Summer in the Forest takes us into the L'Arche community outside Paris and the life of its founder, the Canadian Jean Vanier. An ex-British naval officer, Vanier founded the community to provide a home for those whose disabilities had forced them into grim institutions.
In particular, the film involves us in the lives of some of L'Arche's residents, both in France and in one of its offshoots in Bethlehem. Their humanity, their foibles and their endearing friendship are all demonstrated powerfully throughout the documentary. Vanier's philosophy that love, peace and friendship will drive out fear pervades the whole film.
By its end we not only understand better the challenges faced by those branded as 'not normal' but we also take with us the serenity that pervades a summer in the forest. And that heart-warming feeling captured by director Randall Wright, along with the superb photography and spot-on musical score by John Harle merits the 10 rating.
In particular, the film involves us in the lives of some of L'Arche's residents, both in France and in one of its offshoots in Bethlehem. Their humanity, their foibles and their endearing friendship are all demonstrated powerfully throughout the documentary. Vanier's philosophy that love, peace and friendship will drive out fear pervades the whole film.
By its end we not only understand better the challenges faced by those branded as 'not normal' but we also take with us the serenity that pervades a summer in the forest. And that heart-warming feeling captured by director Randall Wright, along with the superb photography and spot-on musical score by John Harle merits the 10 rating.
