Smile (2005)

High school student Katie signs up for a trip to China, where she meets Lin, who has a facial deformity that discourages her from ever showing her face, but her friendship with Katie helps her start to see life in a new way.

Director:

Jeffrey Kramer (as Jeff Kramer)

Writer:

Jeffrey Kramer (as Jeff Kramer)

Stars:

Mika Boorem, Yi Ding, Sean Astin

1 win.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Mika Boorem	...	Katie
Luoyong Wang	...	Daniel
Yi Ding	...	Lin
Beau Bridges	...	Steven
Linda Hamilton	...	Bridgette
Cheri Oteri	...	Linda
Sean Astin	...	Mr. Matthews
Shuai Chi	...	Calvin
Jonathon Trent	...	Ted
Erik von Detten	...	Chris
Jia Song	...	Daniel's Wife
Essie Shure	...	Brittany
Susan Chuang	...	Ticket Agent
Yaojun Feng	...	Conductor
Hua Zhu	...	James

Storyline

Katie, a teenage girl from Malibu, California, finds herself in the throes of growing up, facing her parents, her boyfriends, her sexuality and a very privileged life. Half a world away in rural, China, Lin, born on the same day as Katie, faces a much different reality. Because of a severe facial deformity, she lives a life of fear and shame. Her father, Daniel, has devoted his life to her, with hopes and dreams that her circumstances will change one day. The opportunity comes with the discovery of the worldwide "Doctor's Gift" program. Katie volunteers and comes to China. Once there, she is deeply touched by the work, which prompts her to take off on her own to find Lin. A "smile" is brought to Lin's face, Katie finds her soul and their extraordinary connection becomes a life-changing experience for both girls.

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Plot Keywords:

china | deformity | malibu | teenage girl | friendship | 

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Taglines:

Based on 80,000 true stories.

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Genres:

Adventure | Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for some mature content involving teen sexuality

Details

Official Sites:

Official site

Country:

USA China

Language:

English Mandarin Spanish

Release Date:

8 April 2005 (USA)

Also Known As:

A Força de um Sorriso

Filming Locations:

Jingxi, China

Company Credits

Production Co:

Konwiser Brothers, Changchun Film Studio, Dark Forest

Technical Specs

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Connections

Features Cowboy and the Senorita (1944)

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Soundtracks

Vanishing Romance
Written by Joe Lervold (as Joel Evans)
Performed by Carla Helmbrecht and Joe Lervold (as Joel Evans)
Published by Mopsy Music (BMI)
Courtesy of Heavy Hitters

User Reviews

It will truly touch your heart

I didn't hear about this movie at all. I was walking through Movie Gallery and came across this movie. I initially noticed Sean Astin's name so I picked it up. I then realized that the movie was based on OPERATION SMILE. I had to rent the movie then. Operation Smile is an organization that goes to third world countries and does facial reconstructive surgery on children. I personally think this is amazing. The movie captured the heart-rending pain that physically deformed children go through. It captured the love the parents had for those children and the sacrifices that they go through. It also captured Katie's journey from selfish spoiled little brat to someone who thinks about somebody else for a change. It showed her compassion bloom and it was a very pleasant movie to watch. I heartily recommend it.