This compassionate film succeeds in presenting a very difficult subject in an informative and compelling way.

The pain of severe burn is said to be greater than that of any other injury. In Something Close to Hell, burn survivors speak about their particular ordeal and the slow road to recovery. Beyond the physical trauma, there are also psychological consequences.

Burn survivors feel a sense of grief, mourning the loss of the person they once were. In addition to anger and depression, there is the fear of public reaction to their disfigurement. Serious crises can occur months, even years, after discharge from the hospital.

Among those we meet are Neil Cowley whose promising football career ended when he was badly burnt in a trailer fire. His diary narrates the recovery process with its psychological stresses. Thirteen-year-old Ashley Manning and his friend Danny attend a support group to help them deal with their injuries resulting from playing with fire.

This film also shows the surgical procedures associated with skin grafting and gives voice to hospital personnel involved in the recovery process.

"An inspiring story of survival." - Sydney Morning Herald