Educational Media Reviews Online

This excellent film is a high quality resource for those in grief and for those lending support to people who are grieving. It portrays seven survivors and their individual tales of grief at the loss of a loved one. The stories are powerful. Sorrow is palpable as they move through their stories: the circumstances surrounding the death, the flood of intense feelings, the experience of profound loss, and the struggle to find answers. The raw honesty of the survivors as they negotiate a new relationship with life is searing. Superbly, the film profiles the painful work of grieving and healing.

The filming is tasteful and sensitive, and the approach is reflective. There is no narrator, nor is there a need for one. The survivors' own words, voices, faces, and bodies say, undiluted, how they cope and try to honor the dead and their special relationships. Careful attention has been paid to the people, music, and photography. Viewers will relate to many of the participants who are diverse in age and cultural background. Scene transitions are well done and allow time to process the serious content. The technical quality is excellent.

The film speaks clearly of the need for survivors to tell their stories, and of the importance of being heard. It recognizes and supports that there is no single or easy path to recovery. By profiling how seven have fared on this journey, the film provides courage and inspiration to others.

This video is highly recommended for all collections. It is especially pertinent for collections supporting the education of those in the helping professions. All types of health care providers, practicing and in-training, would benefit from viewing this film. A very brief discussion guide is included. Although intended for adult audiences, use in some settings for older children may also be appropriate.