Whole (2003)

Sadly Over-hyped

One of my all time favorites.

Very good movie overall, highly recommended. Most of the negative reviews don't have any merit and are all pollitically based. Give this movie a chance at least, and it might give you a different perspective.

Through painfully honest and emotional moments, the movie becomes irresistibly relatable

"Whole" is a documentary about some very strange people who see their identity as a disabled person missing a limb. The problem is, they HAVE working limbs! So, to fit this hidden sense of self, they either bind up their limbs or destroy their limbs so that doctors are forced to amputate! The film itself appears to have been made on a shoestring budget. This isn't a complaint--the filmmakers did what they could afford to do. Plus, they traveled about the globe to interview folks and I appreciate that. But, as far as the look of the film goes, it appears to have been filmed on a home video or digital video camera and the production values are rather limited.I think my reaction is different from other viewers for one major reason. I have two daughters with ACTUAL physical disabilities and so as I watched the folks in "Whole" whine about how they are trapped in their perfectly functional bodies. I also wonder if these same folks take parking spaces, disability payments and take up other resources they have no right to have. I also was a bit irked by a psychiatrist who said that 'this does not make them crazy'. Well, yes, it DOES. At the very least, they have some sort of Identity Disorder or Personality Disorder (such as Histrionic--with a sick need to be noticed no matter the cost).So is it worth seeing? Well, it is oddly fascinating but also a little of this goes a long way. Fortunately, it is short. But, if you have a REAL disability or have family or friends struggling with one, it's probably a film to skip. Strange but skippable.

An extremely thought provoking look at human beings that wish to live without one or more of their natural, healthy limbs attached to their bodies.The best reason to watch this film and more importantly, the best reason to show it to others is exemplified in my own reaction. I procured the film with the expectation to see some crazy people and to study the freaky and clearly unhealthy desire for self amputation. I expected their beliefs to be governed by reactions to terrible childhoods or by simple self absorbed obsession. What we as an audience receive is a profound study of what human identity is. It shows us how important it is to bring forward issues affecting our ability to live comfortably within our identities that exist within a culture and opens up a discourse regarding what restrictions we as a ruling majority of normal people place on others without even realizing. To what extent can we judge the right and wrong of personal identity?This documentary is about many things, from the intensely personal and moving to the most grand cultural expectations. It will get you thinking. I can't recommend it enough.

It cool abrupt film, all is simply remarkable, actors, people and all. Very actual in my opinion themes. It agree with above told Whole" is a documentary about an extremely rare mental disorder, where men and women from different countries and economic backgrounds all have a tremendous desire to amputate one or more of their limbs. Some are faking(tying an arm behind their back just to get the feel), some have done it themselves, and others are still waiting for their insurance to clear so they can try to get it done in hospitals. The idea of cutting a part of yourself off, to me seems so anti-evolutionary and mal-adaptive, but the heart/mind wants what it wants. It's just strange to watch otherwise completely normal seeming people who just feel as if there lives would be improved, saved, even vindicated, if only they were a few limbs the lesser. Fascinating film about mental disorder, and what it means to be a "whole" and complete human being. Recommend | add commen

I've seen a lot of documentaries, and this film is up there in terms of unique, bizarre subject matter. I find it to be fascinating; I really can't think of another movie like it.The low budget helps the overall feel because it adds to the realism. The attitude is neutral, neither viewing the subjects as freaks nor as victims, and is another asset. All sides get a voice, and the viewer gets a good perspective.This film is both informative and moving. All in all, an excellent watch for those who aren't turned off by the topic. Hopefully the director will make more stuff this distinct.