Review of Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son About His Father (2008) by Phil D — 13 Apr 2009

An awful person created an awful scenario for some pretty incredible human beings, around whom this film centers. Through understandable rage and frustration, the filmmaker does an admirable job of portraying the life & impact of an incredible man, his awe-inspiring parents, and telling the tale that led to the making of this film.

That being said, I didn't walk away having really enjoyed this film. It's more sad than anything to watch these atrocities being perpetually renewed through the unreleased anger & rage of the victims. A longer sermon on forgiveness awaits for another day, but the general message is simple: we don't forgive to abvolve the guilty of their just consequences, but more to release our psyches of continued involvement in the issue.

Still, no winners here, but a highly-recommended film nonetheless (if nothing else, an amazing thought-provoker and discussion-starter).