Editor Reviews:

Amazon.com:
Mark Medoff's tough play about deafness is sweetened and softened in this 1986 film adaptation directed by Randa Haines (Wrestling Ernest Hemingway). William Hurt plays a teacher newly hired at a school for deaf children, and Marlee Matlin is the deaf and withdrawn janitor who captures his attention. Romantic and heartfelt, the film makes its audience care very much about its two leading characters, and wince when Hurt's well-meaning instructor allows Matlin's handicap to become a problem. Haines develops some interesting visual ideas to underscore the isolation of Matlin's world, particularly a lovely refrain that finds Matlin swimming alone at night. The drama is cut somewhat by the bouncy energy and good humor of Hurt's students. Piper Laurie is very good in a supporting role as Matlin's mother. --Tom Keogh

Rating : - Children of a Lesser God
I have been friends with a woman who is deaf for almost 25 years. In fact taught me to sign. I am now teaching deaf in a public school. My friend grew up in a residential school. Marlie Matlin's character reminded me so much of my friend, that I spent most of the movie crying. It was a wonderful movie! It really showed me some insight to how my friend grew up.