MORNING GLORY Movie Review

I wasn't expecting much from MORNING GLORY, a $31 Million grossing movie from Paramount, since it seemed to be in and out of theatres so quickly. However, I adored the film.  I'm a huge fan of Rachel McAdams (from THE NOTEBOOK) and will see anything she is in, which is why I bought this DVD. I totally fell in love with the story, Rachel's character, and the romance between her and Patrick Wilson's character in the film. I have also never seen so much of myself in a character on screen before, which made me smile.

The film starts off when Becky Fuller (Rachel McAdams) is out on a date in NJ and she references one of my stomping grounds back home, Matthew's diner in Waldwick! Being a former Jersey-girl, and still one at heart, I immediately fell for the film. Becky works at "Good Morning New Jersey," a local morning show, as a producer and has her dreams set high on becoming the show's exectuive producer. She knows she is a natural born leader and has worked hard to move up the ladder in the TV business. When she is called into her boss's office everyone expects her to receive a big raise and promotion but to everyone's surprise she is actually fired. This is a turning point for her as she is forced to leave the "nest" and seek out a bigger life.

The conversation between Becky and her mom after she loses her job pulled at my heartstrings.  Her mom tells her that her dream was cute when she was a kid but it is now an embarrassment because she has not yet achieved it and soon her path could lead to heart break. I felt so much for Becky as so many of us are told to give up on our dreams, expecially if we have not achieved them by a certain age. In true Jersey girl fashion, Becky is way too strong and driven to give up and she makes incessant calls for job openings. 

While I saw myself in this character from the opening scene, I also noticed the same  "Go Confidently in the Direction of your Dreams" mug on her nightstand, which allowed me to relate most to her persistence in her career. When she lost her first job that she loved and moved to the Big Apple for her dream, I had a similar experience when I moved to Los Angeles for mine. I couldn't help but smile at how confident Becky is in her career and her ability to perservere. I have always had this sense of inner drive and confidence without ever knowing where it came from and it is what has led me to success over and over again. In my career I feel as though I can achieve anything. Becky is the same in this movie as she sets out to accomplish the impossible in TV. I have always loved and agreed with Les Brown's quote: “Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars.”

Becky continues to be one of the quirkiest characters we have seen on screen in ages and dazzles us with her clutziness, over-sharing, endless energy, creativity, intelligence, big smiles, and persistence.  She is a self-admitted rambler and puts her career before everything and everyone else, sometimes to her own detriment as she starts a new relationship with Adam (Patrick Wilson).

Again, the projections I saw and parallels to my life were continual and so I could not help but identify with the lessons in the film to slow down, never give up, and be clear about your priorities with others.  One of my favorite parts was when she learns to put her phone in the freezer when it starts to ring off the hook with work! How many times have we all wanted to do this?! I believe that we can all learn ways to unwire and unplug from the constant demands of others so we can be more present with ourselves and our loved ones.

This film is not only heartwarming, refreshingly unique, sweet and touching but also hilarious. I laughed quite a few times at the clever one-liners and the ridiculous characters. It is clear that Becky and her team at Daybreak are underdogs, especially next to the giant Today Show and yet they become a close-knit family helping each other open up in new ways.  The casting of the two co-anchors that host the morning show, Diane Keaton, who plays Colleen, and Harrison Ford who plays Mike, is superb and it's great to see these acting giants supporting Rachel McAdams as the star. 

My favorite message from the film is that while we can accomplish our dreams at work, we are really here to create connections with each other.  Becky's relationship with Mike is comical, troubled and endearing but she helps him to become a better man.  She opens up a part of Colleen that was ready to come out and play, and she not only saves her co-workers but also inspires them at the same time.  The film and Becky's work are truly meaningful because of the bonds created and the transformation that occurs. 

I turned off this movie with a big smile on my face, acknowledging my own quirkiness, and knowing there is hope for my love life even when I have workaholic tendencies.  I felt secure and happy remembering that I can achieve anything I want in my career with my drive, confidence and a dash of my good-ole strong Jersey girl work ethic and attitude! :)  I hope people continue to see this film because it is not only fun but also has a great message, especially for women in their careers.

Entertain, Enlighten, Inspire,
Kate Neligan
Founder & CEO of Synergy TV and Mindful Media Entertainment
www.synergytvnetwork.com

MONEYBALL Movie Review

Overall MONEYBALL drew a bit more hype than it deserved, but it’s definitely worth a watch, especially if you happen to enjoy baseball or Brad Pitt.  Though it doesn’t compare to most inspirational sports movies like FIELD OF DREAMS, it does have mindful messages and inspirational themes. 

The film – another example of a live action drama showcasing true events - is more engaging and successful than any documentary could have been with the same story. Brad Pitt (“Billy Beane”) and Jonah Hill (“Peter Brand”) made a great pair. Refreshingly, Hill, who is known more for comedy, was excellent in a serious role. 

  In fact, Hill shines in the best scene of the movie which occurs towards the end of the film. In this exchange, Brand explains a baseball play to Beane that is a huge metaphor for life. I don’t want to ruin this scene if you haven’t seen the movie yet; but it hit me in a powerful way. It helped me to see that we all have limits to our thinking and to seeing ourselves as hugely successful.

Our fears and our blocks often get in the way of understanding the truth about ourselves.

One of the themes that I really enjoyed was Beane’s drive to make a profound and lasting impact on the sport.  He didn’t just want to win the last game of the season; he wanted to bring justice to a system he viewed as unfair because of money. 

I’ve been a big Yankees fan my entire life.  I remember going to games with my dad and brother as a kid, and I’ve held onto a deep sense of love and pride for the pinstripes.  I used to blindly defend them even when others would criticize them for monopolizing the sport.  Now I can see how unfair the system is and how the Yankees have been blessed with more prosperity. I feel like MONEYBALL helped me to see the truth about America’s favorite pastime.

It was also enlightening to see the power money has always had to buy talent, how some players are paid far more than they’re worth, and yet others are vastly underpaid. I couldn’t help but recognize the parallels to many corporations and high-level business executives. I loved that MONEYBALL showed us another way: a system that gives the underdogs a chance to shine. 

The formulas and numbers make sense in MONEYBALL, and yet this plan didn’t succeed at first.  I believe that the A’s consistently won because Beane, the GM, managed the team with care and creativity. The film portrays their turn-around as occurring when Beane took an interest in the players, and when he started to explain their statistics and encouraged Dave Justice (one of my all-time favorite players) to be a leader. It was clear to me that the attention and love was the changing force, not the mathematics.

It is the same in business. I found myself flourishing in my job when my boss coached me, and I noticed that when I mentored my staff, they were more willing to step up. It’s like Dr. Seuss says in THE LORAX, “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not.”

The theme of winning/losing and success/failure was evident in this film. It’s apparent that Beane’s flashbacks to his years as a player and his perceived failure, was a driving force for him to succeed as the GM of the Oakland A’s.  He saw an unfair system and realized there was another way.  He met Peter by chance, but he also recognized talent when he saw it and was willing to adopt a new perspective when all of baseball disagreed with him.

In fact, Beane’s persistence to be a changer-maker, even in the face of failure, was one of the most inspirational aspects of the film.  His ripple effect was significant as well since the Red Sox won their first World Series since 1918 only two years after implementing his controversial approach to the game. 

SPOILER ALERT!  However, most inspiring of all was his decision to stay with the team that he loved rather than taking millions of dollars to move to the Red Sox. It was surprising to me that he would walk away from so much money and opportunity.  Yet if he left, he would have been no different than Giambi and Damon, two of his former players, if he too had jumped ship for a bigger paycheck. Billy’s decision to follow his heart demonstrated his integrity, his priorities and strength.

I admire Beane for his drive, his steadfast belief in his vision, and his courage to be an agent of change.  It’s not just sports, but all areas of our society that need these kinds of leaders who are ready to shake up the old systems that no longer work.  It is time to provide new opportunities for talent to shine and for outside-the-box thinkers to make positive, lasting changes, despite the status quo.  These leaders will rise in this new era of consciousness; we need to be ready for them.   

Thank you Billy Beane for trailblazing a new path, and for showing us that heart and connection are more powerful than money!

Entertain, Enlighten, Inspire,
Kate Neligan
Founder/CEO of Synergy TV & Mindful Media Entertainment

DOLPHIN TALE Movie Review

Why do we all love movies that are inspired by a true story?! I think because the word "inspired by" is part of it and they often are very inspirational.  DOLPHIN TALE is no exception to this successful formula. I have to admit I always thought this was a Disney movie and it was really positioned exactly as it delivered - family friendly and adorable! However, the accoloades belong to Warner Brothers who made this PG rated film which feels as wholesome as a G. I don't remember the last time I saw a PG film and it was refreshing to see an engaging and entertaining film that had no violence, major conflict, or negativity.

I had meant to see DOLPHIN TALE 3D in theatres and while many did ($72 Million in Box Office!) it still looked amazing on Blu-Ray. The film lives up to its hype as a heartwarming movie. All of the characters are sweet and lovable especially Dr. Clay (Harry Connick Jr.), Lorraine (Ashley Judd), Dr. Cameron (Morgan Freeman), Sawyer and Hazel. I was pleasantly surprised to discover new acting talent in Cozi Zuehlsdorff who played Hazel. She is an actress to watch as she was captivating and pulled you into the story. 

However, most of the movie is focused around Sawyer (Nathan Gamble) the little boy who seemed lost and disinterested in life until he meets Winter the dolphin. It was touching to watch this youngster transform as he found something to be passionate about. He quickly steps into service and out of his protective shell as the events around Winter's rescue unfold. With the help of his new friend Hazel, he begins to change the lives of everyone he meets, especially his beloved dolphin. This young team becomes a powerful force as they fight for everything they believe in and never give up. The friendships that are developed and the change that is created in their community is both moving and beautiful to witness.  It helps to remind us that no matter what age, we can make a difference.

Winter the dolphin is truly the biggest inspiration in the film. This powerful little dolphin also never quits despite all of the odds against her. She also shows her human companions how to see things differently. Winter is the only dolphin to ever survive and live without a tail and luckily humans took a chance with her or we wouldn't have this inspirational tale to tell. Winter could be considered a "service animal: as she demonstrates to the disabled that living with a prosthetic can be a life of acceptance and joy. She serves as a living testimony to the power to overcome adversity and a sign of hope for many.

As Morgan Freeman says in the movie to a recently disabled war veteran, "you aren't broken".  Many times we may think we are broken and don't have the will to live and yet if this dolphin can not only survive but thrive, I believe we all can.  The message is to find a reason to live and never give up.  Having gone through a dear friend losing his hand, I have been an intimate witness to some of the devastation and yet powerful recovery that can transform a man intro a stronger living inspiration.  I have found that the inner work and willingness to serve can get us through pretty much anything.  I love that this dolphin has worked with many who have lost limbs. There is something innately healing about animals if we just allow them to be and to teach.


I have loved dolphins my whole life and just seeing one in the ocean lights me up.  I have been lucky enough to swim with them (see photo) which was one of the top five moments of my life and #1 on my bucket list.  I highly recommend researching a place before you swim with them to make sure their involvement with dolphins is both loving and safe for these creatures. The experience is truly magical and if you get the chance to meet them in the wild take a moment to marvel at their magnificence.  You can also visit Winter in Flordia.

The film ends with some of the real footage from Winter's rescue and I realized this film was so much powerful and prosperous than any documentary about Winter's life could have been.  While I'm a huge fan of documentaries, it's true that a live-action film like this one with an amazing cast can reach more people and make more money than any documentary ever could and yet the message and story is the same!  We need to find ways to make our entertainment enjoyable to watch and yet deliver the power of transformation and inspiration.

Synergy TV has this mission and intention so be ready to see great things from us.  If you are ever feeling down, just rent or buy DOLPHIN TALE and you will feel lifted up to place of gratitude for all that you do have and for the powerful change-agents in your life!

Entertain, Enlighten, Inspire,
Kate Neligan
Founder/CEO of Synergy TV & Mindful Media Entertainment

JANE'S JOURNEY Movie Review

I first saw the trailer for this film at the local independent movie theatre.  I'm a huge animal lover and was immediately attracted to the theme of this documentary.  Yet, I knew very little about Jane Goodall and I was so impressed with this inspirational biopic I now want everyone to see it.

It was enlightening to learn how much Jane Goodall has significantly impacted the fields of animal research and wildlife conservation.  She is described in the film as magnetic, unique, tough as nails, a walking angel, and a beautiful soul.  I would call her a true heroine that is living her dharma.  It's awe-inspiring that she had a vision at only ten years old to go to Africa and study animals.  In her early twenties, she manifested this dream even though she had little money and didn't know how.  Her mother told her that if you want something you will find a way to make it happen.  Jane's strong intention coupled with the divine will of her calling connected her to people and places that would transform her life.

Jane's story is absolutely fascinating.  From the soulmates she attracted, to her rocky relationship with her son, and from her solitary life in the jungle to traveling to be with millions of people 300 days a year, she is truly a colorful character especially at the age of 71.  You'll have to watch the film to get a sense of Jane's life and persona but she brings new meaning to what Les Brown calls "an energy signature".  Jane is kind, calm, sweet, gentle, pure, authentic, grounded, passionate, wise, loving, and a fighter.


She describes her own journey as one of carrying the peace she found in the African forest in her heart.  She said she found her spiritual home in nature and she reflects on the timelessness, healing, and inter-connected feeling we can receive from Mother Nature.  Her love for our environment is tangible and a powerful force that has had a ripple effect on everyone she comes into contact with through her talks, books, and work.

Jane asks us an important question.  If we are the most intelligent of the species, then why are we destroying our only home?  She believes we aren't thinking about future generations and she places her hope in the Planet's youth to help us all wake up and change.  She encourages the children she works with to make a difference and to pay attention to the impact we have on our world.

Hope is Jane's constant companion and the gift she carries with her as she travels the globe.  Her other travel buddy is her famed monkey stuffed animal which millions have touched as an inspirational totem gifted by the blind magician Gary Horn.  In the last couple decades, Jane has set-up worldwide programs like Roots & Shoots and the Jane Goodall Institute.  She is changing lives around the planet and making a difference in over 100 countries.

I couldn't help but reflect on how fitting Jane's last name is - she truly does GOOD by ALL.  I also couldn't help but think about the starfish story which to me is the metaphor of Jane's life.  The story goes....a  boy was on a beach littered with thousands of starfish and a man asked him why he was throwing them all back into the water because he would never be able to make a difference as there were too many.  The little boy responded with picking up another starfish from the sand and throwing it back into the ocean and saying "it made a difference to that one". 

Jane and this documentary show us that we ALL can do GOOD and make a difference.  She wants us to learn that we must live in peace and harmony with each other and with the natural world.  She won't stop until her time comes either.  We all have much to learn from this environmental rockstar that shines so brightly we can't help but be magnetized to her story and mission.  In my opinion, she is a walking heroine, a true inspiration, and a mirror for the power of the human spirit.

My mission is similar to Jane's in that we both believe in "stories that enable you to give a message to the outside world" as she speaks about in her documentary.  If I ever get tired or frustrated on my path I will think of Jane in her 70s fulfilling her dharma and I'll remember to just keep going because the world needs us!

Entertain - Enlighten - Inspire
Kate Neligan
Founder/CEO Synergy TV & Mindful Media Entertainment LLC

Top 10 Synergistic Movies of 2011

What is a synergistic movie?  It's a movie where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts and all of the elements are woven together to create a beautiful story, impressionable characters, and meaningful messages.  These are my favorite mindful films of 2011 that have heart and at their core -entertain, enlighten and inspire.

10. THE GREEN LANTERN
A comic book action movie wouldn't always make a top ten list of mindful movies but this one has an important take-away lesson to feel the fear and do it anyway and shows us that superheroe films can also be spiritual!

9. MY RUN
A fantastic documentary about courage, perseverance, and family.  Nothing could be more inspiring than watching an older man who lost his wife and looks like Santa Clause run 75 consecutive marathons in 75 consecutive days all in honor of single parents.


8. MIDNIGHT IN PARIS
Woody Allen delivered a smart, unique love story that reminds us that true happiness and fulfillment can only be found in the present moment.


7.  I AM
A powerful documentary about who we truly are and how we can live from our authentic selves instead of the trappings of the ego mind.


6. WAR HORSE
Albeit violent at times, this stunningly beautiful and poignant film deserves recognition for bringing the preciousness of horses to the forefront and showing the world the power of love and the truth of our inter-connectedness.



5. DISCOVER THE GIFT
A somewhat unknown documentary because the producers want you to discover it the way they want you to discover your own inner gifts which once uncovered force us to blossom into our best selves just like the lotus on their beautiful poster.

4. THE HELP
Based on an excellent best-selling book, this surprise hit of the year sheds light on racism while also highlighting how the freedom of speech and a brave young woman can change the world.


3. BUCK
This psychological documentary about a sensitive and loving soul named Buck whose gentle compassion transforms the lives of the horses and people he touches.


2. CATCHING DREAMS
Although this film was made in 2008 it was showcased at the Feel Good Film Festival in 2011 and chronicles the life journey of one man pursuing his dreams to perform in Cirque Du Soleil despite all odds.


1. WARRIOR
Lionsgate's best film of the year moves audiences to healing tears as it tackles the themes of forgiveness, redemption and victory inside a broken family ready to be made whole.

Some of the 2012 mindful movies to watch are:  BRAVE, SECRETS OF LOVE, THE WAYSHOWER, JOYFUL NOISE, and A THOUSAND WORDS.

Which ones would you add to this list?! Do you disagree with any choices? Share your thoughts!

Entertain - Enlighten - Inspire
Kate Neligan
Founder & CEO, Synergy TV & Mindful Media Entertainment LLC

WAR HORSE Movie Review

Speilberg does it again - beautiful cinematography, story, and meaningful characters - the trifecta of filmmaking.  I wish I could go back in time when we locked eyes at a popular Hollywood restaurant and thank him for this film.  WAR HORSE is so moving that I could hear many crying in the theatre at various parts.  I've found lately that it's hard to keep a dry eye when your heart is really open.

However, I feel the need to warn you about the violent war scenes in WAR HORSE.  This film is intense and tough to watch in parts.  I'm a huge horse lover and ride every week and I felt elements of this was a horse-lover's nightmare on screen because of what the amazing star of the film, Joey the horse, endures.  I typically won't pay to see a movie about war.  Yet watching the scenes of brutality made me remember how lucky I am and how blessed we are as Americans and for all of the little things we take for granted.  Leaving the mall and walking by a Coach store after seeing this film made me think about how silly the meaning of an expensive handbag is when there are men at war elsewhere in the world.  It also made me think about how silly war is when we each have the power of our voice, the brilliance of our minds, and the gift of our hearts to sit together and talk things out; something even a horse isn't given and yet can change the lives of many.

The beautiful part of this heartwarming story is that Joey the war horse is a symbol of many things.  He is a living metaphor for resilience, strength, brilliance, courage, support, hope, determination, and support.  He is a true solider and therefore has all of the qualities any solider needs to survive.  He is referred to as a magical and remarkable horse in this film.  He is really the glue in the center of World War I.

We follow Joey from a foal to a colt to an adult horse and though all of the lives he touches.  Spielberg does an amazing job at intersecting the storylines and the scenes through the journey of this powerful and magnificent horse.  The theme that I found most moving and inspirational was that Joey represents heartfelt connection.  He brings together a family, a small farming community in England, two brothers, sergents and soldiers, a grandfather and grandaughter, and most importantly two "enemies" from different sides of a war camp.  The love this horse inspires in many throughout the film is shared through his spirit and just looking at Joey can transform anyone to see the symbolism he represents.

The most powerful scene in the film is the one that signifies freedom from prison and the connection that happens when we put aside our differences and stand up for what is right from a place of love.  I won't spoil this scene because its one of the most touching and tender moments I've ever seen before in a film.  You will know it when you see it and it will remind you that a simple horse can end a war and connect us all, no matter what we believe.

I'm thrilled this film received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Picture as it surely deserves that and is meant to be seen by the masses to communicate not only the preciousness of our animals but the meaning of hope, connection, and love.  I'm also grateful that no animals were harmed in the making of this movie.  I looked that up to make sure because its important to me that we treat our animal actors with kindness and respect.  In reading about this, I realized that Joey actually memorializes the almost 5 million horses that did give their lives in battle in WWI and he is a true hero in so many ways.

I hope you see WAR HORSE and share your thoughts and feelings with us here!  Its a powerful, mindful movie with heart and with a strong message.  Its a unique story and for all of you horse-lovers you will find it pulling at your heart-strings for days to come as we share a secret bond of knowing the magic a horse brings to the world.  Thank you Steven Spielberg for this film and for your love of horses.....may I see you holding another Oscar in the coming months!

Entertain - Enlighten - Inspire
Kate Neligan
Founder, Synergy TV & Mindful Media Entertainment LLC

WARRIOR Movie Review

WARRIOR is one of the most powerful and moving films I’ve ever seen and had the good fortunate of marketing for Lionsgate VOD & Digital.  It has become one of my top ten films of all time which was really a pleasant surprise.  The original push of the film was toward men and positioned as an MMA cage fight and I’m grateful I was given the chance to re-brand and re-position it to what it truly is: an inspirational sports & family drama with beautiful themes of forgiveness, redemption and victory.

This movie means many things to me and most of them are to be felt and not said but I’ll do my best to put it into words.  WARRIOR tells the story of a family broken apart by guilt, war, resentment, and alcohol.  The two brothers and father in this dysfunctional unit have broken hearts but are truly some of the strongest characters I’ve seen on screen in a while.  Nick Nolte’s acting is some of his best and rising stars Joel Edgerton and Tom Hardy are phenomenal.  I have my fingers crossed for their Academy nominations.  These three main characters each demonstrate an array of emotions on screen such as anger, deep love, courage, and compassion and are vicariously felt by the audience. 

One of the warriors, Tommy (Tom Hardy), appears as a dark figure in both language and dress.  You are led to believe that he has a tainted past and has caused a lot of havoc and damage.  His character appears downright difficult and mean at times.  Yet you soon learn that Tommy is a true hero and that he loves deeply but doesn’t know how to show it.  You can’t help but love this man even though he remains mysterious through most of the film.  I drew comparisons to my own family because my brother is similar and in the past has been so angry with our dad yet I know he cares deeply about our family.  I think one of the beautiful parts about this film is that we can all relate to the emotions displayed and the family dynamics portrayed.

It's easy to feel compassion for the other brother and warrior, Brendan (Joel Edgerton) who is a likable, stand-up family man and respected teacher until he starts to fight at clubs to make money so he can keep his family’s home.  We start to see Brendan as the underdog that just wants to provide for his family the way most men do.  You can’t help but root for him to win the big MMA tournament!  As with all sports movies, the underdog theme runs rampant but it’s also the first time most of us will root for both opponents to win.

Nick Nolte’s character, Paddy is heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time.  Every scene with him grabbed me and surfaced emotion.  Here is a man that has chosen to go sober and wants a relationship with his sons despite their intense resistance.  You can tell he is a tough, ex-marine that has probably caused a lot of drama and pain but is now a man that loves deeply and just wants to connect.  He tries so hard to show love even without knowing how.  I also couldn’t help but think of my own Dad and how he struggles to let go of his past, tough Irish conditioning and show his love for my family.

There are literally moments in this movie when I couldn’t breathe and not because I was on the edge of my seat but because of intense emotion.  The film grabs you by the throat and heart and holds on.  Most people will admit to crying at a couple different scenes when you viscerally feel the variety of emotions in this family, knowing as a human that many of us have been through these same feelings.  In the end, I really understood the Ram Dass quote  ‎"The only emotion remaining in a totally realized being is infinite, unbearable compassion."

I know many have spoken about the healing nature of films and their inherent messages.  The tears I shed in the screening room were impossible to hold back and through them I felt a deep healing like no other movie has provided to this date.  I felt as though I healed a painful part inside of me that lifted and cleared for good.  I felt an open space in my heart where a block had been before the film.  I felt so good for the rest of the day and so at peace, knowing I had no choice but to be compassionate to everyone I met.  Thats the power of love!  This sort of gift that can be received through watching a movie is priceless and important and more films of this nature need to be created and shared.  I applaud the director, Gavin O'Connor, for creating mindful entertainment with messages that need to be heard, seen, and felt.

Besides the themes of brotherly love, compassion, persistence, endurance, and underdogs, the most brilliant theme throughout the film is the one of forgiveness.  Forgiveness is not just a spiritual principle but a human necessity.  I didn’t understand what this word truly meant before my Master’s Degree at USM but I knew it was important.  Forgiveness starts with two things – compassion and a focus on our own judgments.  You can see the baggage that Tommy, Brendan, and Paddy carry in this film.  It’s palpable.  Yet forgiveness will set them free.  They have each put so much pressure on themselves and each other and while you think they are directing anger at each other – it’s also apparent that they are full of self-rage.  You can see that they beat themselves up for the choices they have made and yet they were always doing the best they could with the resources they had available to them.  This is where the forgiveness comes in.

I’ve heard forgiveness referred to as God’s cosmic delete button and I love to think of it this way.  Any judgment or any resentment can be cleared with the simple willingness to open our hearts in compassion and to forgive ourselves for anything we have done or said or for judging someone else’s actions.  We drop the hot coal we want to throw at someone else and we no longer burn our own hand when we choose to forgive.  The act is inherently healing and clearing.

In the end, love conquers all.  Nothing can beat love, not a series of punches, nor guilt, or jail or anger.  It redeems and is victorious and that is the true lesson we are left with at the end of the film.  I implore you – please give this film a chance.  It deserves your hard-earned money; I assure you that you won’t be disappointed.  Please let me know what you think of it after you see it!  These are the films America is ready for and needs.  These are the films destined for Synergy TV.  As a society, let’s commit to telling stories that heal, uplift, and transform us to be even better than we are right now.  Let’s all become warriors!

Entertain - Enlighten - Inspire

Kate Neligan, Founder of Synergy TV & Mindful Media Entertainment LLC

P.S.  WARRIOR made #6 of Heartland's Truly Moving Pictures Top 2011 List!
http://www.trulymovingpictures.org/blog-post/were-announcing-the-top-10-tmpa-winners-of-2011/