Country Origin: USAEvery once in awhile a movie comes along which doesn't necessarily become a box-office hit, but nonetheless, evolves into a beloved timeless classic which can be watched again and again. For me, Finding Forrester is one of those types of movies, and whenever I watch it again, it still evokes the same feelings of inspiration and meaning that it did when I first saw it.
The movie, which stars Sean Connery (William Forrester) and Rob Brown (Jamal Wallace), is one about two vastly different men who, by forming an unlikely relationship with one another, help to finally find their true selves.
Connery plays the role of William Forrester, a famous first-novel Pulitzer prize winner whom after having his first successful book published, goes into exclusive isolation and watches life through his apartment window. Brown plays the part of Jamal Wallace, a 16 year old African American teenager who has an uncanny skill for the game of basketball, and unknown to most people, perhaps an even greater ability to retain and write literature. At first glance, these two characters are at complete opposite ends of the spectrum, but after a few informal introductions, Forrester begins to mentor Wallace on his writing, as well as offer advise on how to deal with life's challenges--such as Jamal's belittling English teacher. They're friendship continues to blossom as time goes on, and in the relentless act of challenging one another, they end up finding out much more about themselves than they had ever known.
In the end, we find that sports aren't always priority number one--even if one does have an amazing natural talent; factors like age and race have no significance in the creation of true friendships; and it is never to late in life to find oneself. Despite the fact that this is a somewhat lesser known film, I believe that it is definitly worth seeing--especially since it is in relation to writing!--and that if you do see it, you will come out of it with an inspired feeling and you will probably enjoy watching it again and again, much like I have.
1 comment:
As you've said, this film is certainly inspirational and I have enjoyed it on several occasions. If you're a fan of light-hearted films that regard the process the writing, I'd very much recommed Curtis Hanson's "Wonder Boys" (2000). The themes are slightly darker and perhaps there's a more precise sense of cynicism, but the screenplay is abound with clever lines and witty remarks.
-Kurtis
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