Breathe is a biopic recounting the story of Robin Cavendish (Andrew Garfield), an adventurous and charismatic upper-class Englishman of the 1950's.

At a country cricket match Robin attracts the attention of the ravishingly beautiful Diana Blacker (Claire Foy). After a whirlwind - but very British -  wedding they head off to Africa for their honeymoon where Robin has secured a position as a tea-broker. They have their whole lives ahead of them.

When playing tennis in 1958 he is struck down by polio and paralysed from the neck down. He can only breathe with the help of an iron lung and is given just months to live.

Against all advice and after battling bureaucrats and dismissive surgeons, Diana is determined to bring Robin home to England.

Consultant's at the English hospital confirm Robin has only months to live. Robin understandably wants to die and tells his young wife to 'start again'.

However, Diana has a steely resolve and encourages Robin to fight by promising she'll somehow get him out of hospital.

Against all advice, Diana brings him home from hospital where her devotion and witty determination inspire him to lead a long and fulfilled life.

Robin and Diana, with the resourceful assistance of family and friends - especially the Oxford professor and inventor Teddy Hall (a perfectly cast Hugh Bonneville) who designs and builds the world's first motorised wheelchair so his friend can travel around town - refuse to recognise the limitations society has imposed on the disabled.

With Diana to assist, his specially constructed wheel-chair and a car customised for his use, Robin and Diana travel widely.

Together they refuse to be limited by expectations, dazzling others with their humour, courage and lust for life.

Whilst this may at first appear a somewhat bleak premise for a movie you will leave the cinema feeling optimistic after gaining an insight into the pairs' inner resolve and especially Diana's steely determination.

You will even have a wry grin brought about by Robin's dry-wit humour once he regains the ability to speak ('bit of a bugger' are Robin's first whispered words).

What makes Robin a truly inspiring individual is that underneath there is always a streak of mischief and adventure ready to break out.

The movie never portrays Robin as the victim.

The acting by Garfield is utterly exceptional. Only having his face to work with he uses his brow, eyes, mouth and teeth to generate a convincing depiction of a man whose dignity infirmity cannot shatter.    

Robin Cavendish died in 1994 after living with polio for thirty six years and becoming a well-respected disability advocate. His son plays a cameo role in the film.

It is on Sunday, February 25 at the Lilac City Cinema at 4.40pm. For more info contact the cinema on 4822 1616. Tickets cost $10.