A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood Movie Review - November 2019

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Starring:

Tom Hanks as Mr. Rogers

Matthew Rhys as Esquire Magazine Writer

Susan Kelechi Watson as Writer's Wife

Chris Cooper as Writer's Father

Enrico Colantoni as Bill Isler, CEO of Fred Rogers Company
By Sony Pictures Entertainment

If you watched Mister Rogers' Neighborhood as a child the A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood Movie is a must-see. It grabs your heartstrings from the first scene to the end with at least nine scenes that require a tissue. There are laughs sprinkled throughout. The movie doesn't follow the life of Mr. Rogers instead it follows the troubled writer who's instructed to write a story about him and how their lives connected during this time. It made me feel like I was visiting Mr. Rogers again in his neighborhood and the emotions that come with that. The feelings of visiting with someone you love that you haven't seen a long time. It makes me tear up just thinking about it. My husband who is a bit older than me didn't watch Mr. Rogers as a child, yet he enjoyed the movie also. Scene one brought tears to my eyes though Mr. Rogers would have to have been part of your childhood to feel that, while other parts of the movie would move those that weren't Mr. Rogers' neighbors. The movie had two very strong characters, Tom Hanks and Matthew Rhys who I feel shared the main star role. They were equally moving and important. Take a look at the trailer:

After seeing the movie you may want to read the article the movie is based on. 

The unanswered question is was Mr. Rogers burdened by helping others. What're your thoughts? Now as an adult watching some of his interviews I see the pain in his eyes. Some give at the expense of themselves. Those that are really sensitive to the world around them tend to be the most caring and kind people, but the world brings them sadness and anxiety. Those in pain are always in their thoughts and prayers which can be a burden and become overwhelming. He was a strong man though. He lived his life with tolerance, understanding, faith, honesty, strength, courage, love, support, compassion, and acceptance. He spent 35 years dedicated to helping children and many of those children are so very grateful including me. 

How did Mr. Rogers shape your childhood? Was he part of your childhood or your children's? As a shy and only child of British immigrants who both worked, Mr. Rogers was like a substitute Uncle and friend to me which was much needed. While I looked at that small tv screen in my mind he was sitting across from me in the same room. He told me he liked me just the way I was which others did not. I was "different", I dressed differently and I spoke "funny". I quickly learned a British accent wasn't fitting in. But when I listened to Mr. Rogers in the living room he would say "I'm proud of you" and "It's you I like". He warmed my soul and held my hand through the fear, uncertainty, and confusion of the world around me. He would tell me it was ok to be sad which others were telling me was bad. I was bad for being sad, but Mr. Rogers held my hand and told me "You've made this day a special day by just being yourself". Mr. Rogers was honest with me about the world while adults around me were not. He didn't sugarcoat the world, he explained it to me without talking down to me. He respected me. He made me feel safe in a scary world. He made me feel special, accepted and loved. All his kindness, calmness, honesty and love I'm forever grateful for. I wish more people could be like Mr. Rogers. Imagine how different the world be today if someone continued in his footsteps. It's easier to be unkind, it takes work and vulnerability to show kindness to others. But I ask you to try as I do. 

I recommend that you grab a friend's hand and go see this movie this Thanksgiving week. This Thanksgiving I'm grateful for Mr. Rogers being there when I was a child and for reminding me today that it is worth trying to pass on kindness to others. While sometimes difficult, it is worth it even if that kindness isn't returned. Recently a teenager showed me kindness during a very difficult day and I'm forever grateful to her. She's in my daily prayers. Have faith during your difficult times and a kind helper will be there for you. Mr. Rogers always said look for the helpers and I'm saying be one of the helpers. Share kindness today with a stranger and pass on the love of Mr. Rogers. He will forever live in our hearts.

I also recommend the documentary Won't You Be My Neighbor.* There are many books written by Fred Rogers and books about him available.* They would make lovely Christmas gifts for children and adults. Several places that you can watch episodes of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood are:

His Website
PBS Kids
iTunes
Amazon 

Be Kind

&

Have a PEACEful Day!

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