That's What I Am

Human Dignity + Compassion = Peace

In the movie That's What I Am, there are many plotlines, though they all seem to revolve around this. There is no better way to put it, and no better way I'd wish to. It's beautiful and simple and so entirely true. Four words have never made so much sense in my life.

There is Stanley, a crazy tall boy with big ears and ginger hair and an incredible mind, and the people around him cannot seem to even fathom how much worth this boy has. Kids are cruel, and "Big G" bears a ton and a half of their wrath.

There is Andy, the eighth-grader paired with his outcast peer for a project, and consequentially learns a lot about having the balls to stand up to bullies, and what true friendship is.

There is Mr. Simon, the favorite teeacher accused of being a homosexual after his wife passed away. He is intelligent and wise and put together in a way that all humans should wish to be.

This movie makes me want to spread the word of it like an evangelist. Watch this and be chilled and warmed and overjoyed. Be filled to the brim with understanding and realization. Gasp at the wonders and symbolism held within. Be amazed at the truth you never knew there was.

Besides being deep, it has the cutest little scenes. It takes place in the fifties, and the clothing and culture make it all too irresistable. And I must say, it contains one of my favorite movie kisses of all time. Quite adorable.

Ed Harris is remarkable. He walks around in his bowties and loafers. You want to know this man in real life.

Chase Ellison is the most believable, most convincing eighth-grader I have ever seen; yet he retains this blessed openmindedness that is not present elsewhere.

And finally, Alexander Walters. I was sad to find out that this actor does not have big ears and ginger hair in real life; however, his all too real baritone voice is one I could listen to for years to come. He makes you pity and sympathize and cringe and then smile and and jump up and whoop in joy. His role, significant yet simple, waters a blossom of gaeity in my heart. I can't help but grin while reading this.

So, any reader I am grateful to have, I give this to you as a gift. Do with it what you may. I am good at selling, I think, but I don't want to give you wrong ideas. Watch the movie for yourself. Judge away. Be disappointed, be happy. Learn something, maybe. But always remember:

Human Dignity + Compassion = Peace.