One True Thing

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One True Thing ★★★ 1998 (PG-13)

Better check for the family-sized box of tissues before you take home this tearjerker about cancer-stricken mother Kate (Streep) and her relationship with arrogant, career-oriented daughter Ellen (Zellweger). After being guilted by her stuffy college professor dad (Hurt), Ellen agrees to care for Kate as the disease progresses, and the two bridge their emotional distance. Lifted above the disease-of-the-week Lifetime TV material by the presence of stars Streep and Hurt, and by the stellar performance of Zellweger. Based on the novel by Anna Quindlen. 128m/C VHS, DVD . Meryl Streep, Renee Zellweger, William Hurt, Tom Everett Scott, Nicky Katt, Lauren Graham, James Eckhouse, Patrick Breen, Gerrit Graham; D: Carl Franklin; W: Karen Croner; C: Declan Quinn; M: Cliff Eidelman.