FILM ANALYSIS:

MY SISTER’S KEEPER
Direction: Provide a synthesis of the movie My Sister’s Keeper while keeping in
mind the following questions. 

a. What is the main problem in the story? 

b. What are the manifestations of the patient’s illness?
c. What are the impacts of the illness to each member of the family?
The severity of Kate’s diagnosis at such a young age ultimately shapes the
dynamic of the Fitzgerald family. Instead of a typical life full of friends, school
activities, sports, hobbies and vacations, they spend life revolving in and out of
hospitals and doctors’ offices treating or anticipating Kate’s next medical
emergency. 
Sara Fitzgerald (Mother) – life has centered on keeping Kate alive at any cost.
Upon learning Kate’s treatment options and desire to save her daughter comes
across less as a choice and more as a primal urge. Sara was a successful lawyer
however; she gave up everything and devoted her life to caring for her daughter
and because of Kate’s illness has taken away from her marriage and
relationships with her other children.
Brian Fitzgerald (Father) – is a character who is calm and naturally helps during
tough situations; after all, he is a hero in his own way. Brian made an especially
positive impact to the story when he offered Anna to take some time off from
home and come live with him at the station. He bonded with her, listened to her,
and really helped her realize what she was trying to do with this lawsuit. The
break from home was the perfect time for Anna to just breathe.
Anna Fitzgerald (Sister) – as a child she was aware that she is just created in
vitro to be the perfect genetic match for her sister Kate to keep her sister alive as
she battles the cancer. Even though Anna loves her sister deeply and cares for
her throughout her illness but then she was driven and persistent and will do
anything for the she loves, including filing a lawsuit for medical emancipation to
fulfil her sister’s wish to die at some point it is hard for Anna for doing that but at
the same time it is the best for the both of them as well for her family because
Kate is not going to suffer anymore from her illness and as well for Anna who’s
been keeping her sister alive all along.
Jesse Fitzgerald (Brother) – he is invisible to his family, feels unimportant and he
acts out to get attention from his parents because their attention and must priority
was Kate. It must be hard as well for Jesse because he feels guilty and helpless
for not being able to save his sister from her cancer.
d. How did they cope? 
e. How do other characters of the movie give life to the story? 
 Zanne

Sara’s older sister. Zanne, a high-powered career woman without children,

provides a foil to Sara, who could have been a successful attorney but essentially
gave up her law career to care for her children full-time. Zanne often gives Brian
and Sara comfort and support. For instance, she watches Anna and Jesse when
Sara goes with Kate to the hospital and Brian has to work. Her relationship with
Sara offers another example of the unique bond that exists between sisters.

 Dr. Chance

Kate’s oncologist. A warm but serious man, Dr. Chance represents the science
and medicine keeping Kate alive. He speaks to Sara and Brian very honestly and
directly about Kate’s condition, yet no matter how bleak Kate’s situation gets,
Dr. Chance always offers hope that a treatment may work, even when the
chances are slim.

Campbell Alexander
 Anna’s lawyer. Initially arrogant and brusque, Campbell gradually
emerges as a character with many layers. In many ways, he mirrors
Anna. Both have found it difficult to be who their parents want them to be,
and both have secrets they are unwilling to share. Campbell struggles
between his urge to erect barriers around himself and his genuine desire
to reach out to people. He ultimately experiences the most personal
growth of any of the characters, and by the end of the story he has
formed strong bonds with the people around him.

 Judge DeSalvo

The judge appointed to Anna’s case. Fair and kind, Judge DeSalvo genuinely
cares for Anna’s well-being. As the father of a child killed by a drunk driver, he
understands how desperately Sara and Brian want to keep Kate alive.

 Taylor Ambrose

Kate’s crush and fellow cancer patient. Kate and Taylor’s short relationship
emphasizes that, at heart, Kate is a normal teenage girl. Yet Taylor’s sudden
death underscores the fact that Kate’s condition remains extremely fragile and
that she could die with little warning.

f. What are the bioethical issues? 

g. What are your own personal reflections as to its effects to your person and
profession?
https://heartlandfilm.org/wp-content/uploads/FILM-my-sisters-keeper-film-
curriculum.pdf

http://mysisterskeepermid.blogspot.com/p/blog-page.html

https://issuu.com/mkerpoe/docs/issuu_family_report_fitzgeralds.ppt