Dirtylogy
It's funny, it's tense, it features two great performances from two actors and the director expertly creates a web of odd tension where you actually don't know what is happening for the majority of the run time.
network5976
I read a lot of reviews that say that it's a must-see. Let me say that this is not an exaggeration when I say that you must see this documentary. I'm surprised that this movie isn't more well known.This is a true story about a young man living without passion in the Midwest who decides to go to India because he is seeking authenticity in his life. He finds it there in an orphanage for HIV kids.I don't think I've really cried in a long time but this movie did it over and over again. But this movie will bring you joy at the same time.It will make you re-examine your life.
haondoor
Blood brother is a documentary about Rocky, a young man who has been working in a AIDs center in India, and Steve, Rocky's best friend from childhood who currently lives in the United States, trip to an AIDs orphanage in India. The movie opens up with Steve picking Rocky up from the airport after his visa denied and having to return to the United States. Though it is evident that Rocky is not happy back home, but instead his heart and home is back in India. Soon Rocky's visa is approved, and he grabs the next flight out of the country, but this time Steve is close on his tail to discover what his best friends new life is like. In the course of Steve's filming he notices big changes in this overpopulated, third world country. Regular street laws are blurred and cleanliness and safety is not a worry of these people, but all of this does not stun Rocky instead he dives head first into this dangerous world. Along the journey Steve starts to gain Rocky's compassion for the AIDs infected children, and to focuses less on the horrible state of their country and more on each child's personality and how beautiful they are. Throughout the documentary Rocky constantly puts his health in the way to help the nurses, children, and village people, which in return love him for his ability to treat them with unconditional love. Much of the film has the audience swaying from happy while they participate in each birthday party, to devastated when the nurses and children became deathly sick in the snap of a finger. These shifts in emotions are potentially the most compelling parts of this movie because of the uncensored and real nature of world switchuations. These real moments take the viewer by surprise as they realize that what they are watching is not a dramatization but instead the real lives of children slowly die located on the other side of the same world. This notice of fine detail and emotions are in fact my favorite part for too many times do people want to take the scary reality out of public perspective because of it's impacts to the emotions of the viewers, but maybe those emotions are the needed ingredient to world change. Leaving the United States and heading to another part of the world has many barriers that a person has to overcome, and possible the biggest hurdle is the difference in the worldviews. In one of the scenes Rocky goes against the community belief, to keep a village girl home and just ask the spirits to heal her, to take her to a hospital. Though when things turn bad and the young girl dies the whole community blames Rocky because of his decision. This worldview found in the United States of the hospital being a place of rest and healing is contrasted by the people of India with their view of personal healing and enlightenment. Other situations increase the difference between the people Rocky knows as cultural family, and the people he knows as blood brothers. In the showing of "Blood Brothers" many quotes rise above the rest because of their ability to impact the first world population and connect us to the third world people he serves. One of these quotes said by Rocky, "I can't take any of them out of that situation, but I can put myself into it." forces us to contemplate our use of time, and if our impact is enough, but to Rocky he sees that "To live at home seems to be incredibly wasteful" and a heart change is necessary to impact the world in the same way Rocky does. The last two quotes that rise above the rest touch on the suffering of the people. "Other people can't turn off their suffering; they can't medicate their suffering with money." instead one must "realize that suffering is going to be normal part of my life" though Rocky has only spent a small time in India his impact is real and large, which challenges others to impact the world in their own places, way, and ability. In conclusion, I would consider watching this film for yourself not only because of the implications it leaves in your life after, but also because Rocky's life and experiences give a real and visual perception of what the world is like outside of one's personal comfort bubble. Appreciation forms for all those who serve and the understand that someone can play a small part in someone elses life. Though before watching ask these two questions: "Why would someone be compelled to leave the comforts of a life in the U.S. and go serve Indian children with HIV and AIDs?" and second "How would you feel if you were sent to an orphanage to work and take care of those children?" Both of these questions must be answered personally and honestly for it undercovers the true heart nature of your inner being. Personally, having gone to many countries on these same types of mission trips, and living in the best homes and the worst homes, I can say full heartedly that when a person sees the world and population through the eyes of God they cannot help but go. Something inside causes them to lose sleep at night and not be able to sit still because you understand that there are other people out there just like you in need of a simply relationship with God and a relationship with anyone else. It is difficult to think that all it takes is a little money and time to changed the lives of women, children, and the world, but when you see that Jesus gave his whole life for us, the least we can do is give our lives to Him!
James H
The most moving Documentary I have ever seen. The editing was great. It was like we were there with them. I was moved by the day to day struggles, and hungered for the little victories. Some parts were difficult to watch. You will want to bring tissue paper for this one. There really are no films or documentaries that are similar, but Rocky's Journey does remind me of the Journey that Mother Teresa took. His life is a brilliant example of what love is. Well done. I was frustrated for driving over 30 miles to go see it. Having seen it, I would gladly drive 300. I look forward to hearing more about the hostel and opportunities to make a difference.
cassandrakirby3
It is excellent film. I believe with all of my heart that it is a must see film. Steve Hoover made this film about his best friend Rocky Braat, because he was impacted and felt this story needed to be told to others. I agree with Steve and I am grateful his was able to tell it. Rocky gave up everything he had here in the states and moved to India, to take care of orphaned children with HIV/Aids. I know Rocky and Steve, they are being totally real. I feel that this is very inspiring and leaves me wondering what could I do to make a difference in someone's life, like Rocky is making. It is about giving unconditional love to others without expecting something in return. It is about the challenges that life can bring and how one might react to those challenges. This story is ongoing and updates are posted to Youtube.
