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Highly Recommended Movie: "Dear Zachary: A letter to a son about his father" - NO SPOILERS

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Austin Texas Homes, LLC 453249

My wife and I don't get a chance to sit through very many movies all at once.  Typically, it takes 2 or more evenings for us to get through a whole film, since our time is limited to the hour or two after all of our kids are asleep, assuming that we don't get interrupted by our newborn baby or toddler. 

That being said, we watched a movie a couple of nights ago that was so interesting and well-made that we couldn't wait to finish it the next night.  As with many of the things we watch, this was available via our Roku device, which streams movies from Netflix to our TV.

"Dear Zachary: A letter to a son about his father" is quite possibly the best and most memorable documentary that I have ever seen.  We were intrigued because it is one of the few selections we have seen with a 5-star rating from other Netflix users.  It turned out to be time well spent.

In a nutshell, "Dear Zachary" was made by an independent filmmaker, Kurt Kuenne, who wanted to provide a complete portrait of his murdered friend Andrew for Andrew's newborn son Zachary. He tirelessly travelled around the country, interviewing Andrew's friends and family, and he included a lot of footage from when they were kids growing up together.

If you commit to watching this movie, please be advised that it is somewhat emotionally draining, but it is an editing masterpiece, and the story is incredibly compelling.  Be prepared to cry - maybe a lot.  As you get to know the people who loved Andrew (including Kuenne himself), the emotions are palpable and raw.

I don't often give such a ringing endorsement, and this is certainly the type of movie that requires more attention and thought than average, but my wife and I have been talking about it for days.  I think it's very worthy of more exposure and word-of-mouth.

It was released last year, and it has received a lot of attention from critics and film festival audiences alike, including being selected as one of the Top 5 Documentaries of 2008 by the National Board of Review.

If you have a chance, don't miss this one

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Claude Cross
Homes By Cross, Inc. - Charlotte, NC
Charlotte NC Homes For Sale

As I don't get to see many movies while they are at the cinema. I'll look for this one. Thanks for the preview

Jun 28, 2009 02:35 PM
Todd and Danielle Millar
Glenn Simon Inc. - Edmonton, AB
Nineteen years of excellence!

I love movies that are intelligent and real. This sounds fantastic and I will definitely look for it. Thanks for recommendation.

plan for the future

Jun 28, 2009 02:36 PM
Jason Crouch
Austin Texas Homes, LLC - Austin, TX
Broker - Austin Texas Real Estate (512-796-7653)

Claude - I don't honestly remember the last movie I saw at the theater.  :)  This one is really well-crafted.

Todd - This one meets both of your criteria.  I hope you like it.

Jun 28, 2009 02:46 PM
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

Hi Jason!  I love documentaries so, this is right up my alley--but, I'm going to have to schedule it just before I go to bed so that I can 'cry myself to sleep!' 

Jun 28, 2009 03:02 PM
Loreena and Michael Yeo
3:16 team REALTY ~ Locally-owned Prosper TX Real Estate Co. - Prosper, TX
Real Estate Agents

Thanks for the review. I might want to add that to my list. The only thing that I wonder about is if I would do well in a documentary. I fall asleep so quick when watching TV, I normally dont do that.

Jun 28, 2009 03:28 PM
Lisa Hill
Florida Property Experts - Daytona Beach, FL
Daytona Beach Real Estate

"Emotionally draining" was enough to turn me away from this one. =/  I've never done the Netflix thing. Do you like it? I'm always on hulu.com. I think it's safe to say I'm addicted to it.

Jun 28, 2009 03:39 PM
Margaret Woda
Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc. - Crofton, MD
Maryland Real Estate & Military Relocation

We still don't find much time for movies, Jason, so congratulations to you and your wife.  Nothing like a little grown-up time together!

Jun 28, 2009 03:39 PM
Norma Toering Broker for Palos Verdes and Beach Cities
Charlemagne International Properties - Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
Palos Verdes Luxury Homes in L.A.

Jason - I'm going to my Netflix queue and move it up on my list.  I added it to the list last week. 

 By the way, I watched "The Grocer's Son" last night and it was refreshingly low key with a gentle message about family and work.

Jun 28, 2009 04:02 PM
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

Jason, I had heard that this was a good movie.  Now I will have to pick it up.

Jun 28, 2009 04:16 PM
Carol Smith
Casmi Photography - Mebane, NC

I will definitely have to look this one up.  Sounds like a wonderful story.  Thanks for sharing!

Jun 28, 2009 04:49 PM
C Tann-Starr
Tann Starr & Associates, Inc. - Palm Bay, FL

Wow, Very cool. I have to see if it's in the Amazon Unbox so I can download it.

Jun 28, 2009 07:48 PM
Lee & Pamela St. Peter
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices YSU Realty: (919) 645-2522 - Raleigh, NC
Making Connections to Success in Real Estate

Thanks Jason - Lee and I are documentary/movie junkies!  We'll definitely put this one on the list.

Jun 29, 2009 12:11 AM
Larry Bettag
Cherry Creek Mortgage Illinois Residential Mortgage License LMB #0005759 Cherry Creek Mortgage NMLS #: 3001 - Saint Charles, IL
Vice-President of National Production

Dude...I'm always looking for a great flick.  I watch 90% less than when we had kids, but I'll check on this.  I know you Net Flixed it, I wonder if it's on Direct TV or at blockbuster.

Jun 29, 2009 01:27 AM
John Cannata
214-728-0449 http://TexasLoanGuy.com - Frisco, TX
Texas Home Mortgage - Purchase or Refinance

Hmm.. I've never heard of this movie. Thanks for pointing it out. My wife and I will have to check it out.

Jun 29, 2009 02:13 AM
Cathy Tishhouse
RE/MAX Showcase Homes - Royal Oak, MI
Royal Oak Real Estate

I rent a lot of movies and will check on this one - definitely sound like I will have a box of kleenex handy - I always cry - Thanks for the recommendation.  Sounds like a work of Love.

Jun 30, 2009 08:36 AM