Self-important, over-dramatic, uninspired.

A different way of telling a story

Blending excellent reporting and strong storytelling, this is a disturbing film truly stranger than fiction

It's an amazing and heartbreaking story.

First, let me say that I don't even particularly like jazz.And I am a rather grumpy individual who is really not a people person. BUT...This documentary made me feel like there is hope for humanity. It left me with a warm and rosy glow. It's not really a "music doc," it's about mentoring and relationships and having a passion for something.The director is actually a jazz musician, not a film guy. As a former student and mentee of Clark Terry, he felt that this remarkable man's story needed to have a wider audience and set about making the film. But you would never know it was a "first," the direction and editing is so very accomplished.The people at the center of the film, Clark Terry, aging trumpet virtuoso, his brave and compassionate wife, and the young, blind pianist whose fledgling career the film follows, are so wonderfully compelling. So, too, is the way it portrays the way art (I don't think it matters if its music or visual art or literature) transforms people, the way it can transcend the difficulties of life, how it can bind you to others, how important it is that it be nurtured. It does so without being preachy, without being melodramatic, with humor and love and inspiration.all right, I'm gushing, aren't I? That's what a film like this can do, even to a cranky old misanthrope!

Speaking as someone who watches many films and documentaries this is the only film or documentary I have ever commented on. If this is not testament to the power of music any film has ever portrayed then I cannot think what could be. If you don't like jazz, you will after this. This is such a perfect story that even a huge blockbuster film could never convey how powerful this film is. The love and respect portrayed by everyone involved in this is impossible to sum up. Probably the most inspirational story I have ever been lucky enough to witness. This intimate film makes you feel a part of the story and the family. This is testament to the power of the human spirit and what faith can do and when I say faith I mean faith in humanity. What you can achieve whatever the obstacles, what you can overcome no matter how hopeless and what others can do to influence, affect and lift you when all else seems lost. I cannot think of a time I was so moved, so inspired and so utterly delighted by any story. The power of love is a magnificent gift and it trancsends all else and this is testimony to all those things. Such a beautiful piece you find yourself digesting every single word and although, as others have said. very emotional to watch...the beauty of it is one of those precious gifts we rarely get to share. I will conclude by saying that I am jealous of anyone who has not had the honour of seeing this yet as it will change how you feel about so many things on so many levels. For me this is an utter masterpiece.

This is a heart-warming, even encouraging film. I saw it this afternoon at the SB Int. Film Festival on the recommendation of a friend. Not a musician, I learned a lot about jazz, about musicians and, especially, about friendship and mentoring. Others have told the story of Clark Terry and Justin Kauflin, so I won't repeat it. What it's really about is friendship and generosity and caring and love. With archival photos as well as scenes from the Montreux Jazz Festival, and made thanks to the generosity of many, including Kickstarter supporters, and especially Quincy Jones, over the course of four years, this first film by the director is a jewel of a film, deserving of wide viewing.

I strongly encourage everyone to see this film. It is moving, human, honest, humbling, and illustrates the power of love, music and friendship that knows no bounds. There could be no more a giving person in jazz over the last 50 years than Clark Terry, and no harder working, loyal, gifted friend to him than Justin Kauflin. And to hear Justin play piano is another beautiful, emotionally powerful aspect of the film. To see Clark Terry going through such difficult health issues and see the power of Justin's friendship and how it brought meaning and a reason for Clark to want to live was overwhelming in its beauty. I felt humbled and blessed for having seen it, and will certainly see it again...and again.