Inspired by real life events, Take My Hand is a heart wrenching love story that spans decades.
Laura is still a schoolgirl – whose father teaches history – when she meets and falls for Michael, the football playing son of a Greek greengrocer.
Laura loves riding horses on the family’s country property, but dreams of leaving rural life behind.
Laura and Michael are inseparable until she receives news that she has been accepted into a prestigious London university.
While she agonises over what to do, Michael encourages her to go, saying she’ll never forgive herself if she doesn’t.
And so it is that life intervenes.
Both marry other partners and start families. Laura forges a successful corporate career in the UK.
Two decades pass before Laura and Michael meet again.
By then, she – like her mother – has multiple sclerosis and the road ahead is looking rocky and bleak.
That doesn’t prevent Michael from saying and doing all the right things.
With both sets of eyes open, their relationship blossoms anew.
They plan a future together, not deterred by the significant health challenges that lie ahead.
Take My Hand pulls at the heartstrings from the get go.
It is an against the odds story, with many impediments to be overcome.
In what marks his directorial debut, John Raftopoulos wrote the screenplay, along with Dave Paterson, about reuniting with the love of his life, Claire Jensz.
It is a beautifully shot movie. Cinematographer Wade Muller has done a fine job, showcasing the glorious Northern Rivers.
The music bed by Angela Little ratchets up the emotion.
The performances give the movie heart and soul.
Laura is played as a teenager by Meg Fraser, who brings zest and expectation to the role.
Xavier Molyneux is cast as young Michael. He comes across as considerate and caring.
Rahda Mitchell transitions an older Laura well from being caught up in the hurly burly to seeing her world collapse and having to recalibrate.
Adam Demos maintains Michael’s good guy image, his older Michael being charming and personable.
Work is what drives Laura’s husband, Jason. As such he has a questionable level of tolerance and that is the mantle that Bart Edwards assumes.
Among the other standouts is Darren Gilshenan as Laura’s no-nonsense father, Peter, while Natalie Bassingthwaighte takes on a small role as Laura’s sister, Rachel.
From the earliest frames you can see where the film is headed. It is merely a question of how and when it will get there (and that is where the drama comes in).
That takes nothing away from the fact that I was along for the ride. In other words, I was willing it to happen, which is a sure sign that the movie is affecting.
MS is an insidious disease, which remains incurable.
While not avoiding that in any way, Take My Hand gifts warmth and hope.
It says that notwithstanding the impact multiple sclerosis has, people who actively care can make a world of difference to one’s mental state.
Rated M, it scores a 7 out of 10.
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