The movie centers around an environmental/human health issue ? in a nutshell, an industrial company used a toxic product (hexavalent chromium) for years as an anti-corrosive agent for their equipment. The used chromium was placed into on-site ?holding ponds'. Typically holding ponds are man-made ponds with a clay ?lining' around them to prevent sediment, chemicals, and contaminated water from moving through the ground and into the groundwater. These particular ponds, however, were not lined and toxic chromium seeped out into the groundwater. Eventually the contaminated water reached numerous water wells in Hinkley, Calfiornia, and local citizens there unknowingly bathed, drank, and used the contaminated water daily for a number of years. Many became seriously ill as a result of the excess hexavalent chromium in their water, suffering a multitude of problems such as severe nose bleeds, tumors, and various childhood and adult cancers.

The movie takes you through how Erin Brokovich (Julia Roberts), a struggling single parent in search of a job, discovered this problem after being hired by a law firm and was instrumental in bringing the case to court. What is remarkable about Erin is that she had absolutely no legal or medical training. What she did have was genuine compassion, a great figure, an aggressive nature (otherwise known as a big mouth), and a sympathetic boss. Erin and her boss, lawyer Ed Masry (Albert Finney), saw the case through from start to finish - no small feat considering they were up against a multi-million dollar company.

Without a doubt, this movie was exceptional from an ?environmental and human health? perspective. The real excellence, however, lies in its portrayal of ?the human condition.? Julia Robert's portrayal of the emotional and financial struggles encountered while trying to balance work and family is nothing short of amazing. Similarly, Albert Finney and Aaron Echkart are outstanding in their respective roles as Ed Masry (lawyer/owner of the law firm at which Erin works) and George (Erin's neighbor/love interest whom also takes care of her children). The show is exceptional not so much for the factual portrayal of the events leading up to the court case, but for its touching look at ?how things are? in real life.

A viewer note from KD:

Keeping in mind the victims were not just individuals, but entire families who became ill as a result of the chromium, one must consider the incredible sacrifices of time, energy, and money (excruciatingly hard to earn when you're sick yourself and/or the primary/only care-giver of your sick family) that were involved. This movie is a must see for those of you interested in corporate spin doctoring at work (waggin' the dog) and how human/creature lives most often take a back seat to money. Human endurance and the absolute necessity of human compassion are important issues profiled and very well portrayed in this film. Often, cases such as these are left unresolved by the courts as the complainants run out of money and/or die first - without anyone being headstrong enough to continue on for the sake of others. That Erin Brokovich agreed to sacrifice of herself and her family life for the sake of the victims and their future wellbeing should not be forgotten. We need more individuals like Erin Brokovich and Ed Masry in the world.

If you have questions regarding environmental issues, let E. Gluckie know! suggestions@JETIU.com

If you are a caregiver to a family member and have concerns/questions, perhaps you just need to share your story to help others in same situations! We are willing to assist. questions@JETIU.com or stories@JETIU.com