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Special Features
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Editorial Reviews
Review
HOW TO DIE IN OREGON will likely be viewed...as one of the most historically significant documentaries of this still-young decade. --Chicago Sun Times
At Sundance, there are buzz movies, and then there are the ones that everyone clears a space around and discusses in hushed tones. HOW TO DIE IN OREGON is one of those. --The Boston Globe
Aptly harrowing, but inspiring as well…exquisite. --Variety
At Sundance, there are buzz movies, and then there are the ones that everyone clears a space around and discusses in hushed tones. HOW TO DIE IN OREGON is one of those. --The Boston Globe
Aptly harrowing, but inspiring as well…exquisite. --Variety
Product Description
Product Description
In 1994, Oregon became the first state to legalize physician-assisted suicide. As a result, any individual whom two physicians diagnose as having less than six months to live can lawfully request a fatal dose of barbiturate to end his or her life. Since 1994, more than 500 Oregonians have taken their mortality into their own hands.
In HOW TO DIE IN OREGON, filmmaker Peter Richardson gently enters the lives of the terminally ill as they consider whether and when to end their lives by lethal overdose. At the heart of the film are the patients themselves, their families and friends, as they grapple with the legal option they are allowed in Oregon. Through their stories, Richardson examines both sides of this complex, emotionally charged issue. What emerges is a life-affirming, staggeringly powerful portrait of what it means to die with dignity.
Special Features
- Extended Footage
- Stories Not Shown in the Film
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
20 of 20 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Hot Button Issue Handled With Sensitivity And Empathy: Personal Stories About Life, Not Death
January 31, 2012
Format:DVD
With its controversial subject matter, Peter Richardson's "How to Die in Oregon" is likely to have its detractors sight unseen. That's unfortunate because this documentary does a fine job of illustrating personal stories in an effective and affecting way as opposed to being an overt political diatribe. While the film's sensibilities and sentiments are certainly not concealed, there is much to recommend this presentation even if you do not agree with Oregon's Death with Dignity Act. It places a number of people who have participated in (or wanted to) the program center stage to share their tales and these heartfelt confessions will elicit your empathy and understanding. That, in itself, is the primary selling point of "How to Die in Oregon." Despite your views, these stories are relatable, courageous, and thought-provoking. Both harrowing and heartfelt, the movie also manages to celebrate life. These are NOT people who want to die, they want to live. It is an extremely important topic handled in a very sensitive manner.
The film displays an even hand in tackling a complicated issue. The Death With Dignity Act is a progressive policy that permits doctors to prescribe a treatment that allows a patient the means to end their own life should their medical status become unbearable. It is not considered assisted suicide (which put Jack Kevorkian in jail) as the subjects must be able to physically accomplish the deed without someone administering it to them. The film introduces advocates, volunteers, and patients of varying positions and viewpoints. Some opt to go through with Death With Dignity, some do not, some become incapacitated and are unable to do so. Richardson has intimate access to these subjects but the film always seems respectful of what it is showing us.
For those that would argue the film is totally one-sided, it does indeed presents some alternate views. One of the most memorable sequences comes from a gentleman who is denied insurance coverage for treatment but offered assistance for Death With Dignity. It's a powerful moment that highlights the potential pitfalls of the proposed system. Ultimately, though, the film makes a strong case for giving someone control and choice at a moment when they are at their most vulnerable. "How to Die in Oregon" is surprisingly understated and, in its quiet power, it becomes a film that you're not likely to forget. Strong, but important, stuff. An easy recommendation to anyone on either side of the debate. KGHarris, 1/12.
The film displays an even hand in tackling a complicated issue. The Death With Dignity Act is a progressive policy that permits doctors to prescribe a treatment that allows a patient the means to end their own life should their medical status become unbearable. It is not considered assisted suicide (which put Jack Kevorkian in jail) as the subjects must be able to physically accomplish the deed without someone administering it to them. The film introduces advocates, volunteers, and patients of varying positions and viewpoints. Some opt to go through with Death With Dignity, some do not, some become incapacitated and are unable to do so. Richardson has intimate access to these subjects but the film always seems respectful of what it is showing us.
For those that would argue the film is totally one-sided, it does indeed presents some alternate views. One of the most memorable sequences comes from a gentleman who is denied insurance coverage for treatment but offered assistance for Death With Dignity. It's a powerful moment that highlights the potential pitfalls of the proposed system. Ultimately, though, the film makes a strong case for giving someone control and choice at a moment when they are at their most vulnerable. "How to Die in Oregon" is surprisingly understated and, in its quiet power, it becomes a film that you're not likely to forget. Strong, but important, stuff. An easy recommendation to anyone on either side of the debate. KGHarris, 1/12.
12 of 12 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
A masterful, sensitive, powerful documentary about a difficult subject. Peter Richardson shows how truly great a thoughtful, compassionate documentary can be. Quite a contrast to the sort of fear-mongering, hectoring, histrionics, and rabble-rousing you've come to expect in recent popular documentaries. Whatever Richardson turns his attention to next, he's got my attention already.
20 of 23 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
No matter what your moral leanings are on physician-assisted suicide, "How to Die in Oregon" will give you an angle on the issue that shows grace and compassion. It's hard to imagine a film that takes on this hot-button issue and does not evoke anger, anxiety or doubt. Somehow the producer has helped the viewer to avoid the negative and raw emotions and find a place of empathy and resignation.
There is no fanfare in death and dying and the issue in this film is not treated with drama and stigma. Much a part of living, death is dealt with lovingly and respectfully. Those individuals featured in "How to Die in Oregon" who let us into the most intimate parts and decisions of their lives (especially Cody Curtis) leave us understanding quality of life just a little bit better.
Whether you believe in Oregon's historic "Death with Dignity Act" or flatly oppose it ... watch this film to gain a little more empathy and understanding. It is my hope that this film is watched, discussed and embraced by more people. This is an issue that needs to be broached more than ever these days as medical advances continue that allow for length of life without true quality.
5 stars for a very touching, thoughtful an poignant film.
There is no fanfare in death and dying and the issue in this film is not treated with drama and stigma. Much a part of living, death is dealt with lovingly and respectfully. Those individuals featured in "How to Die in Oregon" who let us into the most intimate parts and decisions of their lives (especially Cody Curtis) leave us understanding quality of life just a little bit better.
Whether you believe in Oregon's historic "Death with Dignity Act" or flatly oppose it ... watch this film to gain a little more empathy and understanding. It is my hope that this film is watched, discussed and embraced by more people. This is an issue that needs to be broached more than ever these days as medical advances continue that allow for length of life without true quality.
5 stars for a very touching, thoughtful an poignant film.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Real people real life
A very illuminating look at a subject and at real people with real problems trying to cope and gain whatever control they could in devastating, painful, situations.
Published 9 days ago by Becky J
5.0 out of 5 stars
Very helpful!!!!!
I bought this DVD to show to a multiple sclerosis support group to help them make educated decisions about "end of life" issues. Read more
Published 23 days ago by JaneW
5.0 out of 5 stars
sad, but very interesting.
In my bioethics class we had to watch this film for our assisted suicide ethic section. If you plan to watch this film make sure you have tissues next to you. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Mel
5.0 out of 5 stars
Difficult issue, thoughtfully covered
Presents what these people confront as they make this difficult decision. Approaching the issue rationally, from its impact on loved ones and others, as a deliberate alternative... Read more
Published 2 months ago by SouthShoreMA
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent
Tugs at the heart strings. Is a must see for all considering these topics, and those uninformed on the matter of physician assisted "suicide"
Published 2 months ago by Pen Name
5.0 out of 5 stars
My favorite documentary
I watch a lot of documentaries and this one is my favorite. I recommend it to people all the time. It is such an important issue. Read more
Published 2 months ago by DinosaurPineapple
5.0 out of 5 stars
Intimate and Sacred Raw Honesty
This 2011 documentary film about the Oregon Death with Dignity Act won the Grand Jury prize for documentary film at the 27th Sundance Film Festival. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Julie Clayton
3.0 out of 5 stars
interresting
makes you wonder why more states don"t go there. i would recomend taking a look at this. moments of sadness. Does not help anyone with Alzheimers
Published 3 months ago by C. Klinger
5.0 out of 5 stars
Sobbed.
This was the second saddest documentary I've ever seen, behind Dear Zachary. I heaved and sobbed at the end. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Ashley Partin
5.0 out of 5 stars
Very Well Done
Not the most uplifting subject - but this was a great documentary that illustrates some very real and unique perspectives - - eye opening.
Published 4 months ago by Justin A.
