movie critique--finding Forrester

Gus Van Sant, in his film “Finding Forrester”, describes a story between an African-American boy—Jamal Wallace and a famous author—William Forrester who has won Pulitzer Prize in New York City- Bronx. He addresses that Jamal is a potential talent writer and basketball player, but his high school professor cannot find it. Accidentally, Jamal intruded into Forrester's home, leaving his backpack here. When Jamal got his bag, he found that Forrester edited his articles specifically. He wanted to talk with Forrester, but Forrester let him write a 5000 words paper. Jamal wrote it carefully which surprised Forrester. Eventually, Forrester invites Jamal to come into his home and teaches him writing. Meanwhile, Jamal were asked to attend a private school due to his test score, in which he shows his talent on basketball. One day in his teacher’s office, Jamal discovered that Forrester is a famous author unconsciously. Then Forrester told him his experience, asking Jamal keeping secret. Jamal encouraged him, persuading Forrester walking out to experience the wonderful life outside. With the time passing, Jamal obtains great improving on writing which lead to his professor’s suspension. His professor found that Jamal used Forrester’s article published on New Yorker without quoting, asking Jamal writing apology paper and reading them in front of class. Jamal felt upset and mad, arguing with Forrester. Few days later, Jamal failed to win the basketball game because of the awful emotion. After the game, Jamal wrote a letter to Forrester which moved him. Forrester stood in front of public again, proving Jamal’s talent. Unfortunately, Forrester passed away for cancer, leaving all his fortune to Jamal.

Overall, this film is great. The setting is realistic and appropriate, describing their life with happy and sad in New York. And the plots are compact and interesting which attracted me and the relationship between characters is clear while predictable. Nevertheless, at the end of the film, Forrester passed away because of cancer is unexpected. I like the character about Forrester—a multi-dimensional person, because he is the most mysterious person. At first, he impressed like a mean and odd people. However, with the development of plot, I find that he is outstanding, virtuous and brave, influencing Jamal a lot. In my opinion, this film is meaningful, disclosing the friendship between Jamal and Forrester, the racism and self-discovery, for instance, Jamal became more confident and Forrester was willing to face the world again. Thus, this film is well-developed and vivid which is unforgettable.