Rated PG-13 for thematic elements, some drug use and language.
Directed by Joe Wright (Atonement, Pride and Prejudice)
Starring Robert Downey Jr. and Jamie Foxx
Amazing!
LA Times journalist Steve Lopez (Robert Downey Jr.) hasn't had a good story in a while but when he stumbles upon Nathaniel Ayers (Jamie Foxx), everything changes. On April 17, 2005, Lopez published the first article about the homeless schizophrenic who plays a broken violin beautifully. Lopez’s life is far from perfect, his marriage has fallen apart and he fears his career is not far behind. But when he discovers Nathaniel is a former Juilliard student, who dreams of playing on stage in a concert hall, he is determined to help Ayers get back on his feet to make his dreams come true. But whose life will be changed more?
The true story is both heartwarming and inspiring (and you’d be crazy not to watch the behind-the-scenes documentary on the DVD). Director Joe Wright is deliberate in moving through some very rough waters, but the payoff is worth it.
Downey and Foxx are just fantastic. I’ll admit I’ve never been a big fan of either of them. Come on, can you blame me? Seriously, their early careers were less than stellar. Jamie Foxx was on “In Living Color” and Downey’s career and personal life were both in serious trouble. But in the last few years they have both made some great movies and delivered some amazing performances. So yeah, I’m a fan! (And just in case you are wondering, it was “Kiss-Kiss Bang-Bang” and “Iron Man” for Downey and “Collateral Damage” and “The Kingdom” for Foxx that converted me).
Ayers’ passion for music and Lopez’s desperation to help him ooze off the screen and caused an emotional response in me. In fact, my favorite line of the film was when Lopez says, “I’ve never loved anything as much as he loves music” – that’s powerful. I found myself asking the tough questions like, “who is saving who?” more than once. But it was the questions like, “What’s really important in life?” and “How much are you willing to do to help someone?” that will stick with me for a long time.
Sure there were a few slow moments and a couple of scenes that were difficult to watch, but I was so drawn in by the characters that I didn’t mind at all. I loved it.
SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
Although there are a few rough spots, this film would be great for a pre-service project/mission trip event. I think all teenagers should see it.
Conversation Starter
Three Simple Questions (with Answers You May Be Looking for):
- What are some of the messages or themes you observed in this movie?
- How do you suppose we—as serious Christ-followers—should react to this movie?
- How can we move from healthy, Bible-based opinions about this movie to actually living out those opinions?
