Every now and then a piece of film comes along that stops you right in your tracks and makes you think. No Limbs No Limits is such a movie, provoking nothing but contemplation and inspiration from beginning to end. Telling the story of Joanne O Riordan who has Tetra-Amelia syndrome, which basically means she doesn’t have her four limbs, this is a movie that certainly wears its heart well and truly on its sleeve.
Combining years of home video from when Joanne was born, to present day footage of her addressing the United Nations as well as day to day life No Limbs No Limits will provide a welcome relief from the current blockbuster fare. The first thing that you’ll notice is the enormity of strength showcased by Joanne’s parents. Its these opening conversations that instantly tug on the heart strings and start pulling you into a world that only 7 families in the entire world know.
The main focus here though is on Joanne herself. This is the inspiring part. While never intrusive, the camera highlights how difficult life could be for Joanne. Normal things like eating, washing her hair, going to the toilet all could prove difficult, but with a family that made damn sure she could be independent, Joanne does most things with as much ease as an abled body person. No doubt for some people, watching this will be a bizarre experience. Lets be honest, something like this isn’t exactly everyday viewing. But with such heart and passion on display, it really is something that nobody should shy away from. If anything, it highlights how insignificant your own problems are and displays a young girl, who could so easily have given up on life, considering the cards she was dealt. Instead though, she just simply kicks ass!
The movie itself though isn’t exactly perfect. The narrative seems a bit all over the place at times. One would have expected the highlight of the movie, Joanne addressing the United Nations, to feature at the very end. Instead though, it focuses on Joanne rekindling a friendship with someone who also has Tetra-Amelia syndrome. For a movie that is so incredibly uplifting and positive, the narrator Marie Mullen constantly thrives to bring down the tone by sounding like she’s being at a funeral every day, for the last year. These are only minor gripes though and do little to derail the overall experience.
There is a constant mantra running throughout this pacy documentary. And that comes from Joanne herself, about when she hears the word “Impossible” she just thinks “I’m possible”. Its incredibly uplifting to hear and even ends up being inspiration for a fantastic song written and performed by Julie Gold. It’s a wonderful tune that will be ringing in your ears for days after.
Overall, No Limbs No Limits is nothing but upbeat and uplifting. It highlights an amazing story and is presented in a light and humorous, heart felt way combined with nothing but sheer honesty. One of the most inspiring trips you’ll take to the cinema this year!
