"I Will Follow"...A MUST SEE FILM!!

"If you walkaway, walkaway...I walkaway, walkaway...I will follow"

With much anticipation, I along with a girlfriend of mine went to Phipps Plaza in Atlanta, GA to go see the new independent film I Will Follow. Award-Winning director Ava DuVernay does an awesome job of painting a picture of the personal struggles with grief and loss. 

This movie was phenomenal, you can't help but look at your own self and family and see big or small pieces of your own life. I could totally relate with the main character Maye, when you invest so much emotionally into a something or someone, you can drain every bit of existence. But somehow that light at the end of tunnel becomes a little clearer and you can begin the fight again!

Amazing how the 12 people that come into the main character's life on this one day, give her these individual moments of clarity whether directly or indirectly. I am still in awe with the fact that in one day you can lose something, but on the flip side can gain sooooo much. You could feel that true honesty that was evoked within the film whether good or bad, it was the TRUTH!!

I must say each character played their role quite impressively. I can't think of any other set of actors/actresses to play each of these roles. Maye (Salli Richardson-Whitfield) who plays the protagonist, exemplifies the ideal women (regardless of race). She tries to do everything in her power to bring happiness and peace to others, but is lacking that same happiness for herself. Her story is one that may can and have identified with in today's society. Then you have Blair Underwood's character (Evan), even with distance playing a factor you learn the lesson that everything is not always about you! For me the character of Troy (Omari Hardwick) portrays the glowing past, and the realization of what could've been. He presents the straightforwardness that we want in a man, but sometimes cannot always handle. Now probably the most powerful role was that of Amanda (Beverly Todd), even though we don't get to formally meet her, we are introduced to the lasting spirit that she leaves behind. It's the little moments that we get to see of her by herself as well as with Maye that just melt your heart. As my mom would say, "they showed out!!"

Another highlight to the film, was the music! Everything was so fitting and it just flowed oh so naturally!! It just had a soothing effect, that just relaxed your mind. I think its brilliant how the name of the movie, is named after a great U2 song, quite fitting. Music almost becomes a hidden theme, because the music is what seems to be the glue that holds everything together. Throughout the film we are surrounded by musical analogies, that just take the film to another level! Just outstanding!

I Will Follow is not a film with a lot of bells and whistles but it doesn't need it, the stands on its own and with ease. If you get nothing else out of this film, hopefully you become more aware about breast cancer, and the various journeys that the women partake. There needs to be more films like this so that we can truly benefit and appreciate the arts.

A MUST SEE!!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars (One of the few movies that I give a perfect score too!!)