Mary and Martha (HBO)

About 'Mary and Martha' (HBO)

'Mary and Martha' is a 2013 television film from HBO starring Hilary Swank and Brenda Blethyn. It tells the poignant tale of two mothers who bond over the shared loss of their sons to malaria. Written by Richard Curtis and directed by Phillip Noyce, the movie is an emotional journey that raises awareness about the global issue of malaria.

Making / Production

The film was shot in the United States, the United Kingdom, and South Africa. It made its debut on HBO in 2013 and received critical acclaim for its emotional depth and powerfully moving performances. Bringing the issue of malaria to mainstream television, it successfully engaged viewers' empathy and consciousness on an international scale.

Actors

• Hilary Swank as Mary - Swank gave a compelling performance as Mary, a mother trying to cope with the loss of her son to malaria. Her portrayal is heartfelt, raw, and emotive.
• Brenda Blethyn as Martha - Playing the character of Martha, another grieving mother, Blethyn carried her role with grace and authenticity, bringing a quiet strength to the character.

Trivia / interesting facts

• The film's central theme of malaria aims at raising awareness about this preventable and treatable disease that still claims over 400,000 lives annually, most of them being African children.
• Writer Richard Curtis is also a co-founder of Comic Relief, a charity aiming to eradicate poverty which also does extensive work towards controlling and eliminating malaria.

Awards

The film did not win any major awards, but the performances of Hilary Swank and Brenda Blethyn were highly celebrated and appreciated within the film industry and by audiences alike.

Quotes

• "Some things you learn by being brave. And some things you learn the hard way." - Mary
• "If I can save one life, it will be worth it." - Martha

Music, Soundtrack

• The score for Mary and Martha is composed by Philip Miller, whose poignant and touching compositions brought a depth and emotional resonance to the film.