Maudie (2016)

As Maudie (Sally Hawkins) shuffles down the aisle of the little grocery shop and reaches out for the posted advertisement, she is determined to score not realizing how her life is about to change. Cursed with arthritis this little woman, all hunched over and with fingers that refuse to cooperate has not dimmed in her sunny disposition and her sense of humor. Having always lived with her family and suffocating under their constant concern, the advertised need for a housemaid is her very ticket to freedom. However her employer Everett (Ethan Hawke), a fish peddler by profession isn't easy to work for or live with bringing on new challenges. But it's only here that Maudie's able to dedicate herself to her one true passion, painting. With time this woman from Marshalltown, Iowa rises to fame with her paintings bringing her untold success; The fact that president Nixon himself is an ardent fan is proof enough. Maudie finds love and she finally sees her hovering family for what they really are. Once she unlocks the secret that has held her prisoner for most of her life she is able to come to terms with a loss that she's had to always live with.
Maudie's life is a testament of courage, love, forgiveness and of ultimately finding happiness.
This movie came to me as a breath of fresh air and deserves a 5 in my books and a resounding applause.
I loved the soundtrack that absolutely pulled at the heartstrings.