I had my doubts about this movie . I was afraid that it will be either a cheap melodrama trying too hard to pull the heartstrings. Considering that some of the movies in the 80's about people suffering from different kinds of sickness were good ("Rain man" , "My left foot") I decided to give it a shot. It was a good decision.This movie never becomes too sentimental , too sappy or cheesy . It never tries to manipulate viewers emotions . It doesn't offer you empty optimism or pointless depression. "Mask" feels like a real life. It's bittersweet . Everything here seems natural , just like you're not watching a movie , but real life. Our hero has problems , yes , but he faces them without fear and with a bit of humor."Mask" balances humor and drama really well . The scene with the mirror is simple , yet very effective . This movie teaches us to treat people like Rocky just normal human beings and not to judge only by appearance. The uplifting message feels right . Sure , life is hard , but it shouldn't stop anyone from having dreams , ambitions and feelings- from living , no matter how short our life is.Good performances from Cher , Eric Stoltz and Sam Elliott . Watch out for Steve James ("American ninja") and Andrew Robinson ("Cobra") in small episodes as doctors and for Estelle Getty ("Stop or my mom will shoot") as Cher's mother. The makeup (the title mask) is brilliant and deserved Oscar. There is some nice rock n'roll music too.I give it 7/10.

There are lots of these films. Generally, these "Feel good/inspirational films" try so hard that they end up making you feel sick. Often they go above and beyond the reality and overplay something so insignificant, its hard to relate to it. Mask does neither. Mask is grounded in reality. Yes, some of the facts are skewered, but it lives in the real world. It feels realistic and it feels relatable. Another thing Mask does differently is how it spreads its "Inspirational" message. Many of these films just give the message straight up, with no spice or seasoning to make it interesting. Or they might just toss it in your face at the beginning and forget it, letting it sit in your face throughout the movie, often making it more uncomfortable than inspiring. Mask uses subtly and lets the story itself unfold its message. The direction is tight and conveys this beautifully. There is a scene that always touches me- when Rocky is looking in a fun house mirror. At first we do not see what he sees, but he goes to get his mother. She looks into the mirror, and the fun house mirror shows Rocky but without his facial disorder. It's a beautiful, somewhat haunting, scene.The film is the true life story of Roy "Rocky" Dennis, a boy born with a disease commonly known as "Lionitis" that deforms the cranial growth. His mother, played surprisingly well by Cher, is short tempered and morally questionable, but is ultimately determined to help Rocky live as good a life as normal.The ultimate message of the film is not to be shallow. It doesn't matter what you look like on the outside, it's what is inside, what is behind the "mask" if you will, that counts. The movie conveys its message well, and Rocky's character does a good job of delivering that message. Rocky was intelligent, nice, funny, and caring. Sure he has his faults, but once again thats the film actually staying in the realm of reality. Rocky is a likable- if not lovable character despite his originally off putting appearance.Mask is something we don't see in cinemas anymore: An "inspirational" true story that doesn't force it and ultimately, succeeds in making you feel good and even tugs your heart strings a bit. So many films try to do this but fail, but we should be thankful we have Mask. One of the most beautiful and touching films ever made.

Some articles or short biographies about Peter Bogdanovich that I've read assert that his career has not amounted to as much as it could have. His 1985 masterpiece "Mask" should disprove that. It tells the story of teenager Roy L. "Rocky" Dennis (Eric Stoltz), who suffered from craniodiaphyseal dysplasia that left him with an enlarged face. He and his biker mother Rusty (Cher) do what they can to live their lives normally, understanding that it will be an uphill climb.One of the impressive parallels is the relationships that they develop. Rusty is involved in a relationship with fellow biker Gar (Sam Elliott), and they're pretty much the same kind of person. Rocky attends the camp for the blind where he befriends Diana (Laura Dern); she can't see what he looks like, but she accepts him for being a nice person.So this is definitely one that I recommend. It not only shows the triumph of the human spirit confronting adversity, but affirms the talent of all parties involved. Really good.Also starring Estelle Getty, Richard Dysart and Harry Carey, Jr.

This is the best performance by Cher I have seen. One the best movies by all actors. Very realistic!!! I really don't understand why you need to have ten lines if you just want to make a statement about a movie that you really enjoyed. So here goes...I think the Cramps are a really great band, if you ever go on YouTube check it out. My African Cichlids just a babies we were afraid that the little sucker was going to die, he made it through about three days and he is growing stronger and bigger. My super, smoking, sexy, hot boyfriend made two turkeys today we have yet to eat them....smells good, also mashed potatoes, stuffing with sausage, greens beans, nice rolls and butter and we didn't even need gravy in a can...homemade gravy. Oh, by the way Mask was a great movie and totally recommend it.