Takedown Report

Marin Voice: ‘Wrestle’ is a film that Marin educators and parents should see

There are children in Marin who face similar challenges but are often forgotten in the broader milieu of wealth and schools that mostly thrive. Somehow too, this film is an antidote to squabbling on matters that are comparatively trivial relative to what these young men in the film deal with. See this film and then place in order the priorities of our county and our country. There have been a slew of films over the past few years about kids who overcome challenges through sports and an inspiring teacher, but this is one of the best and most moving, rising above clichés. It is a great example of youth programs and sports at their best helping raise up adolescents racially and/or culturally oppressed. It’s all about overcoming obstacles and enhancing empowerment.

Good documentaries are equivalent to good narrative films, with plots and characters that draw you in. Set in Huntsville, Alabama, the film has at least five — four kids and a dedicated teacher/coach. But the supporting characters of families and friends are equally compelling in their smaller roles. They help create a feeling of intimacy between the main characters and the audience. The filmmakers established trust and intimacy with the lead characters. They open up. One loves these guys. We follow four young men and some of their families. Jaquan is quiet but his mom makes up for that with energy and a mouth to spare. Teague is more compelling. He has some borderline character challenges and a father who was mentally abusive. But watching him grow and thrive is part of the joy of the film. Rest of the story at https://www.marinij.com/2019/05/12/marin-voice-wrestle-is-a-film-that-marin-educators-and-parents-should-see/?mc_cid=be574a5b72&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

June 6, 2019 - Posted by The TakeDown Report | Uncategorized