Early in the Canadian Screen Award winning Gabrielle, a character states a universal truth – everybody wants to be loved. Such is the case in the relationship between Gabrielle (Gabrielle Marion-Rivard) and Martin (Alexandre Landry), two mentally disabled young adults who find themselves in a relationship that is tamped down by those who have the misguided belief that they have the young couple's best interests in mind. Filled with joy and heartache, the movie feels real from start to finish, thanks in large part to the remarkable performance from the non-professional actress Marion-Rivard and a script that avoids both overt emotional manipulation and the maudlin. The jerky handheld camerawork does feel like a bit of a distraction early on in the movie, but it is, overall, a great viewing experience.

An interesting look into the lives of developmentally challenged adults, from obstacles to creative outlets, as well as their family dynamics.

Excellent performances. Very real and very moving. Music is terrific. Treatment of disabilities is handled in a matter-of-fact and supportive way.

This movie was awesome. For this movie to come out of Canada is even more incredible.It has Unbelievable performances from the characters in the film named Gabrielle and Martin. This movie should have been at the Oscars, but the simplicity of the story might be the reason than the rest of the powerful execution for not making thus far. The real winners are these two lead characters, who made the movie into a splendid piece of art. It makes so sad for not widely noticed, could have been appreciated everywhere if it was a Hollywood product. So what I say is dub this movie and spread it because I don't want movie goer to miss this wonderful flick.

French Canadian movie about a young woman with Williams syndrome. It was also the Canada's entry for the 86th American Academy Awards, but it did not find a place in the final nominee list. A great potential tale which speaks about an innocent love story in the cruel world. 22 year-old Gabrielle with Williams syndrome is good at music and one of the leading choirs who are preparing for an event. She comes to know her, fellow choir member Martin and fall in love. But, before the relationship going to be thicken get opposed by their parents. The reason won't convince them, so they decide to prove and that is the story this beautiful movie explores with great intensity. ''I think it's great, everything you've done for your sister. But you have to stop hiding behind her.'' This is one of the awesome movie that I saw from the Canada. Unbelievable performances the character Gabrielle and Martin. This movie should have been at the Oscars, but the simplicity of the story might be the reason than the rest of the powerful execution for not making thus far. The real winners are these two lead characters, who made the movie into a splendid piece of art. It makes so sad for not widely noticed, could have been appreciated everywhere if it was a Hollywood product. So what I say is dub this movie and spread it because I don't want movie goer to miss this wonderful flick. There are many things to learn from it, especially music was another highlight. Both, 'Ordinary' and 'The Passenger' tracks are my favorite. So two more songs to put into my movie song collection, though it was not composed specially for the movie, but I liked it. Anyway, a movie not to be missed if you like the dramas with emotionally appealing concepts.

BETTER LATE THAN NEVER: My take on the movies The Amazing Catfish and Gabrielle http://ow.ly/z0sdU

A very touching movie with mind-blowingly realistic performances and obvious love put in by the writer/director. While the film is predictable and far from the best this year, it certainly is a moving journey.

"istek varsa engel yok" filmi.

me encanto! muy linda película

A beautifully touching film about the life and struggles of developmentally challenged adults. Casting was perfect and the story has so much heart. A must-see!

This was very good. Saw at Wisco Film Fest 2014.

"An emotionally raw yet uplifting drama about a mentally challenged woman (Gabrielle Marion-Rivard) struggling with first-time romance and a desire to be independent."

really heartwarming, amazing to see so many non-actors with disabilities really shine in their roles.

A tale of romance in a special needs group home, the difficulty of shifting family structures and dynamics, and the joy of singing. A charming movie which touches on the issues of special needs adults and their families without wallowing in those difficulties.

Incredible they are real mentally challenge people and amazing actors

Dear Robert Charlebois, Special Appearance Maker in GABRIELLE I know you're no ordinary guy, regardless of what you claimed in your 1971 hit single. Except "ordinary" is a hard word to define, as we see in Louise Archambault's sophomore feature Gabrielle. For you, it probably means being humble, easy-to-please, and relatable-all despite your superstar status in la belle province. But it's a little more complicated for intellectually-challenged adults, like the characters in this unassuming, poignant drama. Which is why it's too bad you stole their thunder... (CONT'D) http://www.dearcastandcrew.com/letters/2013/10/23/gabrielle.html

Well done and very like-able but I could swear this was the theme of at least one Lifetime movie or two or three. So 4 stars for production value and 2 stars for originality.

A voir c'est magnifique et les chanson de Charlebois vous ne les écouterez plus avec la même pensée.

Un tres bon film Quà(C)bà(C)cois ...! Très touchant mais fini un peu abruptement...! J'ai eu l'impression qu'on a bousculà(C) la fin... Mais bon y aura t il une suite..??

Gabrielle est un film magnifique. Empreint d'une grande humanité. Le genre de cinéma qui fait grandir. On est placé devant la déficience intelectuelle et on nous montre la grandeur de ces personnages dans toute leur beauté et ce, sans compromis. Louise Archambault dirige admirablement tous les protagonistes ce qui donne au final un film vrai. Chapeau!