A 1988 American Drama directed by Robert Mulligan follows the titular woman (Whoopi Goldberg) bonding with a young boy (Neil Patrick Harris) after his parents' (Michael Ontkean and Kathleen Quinlan) marriage starts falling apart.
the movie also stars Spalding Gray, Beverly Todd, Hattie Winston, Jason Downs, Maria Broom, and Angel Harper.
It was released on October 7, 1988.
Tropes for the film:
- Abusive Offspring: Clara finally explains to David the Dark and Troubled Past that led her to leave her native Jamaica and come to the US - when she confronted her son Ralphie about having raped a woman, he raped her and then killed himself.
- Brief Accent Imitation: David mocks Clara's Jamaican accent, much to her displeasure.
- Character Title: Clara's Heart.
- The Film of the Book: Based on Joseph Olshan's 1985 novel of the same name.
- Grief-Induced Split: Despite their best efforts, David's parents marriage ultimately falls apart following the death of their baby daughter.
- Hates Being Touched: The eponymous character freaks out when David touches her on the knees after rubbing her feet when she said they were hurting. This is because years ago, her son raped her.
- I Have No Son!: Clara's declaration to her son upon finding out that he'd raped someone.
- Jerkass Has a Point: Clara's nemesis is quite nasty to her and David, but considering that she was raped by her son, it's understandable.
- Magical Negro: Clara's the only one able to get through to David regarding his grief over his sister's death and parents divorce. And she does it by refusing to coddle him when he lashes out.
- Mama Bear: Upon finding her nemesis accosting David, Clara declares "take your hands off my boy!" with pure Tranquil Fury.
- Starts with Their Funeral: Of David's baby sister.
- Tagline: "Clara's wisdom. Clara's warmth. Clara's secret".
- Tough Love: Clara's not unsympathetic to David's problems, but she refuses to coddle him and let them be an excuse for his bad behavior.