Life According to Sam

January. 21,2013      G
Rating:
8.1
Trailer Synopsis Cast

Progeria is a rare, fatal genetic condition that causes accelerated aging in children; its young victims rarely live past 13. This moving documentary explores the remarkable world of Sam Berns and the relentless pursuit of a treatment and cure by his parents (both doctors) to save their son from the disease.

Dave Matthews as  Self

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Reviews

Matialth
2013/01/21

Good concept, poorly executed.

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Console
2013/01/22

best movie i've ever seen.

... more
Doomtomylo
2013/01/23

a film so unique, intoxicating and bizarre that it not only demands another viewing, but is also forgivable as a satirical comedy where the jokes eventually take the back seat.

... more
Scarlet
2013/01/24

The film never slows down or bores, plunging from one harrowing sequence to the next.

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Jerry Ward
2013/01/25

This film took more time then necessary to make the viewer aware or the ravages of this disease. I found myself wanting to fast forward at places where time seemed to stand still. I would have rather seen a movie on this subject with less focus on a single individual. I would like to see another ob this topic better produced and directed. This one should have been edited down to about 60 min. and it would have earned a 10 from me.

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GeoPierpont
2013/01/26

I only know about Progeria from this film. Sam's spirited enthusiastic and keenly goal oriented mentality made me soar with joy. He is one fortunate child to have so many wonderful caring brilliant people support and surround him. He recognizes the importance of the work his parents are involved in to prevent this disease from taking just a handful of children throughout the world. You see him bravely face the endless procedures to document his progress in drug trials. You share his love of music and the drumline.I rarely get to catch a glimpse of such a beautiful child and his life not devoured by death, disease and doom.Very inspiring documentary about a boy who just wants to live and make a contribution to society. I feel blessed to have known him through this vehicle and pray that the efforts of all involved will produce a cure.High recommend for all who have a challenging chronic illness or children with incurable diseases. Very uplifting especially when you are not sure of the outcome. Sadly Sam has since passed but his memory will be forever captured in many hearts.

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Matthew Luke Brady
2013/01/27

What a remarkable boy that Sam Berns was.Life According to Sam tells the story about Sam Berns when he had progeria, a progressive aging disorder so rare that fewer than 250 children in the world had it at the time. Little was known about the disease, and all children with progeria died of heart attack or stroke at an average age of 13. Told there was no treatment or cure, they refused to accept that as the final verdict.Now normally I'm not such a big fan of documentary's but a couple of times I will find a interesting and enjoyable one time to time, but I don't really watch that much Documentary's. But what really got me interested in Life According to Sam is the fact when Sam Berns sadly passed away in January 2014 and I heard nothing but great and inspiring things from this kid and a Documentary about him made me inserted to know more from Sam and boy dose this Documentary do it well.I won't lie but this movie or Documentary if you like to call almost brought me into little tears, yeah I know it's not very manly to admit cracking up in a couple of scenes but since I've always got to be honest when it comes to movie I won't lie that this only most brought me into tears.Sean Fine and Andrea Nix did a excellent job directing this Documentary with much care and effort that made this more effective to me.For problems I didn't really have any to be honest. And the reason why I'm not going to give it 5/5 start's is because it's great but not on the level of oh my god this is amazing 5/5 star's, but it's still good without a doubt and if you had the chance to watch this then go ahead it may not be a easy watch sometimes but it's still worth checking.

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Tembrock
2013/01/28

This is one of those films that I'm simply a better person for having seen. I was fortunate enough to see it at the Sundance Film Festival and enjoy and Q&A with both the filmmakers and Sam himself with his parents (via Skype on the big screen). It is a wonderfully intimate look at an incredibly challenging turn of events for this family that discovers their son has this rare disease and the choices they make in reaction to a bleak prognosis by doctors. Most of all I think I enjoyed Sam's perspective. As the movie title indicates we're let in to the world view of this young man and even as I type this I well up in recalling his wonderfully optimistic and yet realistic look at life. Sometimes I see films like this advertised and I avoid them because I think the subject matter is going to be difficult and I'd rather see something more escapist. That's fine but I would only say that if that is your take after seeing the subject matter, see the film anyway! You'll not regret it. In many ways it's extremely life affirming and very positive. Bravo to the filmmakers and to the family for sharing their lives with us.

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