Painful Secrets (2000)

Powerful

When a movie has you begging for it to end not even half way through it's pure crap. We've all seen this movie and this characters millions of times, nothing new in it. Don't waste your time.

It's easily one of the freshest, sharpest and most enjoyable films of this year.

There's no way I can possibly love it entirely but I just think its ridiculously bad, but enjoyable at the same time.

I watched the film about 2 weeks ago, I was alone downstairs and I wasn't so sure about watching it, as it would upset me because I'm a cutter myself and i was worried about it triggering something. I think the film shows Dawn having a few problems but no way near as bad as most people. I used to have a family life a little worse than that in fact i still do and things in her life to me were nothing compared to how bad things in other peoples life was and in mine which i found quite insulting in a way, but i did enjoy it i would like to watch it again but maybe it needs to be a little more realistic, I also thought the cuts were a little strange as they don't bleed like that which to me felt like i was not cutting right which sounds awful but anyway i do think that people should watch this movie and get a feeling of how it does ruin your life.

This movie was very good but when others think you self harm because you want attention that's not true. i used to self harm, i used to cut myself with a razor blade and knives, for over 11 years just recently last year i stopped cutting myself and feel much better about myself. you don't just do it for attention but you feel you have a lot of pain bottled up inside you, well that's how i used to feel, in a lot of ways i can understand Dawn. i still find that i cope with my pain very difficultly especially when i need to take it out some how. but i'm trying, i've been seeing a psychiatrist and it really did,t help i'm not the kind to talk about my problems especially when you just sit there and stare blankly at a strangers face when they ask you so how do you feel and why do you feel you want to hurt yourself, i used to hate it i didn't like talking about my problems i felt my problems are my own and for me to solve.

This film shows the range of human emotions, the depths of depression the irrational urge to break free of the binds which hold us, and unlikely friendships.A great film, which deals with the issue of cutting in a way which is neither accusatory nor overly sympathetic. I thoroughly enjoyed the film. The acting performances are real, the film shows a depth of reality rarely found nowadays, refreshingly clear, the film transports the viewer to a place of observation where the emotions of the events are transferred.I highly recommend anyone to watch this film, it is also helpful in gaining perspective of your place in the world and your life.

The title "Secret Cutting" seems sensationalistic, but it is very real, and based on true case studies Dr. Steven Levenkron (psychiatrist/author who also wrote "The Best Little Girl in the World" - dealing with anorexia) This film is a good example of the positive aspects of a GOOD Lifetime movie, it can inform both parents, friends and teachers as to a reality not everyone wishes to face.Sean Young is very good as an over-protective Mom who wishes the best for her daughter, but doesn't know how to give it- she has been traumatized herself by the accidental death of her infant sister. Kimberlee Peterson portrays the sensitive daughter, who is teased and alienated by classmates, had low self-esteem, and a destructive relationship with her boyfriend.Robert Wisden portrays the father, who lives in denial and feels helpless, although he clearly loves his daughter. It would have been nice to see further character development with his part, as the father daughter issue is sometimes bypassed.Rhea Perlman was surprisingly good as the therapist who eventually works with Peterson on her self-destructive tendencies. Many teens "cut" to remind themselves they are alive, or to feel something, ANYTHING, other than the alienation they live with. Anyone unfamiliar with the subject may think this to be an extreme reaction, but it is very common, instead of drinking, or drugs, some individuals turn to "cutting" as a defense mechanism. This is an important issue which everyone should be aware of. In the film, you see the denial and drive for perfection which results in cutting- Peterson cannot be the popular girl her mother wishes she was, so she cuts herself, as punishment.There is one scene in particular which is very sad. Peterson was involved in a school play, and draws wolves for her art class. After she is hospitalized for another cutting incident, her mother returns home, cleaning her room, and sees the beautiful pictures of the wolves her daughter has drawn. She is overcome with sadness, blaming herself, her bad marriage, and ends up separating from the family; running from the problem. There are no easy answers or trite endings with psychological issues.I will not divulge the ending, but everyone should watch this film- especially in America- where the "popular" issue and peer pressure is so overblown. Will society ever learn? In a country where some mothers compete about cheer leading, kids are killed for being bullies or too popular- the violence seems immeasurable.