I saw this film at the Phx Film Festival. Incredibly moving film that never went for the easy hit on emotions. The subject forces all of us to look at some rather difficult issues.
I worked at Nursing Homes for about 5 years in the 90's. This film brought a lot of that back. I was cool until the part of the film where one of the residents was literally dying.
The friend I went with left the theater. We had both been crying off and on during the film, trying to do so in the most manly way possible. He lost his mother (she wasn't even 50 years old) only six months prior to this.
I CAN ONLY IMAGINE what he was thinking about.
Looking for my buddy, I staggered out of the theater and into the bright sunlight. I was very emotional and felt like I had undergone some kind of very heavy life experience (which I suppose I had). I still feel changed.
Lately, I've been paying more attention to the older people I run into. Since I recently lost my job, I've been trying to think of a way to get involved with older folks again while still being able to support myself.
I left right after my friend because I had experienced the situation in the film in Nursing Home rooms when there was NO family there, just those of us on the Staff.
During those 2 or 3 times, I always wondered "What did this person ever do to deserve to die alone like this? Shouldn't everyone die with at least ONE PERSON who loved them and honored them?"
I never got an answer.
Recently, I watched a PBS show about nursing homes. It was good but it had NOWHERE NEAR the heart of this film 'Andrew Jenks". I think it should be required viewing for 1)High School classes 2) All employees of nursing homes/assisted living communities INCLUDING the Administration!
These 19 year old kids have demonstrated so much love and honor and integrity in this film. I hope that they are rewarded along with the awesome residents who just want to avoid being a burden on their kids or who just want to ride out their remaining days watching Jeopardy and hanging out!