Greetings,
There are many reasons why I do this blog. I do it to share my opinions and info on things like movies, books, music and such. Sometimes I share my feelings about more personal things, which means that I am occasionally serious. But when I discuss the arts and entertainment, I usually like to be entertaining myself. I enjoy attempting to make people laugh. Hopefully, I succeed. Today, however, as I share a very important work of art, I will not be making any jokes. I am not even capable of doing so.
For quite a while, I had been getting recommendations to watch a 2008 documentary called Dear Zachary. Of all those recommendations, they always had two things in common. Number one: I was told that this was an amazing film. Correct. Number two: I was told that I would cry. Extremely correct. I'm going to continue that tradition, and I am going to share a little more about the movie. I can only say so much, though, because this is absolutely something you have to experience for yourself.
Dear Zachary was made by Kurt Kuenne, and it is the story of his friend, Andrew Bagby, as well as Andrew's beautiful son, Zachary. Andrew was tragically murdered in 2001 by an ex-girlfriend, allegedly. I think I legally have to say allegedly. In 2002, she gave birth to Zachary. By the way, all of this is in the trailer, so no spoilers. Kurt follows what happens next, being a close friend to the family, documenting everything. And so much happens. So many unexpected and unbelievable things. Things that he never, ever could have predicted, which forces the project into directions he could not have imagined. And as a viewer, you feel as though you are right there with Kurt, as well as all of Andrew's family and friends. This is really why I can only go so far into the story. Events are being revealed to us as they are revealed to all of these wonderful people. And that's something else I want to talk about.
This is such a tragic story, but, believe it or not, as sad as it made me, I walked away with a smile on my face. And I did so for a few reasons. First of all, those wonderful people I mentioned a moment ago. There were so many interviews about Andrew in this film that I couldn't even keep all the faces straight. This man was about as loved as any person could possibly be. I think, until you see it like this, you can forget how much one person can touch so many lives. Also, I should say a little about Andrew's parents. They are amazing, and they personify one of those great lessons about life. One of those lessons that you think you understand until you see people like this, and you know that you really had no idea. We are all taught that bad things, even terrible things, will happen to us, but what matters is what we do after they happen. Do we let anger and misery and grief consume us or do we take what we've been through and use it to make the world better and to help as many people as possible. Andrew's parents chose the latter. They are the main reason why, despite how heartbreaking this story was, I could walk away with a glimmer of hope in my heart.
I have seen many movies that were difficult to watch, but afterwards, I was very glad that I watched them. Why? Because they changed me. Because they taught me something important that I will always hold on to. I don't think any other film I've seen can be described that way more accurately than Dear Zachary.
So, I know that this review was short and not like my others, but what else can I really say other than watch this movie? It is special. It will make you cry, but, ultimately, it will make you smile. Because of those people. Those people who loved their family and friend so much that they will not let any memory fade. God bless all of them.
Love and full moons,
Becky the Writer
