography, the film relies heavily on close-ups, creating a sense of intimacy with the characters and their emotions. The editing is skillful, and the use of music is particularly effective in conveying the emotional impact of the story.

Overall, The Lion's Mouth Opens is a profoundly moving documentary that tells an important story of courage and hope in the face of difficult circumstances. The movie is a must-see for anyone interested in the human experience and the fight against disease.

The Lion's Mouth Opens is a 2014 documentary with a runtime of 27 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.0.