The ALS ice bucket challenge helped give people knowledge about the disease that is seemingly incurable. The ice bucket challenge has helped the ALSA raise money over the past few years, but it was hard for people unaffected by the disease to connect with the struggle that the diagnosed go through. Through this documentary and his organization, Steve Gleason has brought more attention to the disease. The documentation of his diagnoses opened my eyes to a disease that I have hardly seen in real life. As always I believe that if I can learn something from a documentary, it is a well-made film. Based on the amount of information in this documentary, Gleason is more than a well-made film. It is a masterpiece.
At the center of the whole story, Steve Gleason reveals his reason for fighting to live. He brings us the ups and downs of life through his own diagnoses. Watching his progression through the film, audiences get the sense that no problems in life can hold you down. You have to fight for what you love and to maintain your livelihood. This message couldn't be more relevant in modern times. Gleason's sacrifices for his family remind us that we should never whine about the small things in life, but always strive to create meaning in our relationships.
With a message so powerful, you might tear up and laugh as you watch this film. Gleason's story is rough, full of sadness and a progressively life-threatening disease. If you have a faint heart, you will have trouble watching this film. Yet, everyone should be able to leave the viewing with a sense of satisfaction and purpose. We shouldn't shudder at the sight of another person's struggle. Rather, we should gain encouragement to have purpose in life. Gleason's purpose was to bring awareness to ALS, and he has succeeded in helping the cause.
No matter what river flows through our lives, we can always float with our heads above the water.
The Bottom Line: Gleason's vlogumentary brings a touching story of living with a purpose.
Score: 9.7/10
At the center of the whole story, Steve Gleason reveals his reason for fighting to live. He brings us the ups and downs of life through his own diagnoses. Watching his progression through the film, audiences get the sense that no problems in life can hold you down. You have to fight for what you love and to maintain your livelihood. This message couldn't be more relevant in modern times. Gleason's sacrifices for his family remind us that we should never whine about the small things in life, but always strive to create meaning in our relationships.
With a message so powerful, you might tear up and laugh as you watch this film. Gleason's story is rough, full of sadness and a progressively life-threatening disease. If you have a faint heart, you will have trouble watching this film. Yet, everyone should be able to leave the viewing with a sense of satisfaction and purpose. We shouldn't shudder at the sight of another person's struggle. Rather, we should gain encouragement to have purpose in life. Gleason's purpose was to bring awareness to ALS, and he has succeeded in helping the cause.
No matter what river flows through our lives, we can always float with our heads above the water.
The Bottom Line: Gleason's vlogumentary brings a touching story of living with a purpose.
Score: 9.7/10
Image credit: By Collision Conf from Las Vegas, Nevada, USA - _DSC1059, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=50226278
