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Julie Levac

One Night in Miami: History for Today

January 17, 2021 by Julie Levac Leave a Comment

Regina King flexes her incredible directorial skills for the first time in a feature film by bringing Kemp Powers’ stage play, One Night in Miami to the big screen (or little screen, as it were).

One Night in Miami is a fictional take on a meeting between real life friends, Malcolm X (Kingsley Ben-Adir), Cassius Clay (Eli Goree), Jim Brown (Aldis Hodge), and Sam Cooke (Leslie Odom Jr.) as they celebrate Clay’s title victory in 1964. At this time, these four very successful and world-renowned black men were at pivotal moments in their lives and careers.  Despite their stature, they continued to witness and experience the racism that was rampant in the 60’s, and still plagues us to this day.

Malcolm X was at a crossroads with the Nation of Islam and was in the process of pursuing his own branch of the Muslim faith.  As adversity continued to rise, he was growing weary from oppression, including numerous death threats.  Even so, he continued to be as passionate as ever about his activism and was invested in helping Cassius Clay transition to the faith.  

Clay, a confident and free-spirited man, was now a world champion boxer, and was quietly practicing as a Muslim under the teachings of Malcolm X.  He initially seemed timid about going public with his faith, and seemed to struggle when he finds out about Malcolm’s tribulations.

At the peak of his football career, Jim Brown was in the process of transitioning to acting.  We see a shocking hypocrisy with Jim’s backstory when he meets with a benefactor who is kind and welcoming to his face but then admits that they don’t welcome black people into their home.

Sam Cooke was the ultimate 60’s pop star who, according to Malcolm X, seemed to have his foot in the door of the white man.  Malcolm took issue with the fact that Sam wasn’t using his platform to speak on the civil rights issues facing the black community.

When these four men are in a room alone together, it sparks deep and passionate conversations about faith, civil rights, racism, and freedom.  As this was a stage play, we are blessed with numerous impressive monologues from each character.  This is an extremely emotionally driven piece and it certainly makes you think and compare the world they were living in with today’s culture.

One thing that Malcolm X said that struck me was that there is no reason for anyone to be on the fence anymore.  There are literally people dying in the streets everyday.  Black people are dying everyday and a line has got to be drawn in the sand.  This is so shockingly relevant to society today.  This is unfortunately the world we continue to live in and the world that we must change. 

One Night in Miami was a very impressive film that is not only entertaining but extremely relevant and important.  Each performance was incredible.  From the footage I have seen of these men in real life, the acting was spot on.  They had great chemistry on screen.  You believed their friendship but you also believed their disagreements.  And perhaps we can take a note from these men in the way that they support each other, yet don’t hesitate to call it out when there’s an issue and a potential for growth.

One Night in Miami is currently streaming on Amazon Prime.

Filed Under: Amazon Prime Video, Featured, Film, Film Festivals, Reviews, TIFF Tagged With: Aldis Hodge, Eli Goree, Kemp Powers, Kingsley Ben-Adir, Leslie Odom Jr., One Night in Miami, Regina King

Selena: The Series – They Come Together In You

December 3, 2020 by Julie Levac Leave a Comment

Netflix announces release date for 'Selena: The Series'

Even though first thing I thought to do when reviewing Selena: The Series was to compare it to the 1997 film, I soon realized that this would be completely unfair.  The film was a great glimpse into Selena’s life and career and was released just two short years after her death.  Wounds were fresh.  Now, 25 years after her death, we can truly see the impact that Selena had and continues to have on the world.  Through numerous memorials, statues, museums, and festivals in her honour, Selena’s legacy continues to burn brightly through generations.  While the movie was merely a snapshot, the series is a much deeper look into the lives and careers of Selena and the Quintanilla family.  (In fact, two of the executive producers of the series were Suzette and A.B. Quintanilla, Selena’s siblings, which proves that this passion project had the magic touch of the family.)

Selena the Series TV Show News, Cast, Release Date

You can’t choose just anyone to play a legend like Selena.  I was pleasantly surprised and thoroughly impressed with Christian Serratos.  Serratos has a very special air about her that mirrors Selena’s presence and she was able to master Selena’s cadence and idiosyncrasies without taking it over the top.  She was believable and respectful in her portrayal.

As young Selena, Madison Taylor Baez was impressive, and her voice blew me away.

The actors who portrayed the family, including Ricardo Chavira, Seidy Lopez, Gabriel Chavarria, and Noemi Gonzalez, had a lovely onscreen dynamic that rounded out the cast nicely.  They were a believable family.

Selena: The Series gives us a much broader view of the Quintanilla family’s journey through the music industry.  From the early years when they were just learning, through to their first record deal, award, and onward.  What largely stood out to me was the overarching theme of determination and dedication. This was largely seen through the father, Abraham (Ricardo Chavira).  The Quintanilla family was faced with tremendous financial adversity that would have deterred most from continuing to pursue this path.  Yet, time after time, they figured out a way around their issues and continued to press forward.  No matter what, this was the path that they chose and they were going to make it work.

Selena: The Series' on Netflix fails to give singer a voice - Los Angeles  Times

It is so special to see the Quintanilla family bond.  Watching them navigate the tumultuous music industry and continuously sticking together was heartwarming.  Like us all, they may not have been a perfect family, but they had faith in one another and supported each other, which is too often forgotten nowadays.  

It was beautiful to see how the Mexican and American cultures intertwined through this story.  As Abraham said to Selena; “They come together in you.”  This beautiful statement really resonated with me and only made me think of how many other people from different countries would be brought closer through Selena.

Netflix Reveals Premiere Date For 'Selena: The Series,' About Late Music  Icon

Showcasing Selena’s real voice in the musical numbers, Selena: The Series is sure to attract an even broader audience to her music, continuing her legacy even further.  And with story lines including success, fashion, and forbidden love, Selena: The Series is going to be an entertaining ride.

Selena: The Series begins streaming on Netflix on December 4, 2020.

Filed Under: Featured, Netflix, Reviews, SmallFish Tagged With: A.B. Quintanilla, Christian Serratos, Gabriel Chavarria, Noemi Gonzalez, Ricardo Chavira, Seidy Lopez, Selena, Selena Quintanilla, Selena Y Los Dinos, Selena: The Series, Suzette Quintanilla

Voices of Fire: The Unicorns of Gospel

November 20, 2020 by Julie Levac Leave a Comment

Voices of Fire English Docuseries Is Streaming Online watch on Netflix

Based in Hampton Roads, Virginia at Faith World Ministries, Voices of Fire is the newest Netflix reality show and focuses on Bishop Ezekiel Williams’ vision of a diverse and inspirational gospel choir.  He gathered an expert team including a musical director, vocal coach, choir master, and his nephew, Pharrell Williams, in order to find the most talented group of gospel singers arounds.  (“Unicorns”, as Pharrell called them.)

Netflix 'Voices Of Fire' Sets Pharrell Williams Gospel Choir Search –  Deadline

Bishop Williams wasn’t just looking to form a singing group.  His goal was clearly to have his message reach the masses.  His dream was to tour the world with this choir, stating that “music transcends racial divide and cultural boundaries”.  He expressed how people won’t sit down and listen to a sermon but they’ll listen to gospel music and receive the same message. He believed music makes the message more palatable.

It’s not long into watching Voices of Fire that you start feeling all kinds of emotion and it’s impossible not to feel the music in your soul.  Honestly, some of the voices that audition for the choir are the most beautiful you’ve ever heard.  

Hear emotional 'At Last!' rendition on Pharrell's 'Voices of Fire' | EW.com

Apart from these voices, the power comes from hearing the back stories of those who audition.  Some of them experienced the most unimaginable hardship.  It was often heartbreaking, but special to be able to get a glimpse into what made them who they are, and what brought them to music.  Those past experiences truly bleed into their music and increase the emotion that much more.

As someone who has been involved in church choir, I can vouch for the fact that it is a challenging yet beautiful experience.  When all of the voices come together in harmony, it’s powerful.  Religious or not, you can’t not feel it. 

Voices of Fire is a special journey to witness.  It’s available now on Netflix.

Filed Under: Featured, Netflix, Reviews Tagged With: Netflix, Pharrell Williams, reality, Voices of Fire

SPLINTERS: Struggling with Our Self

October 6, 2020 by Julie Levac Leave a Comment

Sofia Banzhaf in Splinters (2018)

Upon the death of her Father, Belle (Sofia Banzhaf) returns to her childhood home in gorgeous rural Nova Scotia after seven months away and is forced to face her past, including an antagonistic Mother, Nancy (Shelley Thompson).

This film is largely to do with sexual identity. Belle had previously gone through the process of coming out to her family, and although they were not particularly accepting, they were used to the fact that she chose to be with women. When living in the city, it seems as though Belle was comfortable in her own skin and confident in who she is, but when she returns to her small town, she seems to struggle with hiding her true self.

During this visit home, we learn that Belle is hiding the fact that she is in a heterosexual relationship with a man, Rob (Callum Dunphy). It’s clear she doesn’t want to give her mother the satisfaction of knowing this information. And I think Belle understood the importance of not making this visit about her, given her father’s death.

We see a lot of small town small-mindedness in this film, particularly in terms of homosexuality. When Rob comes to visit and is introduced as Belle’s “friend,” and despite not knowing that they are already together, Belle’s mother tries to convince Belle to date Rob so she can “fix it,” her sexuality. During a later discussion with Belle, Rob calls Belle “straight.” When Belle corrects him and says that she isn’t, he says “you are right now.” Even though Rob isn’t from the small town, and he seems accepting of Belle, he still seems to have a small-minded view of her sexuality.

There was also a very intriguing flashback scene where Belle remembers her father’s reaction to her coming out to him. He admitted that he and Belle’s mother were bigots: “We’d be bored if the world was full of people we approved of.” But he tells Belle she doesn’t need to be afraid of it and to be braver than him.

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention Belle’s brother, Greg (Bailey Maughan).  He added a much needed touch of comedy to this heavy film.  He felt like an authentic Canadian young man who is coming to terms with the death of his father and navigating through becoming the man of the house.

Image result for splinters movie 2018

We see a lot of attempts at navigating their new family dynamic. Not only is Belle navigating her own personal struggles amidst this tragedy, but Nancy is struggling with how to do life alone without her partner. She is forced to navigate a new found independence and even has to learn how to pay the bills.

During the post-funeral gathering back at the house, we are welcomed into a Maritimes singalong, a heartfelt and heartwrenching scene where attendees gather and sing modern folk in memoriam. This scene was so organic I forgot I was watching fiction. It will give you chills and immediately make you research Stewart Legere, a beloved Halifax artist who not only contributed the score to the film, but appeared in various scenes.

Originally a stage play written by Lee-Anne Poole, director (and writer of the screenplay) Thom Fitzgerald executed the transition to screen well. He kept the setting centered around the kitchen (as would be the case on stage) but balances it well with other rooms, their farm, and the beautiful Nova Scotian landscapes.

Cinematically, one of my favorite parts of the film were the flashbacks/memories. They were interspersed in the scenes so we experienced them just as Belle was. We see her Father lifting young Belle on his shoulder to pick apples from their orchard, her Father cutting wood and fixing a car. It was very special.

To hear my interview with Sofia Banzhaf and Thom Fitzgerald at TIFF, click here.

Filed Under: Featured, Film, Reviews, TIFF

TIFF20: One Night in Miami

September 20, 2020 by Julie Levac Leave a Comment

One Night in Miami' Review: Regina King's Vibrant Directorial Debut |  IndieWire

Regina King flexes her incredible directorial skills for the first time in a feature film by bringing the stage play, One Night in Miami by Kemp Powers, to the big screen (or little screen, as it were).

One Night in Miami is a fictional take on a meeting between real life friends, Malcolm X (Kingsley Ben-Adir), Cassius Clay (Eli Goree), Jim Brown (Aldis Hodge), and Sam Cooke (Leslie Odom Jr.) as they celebrate Clay’s title victory in 1964.

When these four men are in a room alone together it sparks deep and passionate conversations about faith, civil rights, racism, and freedom.  As this was a stage play, we are blessed with numerous impressive monologues from each character.  This is an extremely emotionally driven piece and it certainly compares their world in 1964 to ours in 2020.

One Night in Miami is a very impressive film that is not only entertaining but extremely relevant and important.  Each performance was incredible and the cast had great chemistry on screen.  (In fact, from the footage I have seen of these men in real life, the acting was spot on.)  You believed their friendship but you also believed their disagreements.  And perhaps we can take a note from these men in the way that they support each other, yet don’t hesitate to call it out when there’s an issue and a potential for growth.

One Night in Miami is currently streaming at the Bell TIFF Cinema as part of the Toronto International Film Festival.

Filed Under: Featured, Film, Film Festivals, Reviews, TIFF Tagged With: Aldis Hodge, Cassius Clay, civil rights, Eli Goree, Jim Brown, Kingsley Ben-Adir, Leslie Odom Jr., Malcolm X, Muhammad Ali, One Night in Miami, racism, Regina King, Sam Cooke

TIFF20: Enemies of the State

September 14, 2020 by Julie Levac Leave a Comment

Enemies of the State' Review: Whistle-Blower Doc Shocks Until the End -  Variety

No stranger to American whistle-blower stories, Director Sonia Kennebeck (National Bird) tackles the unique and complicated life of Matt DeHart, formerly of the Air National Guard.  The Indiana home where Matt DeHart lived with his parents was raided based on the suspicion of child pornography.  Assuming that a child pornography charge was just a ploy to catch him with sensitive government documents (and because of his alleged ties with Anonymous and Wikileaks), Matt took action.  He drove to Mexico, and subsequently attempted to seek help with the Russian and Venezuelan embassies in Washington, D.C.  He believed the government was out to get him and realized that it was only a matter of time.

This wild story was only the beginning of a years long dance between DeHart and the United States government, including arrests, alleged torture, and seeking asylum in Canada.  Even after the attempt at seeking asylum in Canada, this story continued to evolve and get more complicated.

One constant throughout this whole story was how close the family bond was between Matt and his parents, Paul and Leann.  Paul and Leann were willing to protect their son by any means necessary.  Despite Paul and Leann both serving their country in the US military, they believed their son, lost faith in their country, and stuck with Matt every step of the way.

Matt DeHart, the hacktivist who was refused asylum in Canada, sentenced in  U.S. on child porn charges | National Post

Not unsurprisingly, Enemies of the State came off as quite biased for the first three quarters of the film.  There were nominal scenes with statements from people who were against DeHart, but mainly it was Matt’s parents telling their terrifying story.  

However, the last half of the documentary certainly takes a different turn when new evidence is uncovered.  In fact, these new revelations make you question a lot of what you heard earlier on in the film.  You will likely question where the truth lies and whether or not what you just heard really is a giant conspiracy theory.

Enemies of the State is an entertaining and well put together documentary that gives you as much information as possible but still made you question the truth.  In fact, to this day (and largely due to Matt’s silence in the last year after being released from prison), we still don’t have the additional information that I felt was needed for closure.  Needless to say I’m interested to see what, if anything, happens with Matt in the future.  Matt DeHart has been compared to Chelsea Manning and Edward Snowden.  Is he a hero who intended to release information that America needed to hear?  Or is he a criminal who attempted to cover up his wrongdoings with a conspiracy theory? 

Enemies of the State premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 10, 2020.

Filed Under: Featured, Film, Film Festivals, Reviews, TIFF Tagged With: documentary, Enemies of the State, Leann DeHart, Matt DeHart, Paul DeHart, Sonia Kennebeck, whistle blower

TIFF20: Bruised

September 14, 2020 by Julie Levac Leave a Comment

Bruised (2020) - IMDb

Directed (and starring) Halle Berry, Bruised is a heart-wrenching piece written by Michelle Rosenfarb.  Jackie Justice (Halle Berry) had been an undefeated MMA fighter in the UFC.  When her final fight went downhill fast, Jackie ran, hid, and never turned back.  Completely down on her luck even years later, Jackie is broke, out of work, and without purpose.  She has a less than desirable relationship with her boyfriend, Desi (Adan Canto), who struggles with his own demons. When things couldn’t get worse, Jackie’s past comes back to haunt her in the form of her 6 year old son, Manny, whom she gave up years earlier.  Jackie was having a hard enough time taking care of her own responsibilities so the idea of taking care of a child as well was the shock of a lifetime.  

I have a lot of respect for the female characters in this film.  Jackie is not your typical strong heroine but you cannot help but have respect for all that she’s been through in her past and how it affects her in the present day.  It was fascinating to watch her attempt to navigate bonding with her son when she is so scarred from what happened to her as a child. 

Bruised is full of complex relationships, whether it be mother and daughter, mother and son, trainer and trainee, or partners.  Nothing is one dimensional in this film and I appreciated its willingness to be real.

Bruised premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival.

Filed Under: Film Festivals, Reviews, TIFF Tagged With: Adan Canto, Bruised, Halle Berry, Michelle Rosenfarb, MMA, Shamier Anderson, Sheila Atim

Mulan: No Courage Without Fear

September 4, 2020 by Julie Levac Leave a Comment

Mulan (2020) | Disney Movies

Disney is at it again.

Bringing the heroine Mulan to life, Disney continues their streak of producing live-action versions of their animated classics.  As with other recent live-action Disney films (Aladdin and Mary Poppins Returns come to mind), Mulan is filled with stunning colours and visuals.  It offers impressive cinematography, including great camera tricks during fight scenes.

Just like the 1998 animated film, Mulan is based on the Chinese legend of Hua Mulan.  Less prim and proper than the typical girls of that culture and time period, Mulan (Yifei Liu) is more of an adventurous free spirit.  At that time, girls were expected to bring honour to their family by marrying a good husband.  Understandably, Mulan seemed completely disinterested in being married off to someone she didn’t know yet she is reminded that, as a daughter, she needs to learn her place.  

Mulan will be streaming on Disney Plus — for an extra $30 - Vox

Fans of the original Mulan will notice a number of changes to the story, such as the addition of a new female villain.  Initially, I was concerned that a villain with magical powers (more specifically, a witch with shape shifting abilities) would seem a bit silly or unrealistic but I admit that Xianniang (Li Gong) was one of my favourite aspects of this new installment.  It was fascinating to see the yin-yang relationship between Mulan and Xianniang.  Though using her powers for evil, Xianniang knows exactly what Mulan is going through as both women have strong Chi.  But how could that be?  At that time, people seemed to believe that Chi was for warriors, not for women.  Despite being on opposite sides, there is an understanding and respect between these women.  I appreciated that it wasn’t a typical “good guy/bad guy” relationship.  

Live-Action MULAN Makes Big Changes, for Better and Worse - Nerdist

By taking her father’s place in the army, Mulan does the respectable thing as there were no other men in her family.  She knew her father would not survive another battle.  He could barely walk as it was.  However, she had to do this in secret as a woman would never be accepted into the army.  She had to hide who she was and pretend to be just another man.

When Mulan finally chose to reveal her true self, that is when she became her strongest and most courageous.  The only thing that mattered in that moment was doing everything in her power to save lives.  She longed to bring honour to her family, but in her own way.

Mulan Available to All Disney+ Subscribers in December, No Extra Fee -  Variety

Mulan’s father, Zhou (Tzi Ma) always said that “there is no courage without fear”.  During her journey, Mulan gets to explore this idea and really come to understand its meaning, particularly in the setting of a war.  I think that it is a very fitting lesson for this film.

Although the bulk of the film is based during a war and included a number of fight scenes, they refrained from any blood and gore.  With a PG-13 rating, I think the live action Mulan should be appropriate for most older children but I wouldn’t suggest showing it to the younger crowd.

Although not the groundbreaking film I thought it could have been, Mulan was very entertaining and I would recommend it.  The cast was perfection and I believe they did the animated classic justice.

Mulan is streaming now on Disney+.

Filed Under: Featured, Film, Reviews Tagged With: Disney, Disney+, Donnie Yen, Li Gong, Mulan, Tzi Ma, Yifei Liu

Unraveling Athena: The Champions of Women’s Tennis

August 11, 2020 by Julie Levac Leave a Comment

Unraveling Athena review – a frank serving of women's lives in tennis |  Film | The Guardian

Directed by Francis Amat, Unraveling Athena: The Champions of Women’s Tennis chronicles the lifelong journey that female tennis champions experience. Filled with interview footage of the world’s most successful tennis stars, Unraveling Athena gives us a glimpse into the lives of such players as Pam Shriver, Victoria Azarenka, Jalena Jankovic, and Billie Jean King, among many others.

Most of these women started playing tennis at a very young age. They discuss their families and schooling but one thing that seems to be a common element is the unwavering support of their parents.  

Amazon Prime Video to air women's tennis doc, Unraveling Athena - Broadcast  Sport

Although tennis was their passion, they acknowledge the sacrifices made as children in order to seriously pursue a career as a professional athlete.

Interestingly, we hear from Dr. Russell Hamer, a Neuroscientist who discusses the psychological aspect of the sport. He essentially speaks on the brain activity of a champion. We see that with sheer drive and motivation, also comes self-doubt and struggles with their “inner game”. Just as a professional athlete must practice the physical elements of their sport and keep their bodies in shape, they must also practice mentally. Tennis is a very individual sport and can perhaps seem lonely at times. There’s no one to blame but yourself if you fail. Even so, behind the individual is a support system of family, coaches, etc. There’s great mentorship in tennis.

Unraveling Athena': Women's Tennis Doc Acquired By Shout! Studios – Deadline

We also see the struggles women specifically face in professional sports. For example, a woman is often told that she is “so competitive” in a negative way, whereas if that were said to a man, it would be a compliment. Billie Jean King specifically discusses her attempts to bring men and women together, as well as her struggles with sexism in the tennis world. She discusses her match with Bobby Riggs (also portrayed in the film, Battle of the Sexes) and how she felt that a loss would have set women back another 50 years. She also advocated for equal prize money at the US open. She really has been instrumental in equality in tennis (and beyond).

With the quick cuts between numerous interviews, consistent background music, and what seems like stock footage of young women playing tennis, Unraveling Athena almost felt like a long YouTube video. Despite the intriguing content, the structure of the documentary as a whole didn’t draw me in.

Perhaps I wanted to dive deep into some of these women’s stories. The documentary mentions how expensive tennis is, from paying for academies, coaches, and gear to traveling all over the world for competitions. Tennis is a global sport. While many of the women discussed how their parents couldn’t afford it, their communities rallied behind them.  Personally, I would have loved to have heard more about this.

We hear women talking about coming out in the sport, or even being outed.  One woman briefly mentioned that she had been stabbed. I was begging for more on these events, but they were only briefly mentioned. Although perhaps Unraveling Athena is more of an overarching view of female tennis as a whole, as opposed to individual stories. 

Unraveling Athena launches on digital platforms on August 11, 2020.

Filed Under: Film, Reviews, VOD Tagged With: Francis Amat, tennis, Unraveling Athena

Father Soldier Son: Just Keep Going

July 26, 2020 by Julie Levac Leave a Comment

Father Soldier Son - Wikipedia

Father Soldier Son (directed by Leslye Davis and Catrin Einhorn) is a new Netflix Original Documentary telling the unbelievable story of Brian Eisch, a single father of two young sons and a Platoon Sergeant in the US military.  Showing more than 10 years of footage, we follow this family as they go through the lowest and highest points in their lives.

The early footage of Brian’s children, Isaac and Joey, is very touching.  You can see the love and pride they have for their father.  They miss him when he’s deployed but seem to understand the importance of what their father is doing.  Still, the scene where Brian had to leave again for another 6 month stretch–and watching their goodbyes–was heartbreaking.

Introducing 'Father Soldier Son,' a Film From The Times and Netflix - The  New York Times

Despite their understanding, Isaac and Joey were always concerned for their father.  Seeing such young children talking about the weight on their shoulders when their father is deployed (or hearing one say “you shot my Dad so I kill you”) is difficult to watch.  Brian states that he was doing ‘what Uncle Sam asked him to do’, but what is everybody asking of his sons?  Only Brian is in the military, yet so many others are personally affected by it.  Isaac and Joey had to make sacrifices as well.

Brian takes pride in being in the military and seems to prefer being on active duty, deployed, and fighting for his country.  It is part of who he is.  But after a traumatic injury, he can no longer do what he loves.  It’s like he loses his identity and doesn’t know who he is or what to do any longer.  

We see a fascinating shift in the family after Brian’s injury.  The seemingly positive Isaac, who wishes to follow in his father’s footsteps, becomes a more introverted teenager who would prefer to go to college than enroll in the army and the more sensitive Joey suddenly now becomes the son who longs to follow in his father’s footsteps.  Their opinions on the military change as they get older and they battle with questions of whether or not being in the army is worth what their father is going through.

The Must-Watch Doc Father Soldier Son That Was 10 Years In The Making

Brian, losing his identity and dealing with the painful process of an amputation, understandably loses motivation to continue with the difficult healing and learning process.  Not only is he dealing with the physical aspects of his new life, but the emotional consequences as well.  He becomes withdrawn and stops engaging with the family.  His new partner questions whether he had PTSD.  Brian felt that he became a burden to the military and was just someone else that they had to take care of.

Father Soldier Son is a fascinating and sobering look into just one of the millions of people who are in the US military alone.  These soldiers are not just making sacrifices during the time that they are on active duty, but it is a lifelong commitment.  The physical ramifications alone can be immense, but the emotional damage can be a lifelong struggle, not only on the soldiers themselves, but on their family as well.  They are making the ultimate sacrifice.

Despite a laundry list of devastation, we witness the Eisch family experience some beautiful life milestones closer to the end of the film.  Father Soldier Son brings you along on the Eisch family’s emotional roller coaster.

Review: 'Father Soldier Son'

What I choose to take away from this film are the wise words of Brian Eisch, “Just keeping going.  That’s all you can do.  And fill your days with more happiness then sadness.”

Father Soldier Son is streaming on Netflix now.

Filed Under: Reviews Tagged With: Army, Brian Eisch, Catrin Einhorn, Father Soldier Son, Isaac Eisch, Joey Eisch, Leslye Davis, military, PTSD

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