Summer of Soul | ★★★★★★★★★★

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Caught this documentary streaming on Hulu. Was not really sure if I would enjoy it because I am more of a bio pic, rather than a documentary, kind of viewer. The first few minutes dragged a bit but I was soon pulled in. Using original footage, and augments from recent interviews with folks who were there, the film documents the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival that was held between June and August.

The movie, especially the music, brought me back to my childhood growing up in New York City. I loved watching the crowds gather. Thrilled to hear the gospel being presented in word and song. More than that I enjoyed seeing so much life in Harlem. I think my favorite segment was when the Fifth Dimension took the stage sing Aquarius - Let the Sunshine In. I found the documentary to have so much life. 

I really enjoyed Summer of Soul. I recommend it to you. On a scale of ten, give it ★★★★★★★★★★.

 

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The Courier | ★★★★★★★★☆☆

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I lived through the Cuban Missile Crisis in my early teens. Like most people, I hadn't a clue about what was going on in the world of international covert operations. This movie is about one of those ops.

This 2021 true-life spy thriller tells the story of British businessman Greville Wynne, played by Benedict Cumberbatch, who was recruited into covert service to transport Russian intelligence.

As the story darkens the brightness, and the bravery, of Mr Wynne shines. In a gutsy display of loyalty across enemy lines, he puts everything on the line. His quiet courage was inspiring.

I found the movie to be impactful. I liked it and, on a scale of ten, give it ★★★★★★★★☆☆.

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Beirut | ★★★★★★★★☆☆

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John Hamm, of Mad Men fame, brings a great portrayal of a man whose life fell apart when he was thirty. Ten years later he is called back to the city of his devastation to help an old friend. He really does not want to go but goes anyway. The movie is about his return and finding closure when he does.

I found the movie to be suspenseful. The story was really good. The before and after images of Beirut were heartbreaking. The scenes in this 2018 movie were a lot like what we are seeing in Ukraine these days. War is hell and lives are destroyed in many ways. I liked this flick and, on a scale of ten, give it ★★★★★★★★☆☆.

 

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CODA | ★★★★★★★★★☆

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Emilia Jones, Troy Kotsur, Marlee Matlin and Daniel Durant in CODA

CODA (Child Of Deaf Adults) is first and foremost a thumbnail of what it is like for a deaf family living in a hearing community. And what it is like for the youngest member of the family, the only hearing member, to bear the responsibility of being the voice for the family.

I really liked the way that the family dynamics developed. The familial love and the care was endearing. The story really showed the challenges and sacrifices that parents and kids make for each other. I loved the acting and the casting of three deaf actors in supporting roles.

I found the movie heartwarming. The way that the story unfolded was thoughtful and realistic. It helped me to better understand the challenges of the deaf and how the world is not friendly to people who are different. It is a great movie to watch as a family.  I really liked it and, on a scale of ten, give it ★★★★★★★★★☆.

 

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A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood | ★★★★★★★★☆☆

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This movie surprised me. It was not so much about the TV persona of Mr Rogers but about the healing power of relationships. It is based on the true story of a real-life friendship between Fred Rogers and journalist Lloyd Vogel. 

I really liked the vulnerable way that the co-stars, Tom Hanks and Matthew Rhys, embraced their characters. The roles gave us a peek into way that faith and love can affect our lives. The story was heartwarming and really spoke to me.

The movie was not so much of a biopic but a glimpse into how Fred Rogers lived and loved. It was more of a story of how a hurting man found healing. I really liked this inspiring flick and, on a scale of ten, give it ★★★★★★★★☆☆.

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love and time

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I like this quote from Merton, a Catholic monk.
Even so. I wonder. As we all have a limited amount of time.
Is it possible to love someone and not give them a bit of your time?

I think that love and time are linked together.

We express our love by spending time.

If we love baseball we will spend our days watching it.

So how do you deem someone worthy of your time (i.e. love)?
Especially if you think of loving someone as spending time with them.
Is it possible to separate the giving of love and giving of time?

 

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