Manon

Forty-five-year-old Canadian Manon Brunelle decided to end her life because she could no longer bear the pain her illness caused her each day. Because of multiple sclerosis she had been confined to a wheelchair for ten years and was dependent on the help of others. She was an intelligent woman, who lived for her work in television and was always full of vigor, before she ended up in at an institution for patients with long-term illnesses. Sitting in a chair caused her pain, as did lying down, and even breathing. She tried committing suicide, but after three months in a coma her doctors were able to save her life. Manon therefore decided to leave for Switzerland, where euthanasia is permitted. The filmmakers accompanied the sick woman on her final trip and discussed with Manon about how she was before, how she is now, and why she no longer wants to live. The film in places is reminiscent of a feature film due to the numerous flashbacks and well-chosen music, yet this story of a woman defending her right to die is very real.