Clara's Heart

Clara's Heart is a heartwarming drama film released in 1988. The movie was directed by Robert Mulligan and starred Whoopi Goldberg, Michael Ontkean, and Kathleen Quinlan. The story follows the journey of a struggling couple, Bill and Leona Hart, who are dealing with the aftermath of a traumatic event.

Bill Hart is a successful cardiologist, while his wife Leona is a homemaker who devotes her time to their family. They seem to have it all - a beautiful home, a comfortable lifestyle, and three children - but their seemingly idyllic life is shattered when their youngest child dies unexpectedly.

Dealing with the emotional fallout of the tragedy, Bill and Leona find their relationship becoming strained. They struggle to move on and begin to drift apart, with Bill immersing himself in his work and Leona becoming increasingly isolated and resentful.

In an effort to distract themselves from their grief, the couple decides to take a vacation to Jamaica, where they meet Clara Mayfield, a Jamaican housekeeper played by Whoopi Goldberg. Clara is an exuberant and charismatic woman who takes an immediate interest in the Hart family, especially their troubled daughter, Davida.

Davida, played by Neil Patrick Harris, has been struggling with the loss of her brother and the breakdown of her parents' marriage. She is distant and closed off, but Clara sees something in her that others don't. Despite their initial reluctance, Bill and Leona allow Clara to spend time with Davida, hoping that she can offer the teenager some much-needed support and guidance.

As Clara becomes a mentor to Davida, she also forms a close bond with the Hart family, offering them a perspective on life and love that they desperately need. With Clara's help, Bill and Leona begin to rediscover their love for each other, and Davida learns to accept and process her grief.

The movie is a heartwarming tale of redemption and hope, showcasing the transformative power of human connection. It explores themes of love, loss, and the resilience of the human spirit, with powerful performances by Goldberg and the rest of the cast.

Clara's Heart is a film that will resonate with anyone who has experienced loss or struggled with personal growth. It is a testament to the fact that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope and the possibility of healing.