I watched this movie when it premiered on TV, in the spring of 1981. At the time, I was 16 and actually in the throes of anorexia, although I did NOT get as thin as JJL did for this role. Ironically (or maybe not-so-ironically, since denial is a BIG part of this eating disorder), I did not see myself as anorexic at all; I just considered myself to have gotten fashionably thin. So my reaction to the movie was to think that "Casey" (played by JJL) must be absolutely insane! And I didn't relate to her at all; I basically just found the movie to be entertaining.
My parents, who watched the movie with me, immediately started saying how much I was like Casey! I didn't like hearing that at all, although in hindsight I can certainly see why they reacted that way. They were, after all, quite upset and worried about my eating (or lack thereof).
When I happened to watch the movie again, about ten years later, I didn't like it as much. As another reviewer pointed out, the music was awful, especially the opening song! And the scene where see bites her father's hand while he tries to force-feed her...Oof! That was more laughable than dramatic.
Anyone seeing this movie now would certainly find it to be very dated. But if you like eating disorder movies, this one might be worth a look.
My parents, who watched the movie with me, immediately started saying how much I was like Casey! I didn't like hearing that at all, although in hindsight I can certainly see why they reacted that way. They were, after all, quite upset and worried about my eating (or lack thereof).
When I happened to watch the movie again, about ten years later, I didn't like it as much. As another reviewer pointed out, the music was awful, especially the opening song! And the scene where see bites her father's hand while he tries to force-feed her...Oof! That was more laughable than dramatic.
Anyone seeing this movie now would certainly find it to be very dated. But if you like eating disorder movies, this one might be worth a look.