documentary

Are you an Ace Ventura fan?  I’ll admit that I didn’t love all of Jim Carey’s movies, but I did laugh a lot at a lot of them.  My thoughts today aren’t precisely about Jim Carey, but the man who directed those movies.  His name is Tom Shatyak and this documentary is mind boggling and satisfying on so many different levels.

First, he tells us his story – “making it big”, having a sudden, defeating health condition that seemed insurmountable, and his journey – all of our journeys, really – about trying to figure out what things we should be doing in this life – how to make it meaningful – how to find happiness.

Second he shows us by example, what great people have done to make the world a better place.  You’ll see footage of Martin Luther King Jr., his interviews with Desmond Tutu, and people who are renown the world over for their acts of peace, and charity.

Finally, he shows us by his example what he is doing to try to make the world a better place.

I loved learning that we don’t really know much of anything true about this world.  I loved finding out that the horribleness in the world is caused by a minute, but highly influential group of horribles.  Did you know that it is scientifically proven that our hearts can predict the future?  Wow.  Who knew that?  Have you ever met someone you felt was “ooozing with bad vibe”?  After you watch this documentary, you’ll know why/how that happens.

You’ll come out of seeing this movie with a short (or long) list of things you’d like to contemplate, act on, or change.  A caveat to you, though.  You need to watch it properly.  Wait until the kids have gone to bed.  Devote your energy to it.

I wish I could say watch it with your kids, but you definitely should not unless they are watching to “get it.”  And definitely not if they are under 13 because there are some disturbing scenes in it.  The scenes are specifically designed to teach you about your own body’s reactions.  You will learn right there on the spot how your body reacts empathetically to crisis.  It’s supremely well done, but still the images are definitely not for anyone under 13.

What I loved best about this documentary is that it’s not based on any religion, philosophy or other thing that could allow someone to watch it and then blow it off by saying – that’s all fine and good for that group of people, but I’m not one of them, so it doesn’t apply to me.

Here is a link to the trailer:

https://share.google/tTiFkcIAGKd4Njdts