A Lion in the House

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A Lion in the House

2006

3h 49m

Documentary

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

100%

Tomatometer

8 Reviews

98%

Popcornmeter

250+ Ratings

This lauded documentary follows the lives of five young people as they deal with the harsh reality of childhood cancer. Ranging from ages 6 to 19, the kids in the film have their own ways of coping with the disease, often approaching their situations with courage and humor. Also featuring the children's parents, who must contend with the emotional and financial tolls of seeing their kids through treatment, the production presents incredibly difficult battles with a formidable disease.

Rob Nelson

Village Voice

Even after four hours, we're left wanting to know a lot more--and with the sense that this desire may itself be one of those human strategies to cope with the overwhelming power of a most enigmatic and undiscriminating villain.

Aug 27, 2009

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Empire Magazine

Rated: 3/5

Oct 28, 2006

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Lisa Kennedy

Denver Post

How often do life's epic dimensions really get their due in documentary, let alone feature film?

Rated: 3.5/4

Jun 2, 2006

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Christopher Null

Filmcritic.com

real and raw

Rated: 4/5

Mar 21, 2009

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Film Threat

Rated: 5/5

Oct 28, 2006

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Robert Denerstein

Denver Rocky Mountain News

I'm recommending the movie because it must be regarded as an extraordinary expression of will, endurance and fortitude.

Rated: A-

Jun 2, 2006

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Marc C

I don't know why I feel compeled to watch things like this. This is absolutely brutal in some ways and if you are the least bit squeamish sit it out. On the other hand, these people are all truly heroic. From the doctors who have to temper stamping out optimism with the stark facts to the children who suffer unendurably to the parents who have to stare into the abyss, the film leaves you drained in some cases but full of admiration for the struggle for survival in all cases. If you can handle the reality of this, it will leave you in awe. But, before you hit play, realize that this is not a fairy tale and reality and tragedy don't recognize age restrictions.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/30/24

Full Review

Charlie L

Incredible piece of filmmaking.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/05/23

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sofia g

I don't think I've ever cried this much watching any movie or series.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/16/23

Full Review

jamie p

Breathtaking in the truest sense. Its incredibly clever in how you are drawn in quietly, slowly, and the later decisions are so devastating. I heard the length was criticised but the families and the viewers needed the time for the stories to be fully realised. It lives and weighs on you. A great film

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/07/23

Full Review

Audience Member

A beautiful, honest and heart-wrenching piece that displays the day-by-roller coaster that is pediatric cancer. These kids are so incredibly courageous and full of spirit throughout their ordeals. While this absolutely heartbreaking at times, the overall message is one of the power of immense love and dedication -- from parent to child and from medical professional to patient and family.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/09/23

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Audience Member

This documentary will pull ur heart out of ur chest and stomp on it I was screaming crying it's beautifuly made tho

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/18/23

Full Review

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Steven Bognar

Director

Julia Reichert

Director

Steven Bognar

Producer

Julia Reichert

Producer

Steven Bognar

Cinematographer

Julia Reichert

Cinematographer

Thin

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Synopsis

This lauded documentary follows the lives of five young people as they deal with the harsh reality of childhood cancer. Ranging from ages 6 to 19, the kids in the film have their own ways of coping with the disease, often approaching their situations with courage and humor. Also featuring the children's parents, who must contend with the emotional and financial tolls of seeing their kids through treatment, the production presents incredibly difficult battles with a formidable disease.

Director: Steven Bognar, Julia Reichert
Producer: Steven Bognar, Julia Reichert
Production Co: Independent Television Service
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): Nov 18, 2020
Runtime: 3h 49m

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