I’ve always had a soft spot for biopics. As someone fascinated by history, I find that these films breathe life into the past, making it easier to learn about significant people and events that might otherwise go unnoticed. Although I enjoy movies about famous figures, my true favorites are those about ordinary people who face extraordinary situations with resilience and grace. I love delving into the stories of these unsung heroes. “Breathe,” inspired by the life of Robin Cavendish and his wife Diana, is one such film.
Robin Cavendish’s Life
If you’ve never heard of Robin Cavendish, you’re not alone. His story might have remained obscure if not for his inspiring life despite a severe disability. In 1958, two years after marrying Diana, Robin contracted polio, which left him paralyzed from the neck down. Given less than a year to live, Robin initially wished to end his life. However, Diana persuaded him to fight on for their son’s sake.
Robin gradually regained some abilities, like swallowing and speaking, but he remained reliant on artificial respirators. Despite his medical restrictions, Diana and some hospital staff took him out of the hospital against medical advice. Back then, no one with his level of disability had ever survived outside of a hospital.
Advocacy and Innovation
For the next thirty years, Robin and Diana became advocates for disabled people, striving to improve their integration into everyday life. Their innovations included a mobile wheelchair with a built-in respirator, a hydraulic chair lift for their van, and devices that allowed Robin to perform tasks by moving his head. Robin also contributed to creating a registry of people using iron lungs and spearheaded fundraising efforts to enhance their quality of life. In their personal lives, Robin and Diana pushed boundaries, living adventurously while raising their son and staying committed to each other.
Film Review: Breathe
“Breathe” is a film that celebrates life and love, despite depicting a severely disabled man’s journey. Initially, I feared the movie would be depressing, but the opening scenes set against the beautiful English countryside, accompanied by uplifting music, quickly proved me wrong.
The cinematography in “Breathe” is stunning, featuring vast landscapes of England and South Africa alongside more intimate spaces that reflect the couple’s changing reality. The film uses these visual shifts to symbolize Robin’s transition from feeling confined in a hospital bed to embracing a more expansive life.
The film’s score is another standout element, with only five songs that effectively enhance the scenes. My favorite is the opening instrumental piece, closely followed by “True Love,” which appears twice, enriching both an early joyful moment and the film’s closing scenes. “True Love” is performed by Bing Crosby and Grace Kelly, a nod to Robin and Diana’s personal tastes.
Stellar Performances
The success of “Breathe” largely hinges on its talented cast. Andrew Garfield excels in portraying Robin’s physical and creative spirit, even staying in character off-camera. Claire Foy, known for her role as Queen Elizabeth in “The Crown,” brings Diana to life. Her portrayal steers clear of clichés, showing a woman driven by love rather than duty, evolving from a privileged young lady into a resourceful and hopeful partner.
Fans of BBC dramas will appreciate seeing Tom Hollander as Diana’s supportive twin brothers and Hugh Bonneville as family friend Teddy Hall. Teddy collaborates with Robin on the invention of the wheelchair, contributing his own scientific genius. The film highlights how Robin and Diana cultivated a supportive community, which was crucial for Robin’s quality of life.
Behind the Scenes
Jonathan Cavendish, the couple’s son, was so moved by his parents’ story that he worked tirelessly to bring it to the screen, collaborating with actor and first-time director Andy Serkis. Given the high quality of the film, it’s impressive that this is Serkis’s directorial debut.
Final Thoughts
“Breathe” is more than a movie about overcoming disability; at its core, it’s a tender love story between Robin and Diana. The film beautifully captures their mutual commitment, perfectly illustrating the marriage vows of “for better or worse.”
The film also tackles moral and ethical questions, especially towards the end, and while I might not agree with all of Robin’s decisions, the compassionate presentation helps in understanding his perspective.
Few films inspire and move audiences like “Breathe.” This tribute to Robin and Diana Cavendish is one of the most beautiful and memorable movies I’ve seen this year, and I highly recommend it to everyone.
“Breathe” is rated PG-13 for its discussion and portrayal of adult themes, some intense medical scenes, and mild language. You can stream it on Amazon Prime or rent/buy it on Amazon, Google Play, iTunes, and VUDU.
