Have you ever come across a film that speaks to you, that makes you question your values, captures your soul and heightens your imagination? For me, ‘The Peanut Butter Falcon’ is that film. It has the ability to help you change the way you see life.
Down Syndrome
The film is about Zak, a young man with Down syndrome who escapes from an assisted living facility where he lives, to follow his dream of training to be a professional wrestler. While on the run he makes an unlikely friendship with a fisherman who is also running away.
The Peanut Butter Falcon Story
As the two men embark on an adventure to find Zak’s wrestling hero, they form an unlikely bond, a bond that turns into a beautiful friendship, whilst being chased by Zak’s social worker, whose intention is to send Zak back into care. As the story unfolds, she begins to question her own values through Zak’s eyes, and decides to take Zak’s journey with him.
Down Syndrome Inclusivity
Just like the rest of us, Zak has dreams. He wants to be treated with inclusivity in the same way as everyone else; he wants to be accepted in a world that isn’t always accepting of people who are different, and who deal with a disability. The Peanut Butter Falcon not only reminds us of disability in its wider context, but it also shows us there can be kindness, compassion and understanding for those of us who deal with a disability.
I resonated with this wonderful film for two reasons; I also live with a disability and because it reminds me of the stigma and prejudices that have and continue to follow me, in what is an able-bodied world. The reality for anyone with a physical, mental or emotional disability is that we don’t automatically fit in, so spend a lifetime just trying to fit in.
Highlighting Disability
This film highlights disability and what it feels like to live with one, it also highlights that disability shouldn’t define us. It serves to remind us that we are all the same, that each of us should strive to ensure everyone is inclusive, not exclusive, and to bring understanding where disability, may not always be seen in this way.
The moral of the film
For me, this film not only captured my imagination with its story of adventure, but it also tugged at my heart strings. It shows us we can become kinder and be better people, and that we can all choose to make a difference to those who simply need that difference to be made.
I have seen this film and your post is a beautiful explanation of this and similar films matter so much.
Thank you talking about it and reminding us of the importance of being inclusive and kind. This is even more important, as we live through times, where people seems to be anything but.
Thanks. Sadly, you're right and it's not difficult to see. You only have to tune into the media to see and hear about attitudes across the spectrum.
Brexit and Covid-19 have tipped the balance, but I still believe we can pull back. In a time when we should be supporting each other, this film reminds us that all it takes is a kind word, a kind gesture.
This film has it all. Although the film is centred around the life of a boy with Down Syndrome, it is relevant for all of us in these times.
For those who choose to watch it, it will really change how they see their life and how they choose to live. I believe it's a must watch film!
I wasn't quite sure about the movie because of the title, I should probably get around to watching it. I know far too well, about how you get treated if you happen to be considered different in this world.
It would be great if everyone could focus more on how we're alike, rather than on our differences. Life is tough, we're living in a pandemic, it's important we are able to work together, and to be a support.
The world would be boring if we were all the same. It is good that we are all different.
Thanks Randy. Yes, it's one of those films you never tire from. A film that keeps on giving and turns the mirror on ourselves. I hope you get to see it.
I agree. If Covid teaches us one thing, it's that we should all come together, to put our differences aside and to act as a support for one another.
Now more than ever, it is exactly what we need.