How to Die in Oregon
2011 Directed by Peter Richardson
Synopsis
Would You Want The Right To Choose When It's Your Time
In 1994 Oregon became the first state to legalize physician-assisted suicide. At the time, only Belgium, Switzerland, and the Netherlands had legalized the practice. 'How to Die in Oregon' tell the stories of those most intimately involved with the practice today -- terminally ill Oregonians, their families, doctors, and friends -- as well as the passage of an assisted suicide law in Washington State.
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Raw, devastating, thought-provoking, and genuine, How to Die in Oregon is an extremely emotional watch that can also be difficult, as it very closely and deeply covers the subject of death.
Physician-assisted suicide is an issue some are fervent about, but not too many seem to recognize as important. However, this documentary isn't about the political side of the practice, but is rather a portrait of the people who fight for the right to die with dignity; to die while they can still function and not feel like a burden to their loved ones or be humiliated by debilitating effects of whatever disease they have.
The subject matter is therefore quite hard-hitting. The opening is almost guaranteed to punch you…
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"I haven't cried like that since 'Titanic.'"
No, I actually haven't cried like that since 'Dear Zachary,' another powerful and devastating documentary. They're both highly recommended, though!
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Anything I could say or write about this would just be words, trivial and meaningless.
How to Die in Oregon is devastating and empowering to the last breath.
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I woke up once with a pillow over my face. My girlfriend at the time was holding it there. After I tore it off and asked for an explanation, she said it was to prevent the hairdryer waking me up.
Another time I remember clearing my throat. She threatened to take me to Dignitas.
This film is a really touching exploration of a "Death with Dignity" law, passed in Oregon. I wish it was more widespread but y'know, with adequate checks in place to ensure it's what the patient, rather than their partner, wants.
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Dare you to watch it and not be moved one way or another. I'm glad the people of Oregon offer choice.
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Well, that destroyed me. Frank look at end-of-life decisions in the Pacific Northwest.
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Raw, devastating, thought-provoking, and genuine, How to Die in Oregon is an extremely emotional watch that can also be difficult, as it very closely and deeply covers the subject of death.
Physician-assisted suicide is an issue some are fervent about, but not too many seem to recognize as important. However, this documentary isn't about the political side of the practice, but is rather a portrait of the people who fight for the right to die with dignity; to die while they can still function and not feel like a burden to their loved ones or be humiliated by debilitating effects of whatever disease they have.
The subject matter is therefore quite hard-hitting. The opening is almost guaranteed to punch you…
-
I woke up once with a pillow over my face. My girlfriend at the time was holding it there. After I tore it off and asked for an explanation, she said it was to prevent the hairdryer waking me up.
Another time I remember clearing my throat. She threatened to take me to Dignitas.
This film is a really touching exploration of a "Death with Dignity" law, passed in Oregon. I wish it was more widespread but y'know, with adequate checks in place to ensure it's what the patient, rather than their partner, wants.
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I think my soul is broken. I feel like I've been hit by a truck. Maybe it hit too close to home. More probably it's just an extremely effective documentary.
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"I haven't cried like that since 'Titanic.'"
No, I actually haven't cried like that since 'Dear Zachary,' another powerful and devastating documentary. They're both highly recommended, though!
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Anything I could say or write about this would just be words, trivial and meaningless.
How to Die in Oregon is devastating and empowering to the last breath.
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A documentary about assisted suicide. Slightly one-sided but still interesting. We were pretty bummed out afterwards.
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A harrowing yet compelling watch.