252. CODA; movie review

CODA

Cert 12A

111 mins

BBFC advice: TBA

This is a very familiar story because one of our best friends was the hearing child of deaf adults.

She has two hearing brothers but they have all been brought up in the deaf community and immersed in its culture.

Indeed, she is an accomplished professional sign interpreter, so I was keen to know her view of Sian Heder's CODA.

Its focus is Ruby (Emilia Jones), a feisty teenager who has to juggle helping her deaf parents (Marlee Matlin and Troy Kotsur) and brother (Daniel Durant) with school life.

They are living on the breadline because their family fishing business is under pressure from distributors and regulators.

In addition, their boat needs a hearing person on board to handle any coastguard messages or distress calls.

Meanwhile, Ruby is going through usual teenage traumas at a school where she had already found herself an outsider because of her background.

However, she loves singing and also has her romantic eye on a lad (Ferdia Walsh-Peelo) who has joined the choir so she follows suit.

CODA begins like a bit of a soppy teen drama with Ruby at odds with her parents over the direction of her life but graduates into a deep reflection of social issues.

Ruby's parents need her to help them make ends meet but in their hearts do not want to stifle her natural growth.

They think singing is a waste of time simply because they don't understand it and their bafflement is only increased when Ruby's music teacher (Eugenio Derbez) wants to develop what he sees as huge potential.

This is a voyage of discovery for them as well as their daughter as they all struggle to acclimatise to new situations.

Anyway, I thought our friend's verdict on CODA was more important than mine.

She said: "Excellent film, realistic situations for lots of CODAs.  

"The dinner table scenes and noisy household very true.  We were also noisy children with no volume control.  

"I've been in Ruby's shoes on many occasions growing up where I didn't translate exactly how it was given because I was embarrassed.  

"I was grateful my mum and dad never went to any school events or parents' evening because at that time interpreters weren't around. 

"During my career, it's completely different, I have to give a true interpretation even though I still culturally mediate for the benefit of all parties. 

"The difference in my family is that my parents were keen for us to live in a hearing world. I realise now how privileged I was to live in two worlds and it's definitely like having a gold card in your pocket when meeting new deaf clients.  

"I really enjoyed watching CODA and had lots of laughs.  Oh, and none of my family is blessed with singing skills, we didn't have music in our house until I was around 10."

By its conclusion, CODA had prompted a tear for me because of its positive conclusions about family.

It highlights the need for compromise while demonstrating that love can conquer all.

Reasons to watch: A realistic portrayal of a hearing child of deaf adults

Reasons to avoid: Quite a negative portrayal of the deaf parents

Laughs: Chuckles for me but several for a CODA

Jumps: None

Vomit: Yes

Nudity: None

Overall rating: 8/10

Did you know? Millie Brother established the organization CODA in 1983 as a non-profit organisation for the hearing children of deaf parents. Its first annual conference took place in 1986 in Fremont, California.

The final word. Marlee Matlin: "I told my team: 'I have to do this.' I just went for it 100%. It was exactly what I was looking for my entire career." Town & Country

 

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