Film

Recommendation of the Week: A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints

A Guide is one of those under-appreciated great films that you heard of but probably never had the drive to pay the $11.50 to see in theatres or the $5 to rent down at your local movie rental retail centre.

Let me take the time now to tell you that you should find that drive and embrace it. This film is worth it on multiple levels. From a profound story line circling a youth, Dito Montiel (the writer and director), and his experiences growing up in Queens in the 80s to magnificent shots with art-house editing, cross-cutting and juxtapositions. Everything is topped off with great acting delivered by Robert Downey, Jr and Channing Tatum. Even Shia LaBeouf puts in some decent chops, completely redeeming any ideas you may have formed if you actually did have the shameful drive to pay to see  Indiana Jones: All Even Numbered Movies Suck.

The story line follows Dito Montiel, now a successful writer in California, as he returns home to Queens for the first time in fifteen years to take care of his dying father. The movie is shot mostly in flashback but in a manner that allows the audience to experience the moments that led up to Dito’s decision to leave his family and friends both with Dito as a teen (LaBeouf) and with him as an adult (Downey, Jr) while he writes, re-reads, and reminisces.  The Queens of Dito’s youth is ravaged with gang and domestic violence, race issues, sexual curiosity and plagued with the reprecussions of each decision Dito and his friends make.

It’s an interesting tale, almost of caution, but mostly of the grit of reality and what life truly brings to each person on this planet. Uncertainty and a desperation to understand one’s self and one’s role in their life as well as in the lives of others.

Do scrounge around and find some extra bills you have lying around and go rent this film. I would love to hear your own thoughts on the film. Post em below.

-K