I loved the Sunday afternoon Tea Dances at this Hilton back in the day. I was there a few days prior to the shooting, having a wonderful time dancing to Big Bands and then this occurred. I could not fathom yet another President's life in the balance, recalling that fateful day in 1963. I was not familiar with James Brady and his career trajectory. All I knew was immense sympathy for someone called "Bear" who mesmerized the press and was Ronnie's right hand man. What a tragedy and ensuing impact on this lovely family. Beau did a righteous job portraying the enormous challenge faced by victims of gun violence, stroke, heart attack, accidents, etc. He was imprisioned not by the hospital staff but by his brain function. He could still remember his finer hours and then know they were his last. However, the path one selects in this life can be extremely difficult and unpredictable, no matter the dedication and hard work. He and his wife helped pass the bill carrying his name and he should be proud of that legislation. It would never have occurred on his watch without Hinckley. HIgh recommend for those who were there during these events and for all who are affected by gun violence. I am pro self-protection but when you see this type of violence at an unprecedented level now, what options remain? Sad commentary.

For a TV production this was actually a pretty good account of the challenges that faced Ronald Reagan's former press secretary, James Brady, after he was shot in the head and almost killed in the assassination attempt against Reagan in March of 1981. Suffering from severe brain damage, Brady (well played by Beau Bridges) struggles to regain his life and refuses to accept that he'll never be the same man he was before the shooting, his refusal being reinforced by various people (including the president himself) assuring him that he'd be coming back to work, even after they had been told it would be impossible. Increasingly frustrated, Brady begins lashing out at those around him, including his wife Sarah (also well played by Joan Allen) and his young son. This also featured a pretty good performance from Bryan Clark as Ronald Reagan. Eventually it turns into basically an advertisement for gun control, with Sarah and eventually even Jim becoming proponents of the so-called "Brady Bill" which required background checks on those wanting to purchase firearms. Hard to believe that even this basic common sense law was fiercely debated and opposed by many people in the United States, but it was finally signed into law by President Clinton in late 1993. The most moving scene in the movie is probably the actual footage of an appearance by Jim and Sarah Brady before the Senate Committee dealing with the legislation. This certainly has the feel of a made-for-TV movie, but it's interesting throughout and in the end raises some important questions. 8/10