This was one of the most emotionally poignant shows I have seen in a long time. I was so deeply involved, I felt like one of the swimmers. I was thinking that I could never become a coast guard rescue swimmer, because of how well they portrayed them in the movie. It scared me, the things they face, the ocean and vast emptiness, ships sinking. Unimaginable courage is needed. I could never shut my emotions off. I got out of the theatre and told everyone it was the best movie I have seen all year, though it lasts for almost 3 hours. I felt the ups and downs so deeply that I cried.

I never expected Ashton Kutcher to play the serious role of Jake Fischer. The movie begins with a tale of the ocean and ends with the beginning. Kutcher and Kevin Costner who played Ben Randal, a rescue swimmer forced to be a teacher, are great together. They work so well together one would think they were best friends off the screen. The rest of the characters bring exactly what is needed, more drama, a bit of laughter, and love.

Jake had to learn what it means to be a teammate. To put those he is to rescue first ˇ§so that others may liveˇ¨. Both men have fires from their past holding them back from what they can really do. This is a startling movie about sacrifice; those to leave and those to save. Whether of not they are more important than you? Lessons are taught and fine lines are drawn. Randall spends his time as a teacher trying to figure out Fischerˇ¦s, aka Gold Fish, deep desire to save others lives, but having a huge problem figuring the concept of ˇ§So others may liveˇ¨ out. Fischer had the opportunity to swim at college, being an amazing swimmer in high school, but he went to the coast guard. I wondered and played this thought out during the bigger part of the movie. Why would he be doing this?

This is a powerful movie. It deserves a lot of respect. Showing a side of what it means to be a rescue swimmer, that is really grotesque. At the end they allow the stragglers stuck in the movie a glimpse of the heart wrenching scenes of the rescuers at Katrina, saving the lives of hundreds of people. I am sad to admit that I had no idea about this part of the rescuing at Katrina. The sound track is remarkable and flawlessly matches what is being depicted in the movie. I believe I will buy this movie and I only spend money on things that are worth it.


Recommended:
Yes

Video Occasion: Fit for Friday Evening
Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children Age 13 and Older