Love is all you need.|Dec. 28, 2001|United States|132 Min.|PG-13
Genre: Drama
Description: “I Am Sam” is a 2001 drama film starring Sean Penn and Dakota Fanning. The story follows Samuel Dawson, a Starbucks employee with an intellectual disability, who becomes a single father to his daughter, Lucy Diamond Dawson, named after The Beatles’ song “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds.” Abandoned by her mother, Sam raises Lucy with the help of his supportive friends and a caring neighbor, Annie. As Lucy grows older, her cognitive abilities surpass Sam’s, leading to challenges in their relationship.
Lucy faces bullying from other children due to her father’s condition, and she becomes increasingly embarrassed by the difference in their mental capacities. When authorities threaten to remove Lucy from Sam’s custody, he seeks legal help from Rita Harrison, a lawyer struggling with her own personal issues. Although initially driven by a desire to prove herself, Rita takes on Sam’s case pro bono and begins to reevaluate her own life and relationships.
At the custody trial, Sam becomes overwhelmed and doubts his ability to care for Lucy, resulting in her placement in a foster home. Despite this, Lucy remains determined to stay connected to her father, sneaking out to visit him. Sam moves closer to her foster home to maintain their bond, even as he ensures she returns safely each time. The film explores themes of love, family, and societal perceptions of disability.
Cast director: Jessie Nelson
Cast actor: Sean Penn, Michelle Pfeiffer, Dianne Wiest, Dakota Fanning, Richard Schiff, Loretta Devine, Marin Hinkle, Laura Dern, Brad Silverman, Joseph Rosenberg
Original name: I Am Sam