Cancerpants (2011) User Reviews

Moving, Witty, Inspirational Film

[selloutmf · 9/10 · 19 July 2013]

Let me start by saying, this film was NOT aimed at me. I am male, not a lesbian, have never had cancer really affect my life directly, and honestly don't love tear jerker docs. In short, I watched it because it was not my turn to pick. And I'm so very glad I did.

This film somehow deals head on with the tragedy that is a young woman being diagnosed with late stage breast cancer, without being overly dramatic or depressing, or making you want to turn it off. The film actually flies by, with lots of great actuality (shots of the subjects living their lives rather than just talking about them) and good humor all along.

I really enjoyed the music as well and at the end of the movie I truly wanted to know these people. One other really interesting thing I thought was how the film demonstrates that a new cancer diagnosis affects a whole community of people, not just the person who is sick.

Really, really well done!

Cancerpants explores the topic gracefully

[Robin-Anderson9991 · 9/10 · 26 September 2013]

The topic of "cancer" is a heavy and serious one to portray in any film, let alone a documentary. Yet, in Nevie Owen's film, "Cancerpants" the ups and downs of living with cancer are explored in such an intimate and detailed manner that by the end of the movie, it's hard not to feel like you've gone through an emotional roller-coaster with the characters of the film.

Revolving around the story of Rochelle Paulson, the film chronicles her battle with Stage 3 breast cancer over a two-year period in a gripping and uncompromising way. From the good times to the bad, "Cancerpants" shines a very bright light on the human spirit in this hidden gem of a documentary.

Uplifting ride!

[Boscaflo · 8/10 · 23 July 2013]

I'm not a normal reviewer but I had to stop and say something about this fantastic film. It's quite an uplifting film that even people who might not be able to relate, should take the time to give a watch.

I use the word uplifting due to the motivation it gives to find strength in such a struggle. And that struggle is portrayed here better than other films that pretend to capture the journey of what it takes through such a trying time. From the tears it will cause, to the laughter that will come out, it's genuine.

In short, it's a film that demands your attention. Rent it, buy it, borrow it... but see it.

Brutally and lovingly honest about the experience of cancer treatment

[andie-grace · 9/10 · 1 August 2013]

Our heroine, Rochelle Poulson, is someone I know I'd love to hang out with. Sweet, emotionally aware, and well-spoken, she's knocked sideways by a sudden breast cancer diagnosis while trying to conceive a child. Rochelle and her community must act bravely to confront this reality -- staring down treatment options and future possibilities, Ro's erudite self-awareness makes for a compelling window into the mind of a cancer patient. A practitioner of holistic health, it's interesting to watch her integrate and assimilate the sometimes-brutal realities of western medicine and the body's response to it -- on minor points, like facing down her cravings for comfort food instead of her usual hyperhealthy fare, and on the major ones, like wrestling with her own fiercely positive demeanor when chemo's suffering gets her down.

You wouldn't expect to laugh or smile much watching a cancer documentary, but the warm embrace of Ro's community, family, and her partner infuse the story with grace and humor throughout. It's not without difficult moments (and be prepared for quick but very intense glimpses of some of the tougher parts of treatment - brutal!) but it's honest and lovingly constructed, and I think even those who've been fortunate to avoid the touch of cancer in a loved one's life will learn from Ro's attitude and her experience with her community.