I have mixed feelings about this film. It's hard exactly to say why, but as you can see I gave it 8 stars. Mostly, because of Jason's age at the time of the onset of rapid MS, I think it was profound, and maybe a little uninformed at the same time. Spoiler alert: There are things that confused me, because I am disabled as well (not MS). There may not be wc accessible cabs, but there most likely are wc accessible paratransit services, as are the norm in any major city. That being said, my experience is, is that disability is an ongoing learning experience. And, maybe Jason didn't know about certain services available, because he spent the 1st 25 years of his life as an able-bodied person. (As did I, longer in fact). Anyway. It's also not so much about the film, but a bit more about the relationships, which we only catch glimpses of. It would be very important to me, I do think, not to have a significant other being my main carer. I found it distressing that Jason's mother was helping with transfers as well. As a disabled (single) person, I fear that someone seeing this may think that all people in wc's may need this level of care, which is not the case. On the upside, I think it's an important film for Jason to have made, and for his family too. I think this kind of film can be healing, and open the eyes of the able bodied in the world. Jason's MS started at a tragically young age, and I give him and his family a lot of credit for working on this film, and powering through the ups and downs. I'm also glad this film got awards, because I think this kind of documentation of the day to day life is important to see. Thank you Jason, and all the very best for you and your family. Wishing for a cure for MS.
When I Walk
2013
Action / Documentary
When I Walk
2013
Action / Documentary
Plot summary
In 2006, 25-year-old Jason DaSilva was on vacation at the beach with family when, suddenly, he fell down. He couldn't get back up. His legs had stopped working; his disease could no longer be ignored. Just a few months earlier doctors had told him that he had multiple sclerosis, which could lead to loss of vision and muscle control, as well as a myriad of other complications. Jason tried exercise to help cope, but the problem only worsened. After his dispiriting fall on the beach, he turned to his Mom, who reminded him that, despite his disease, he was still a fortunate kid who had the opportunity to pursue the things he loved most: art and filmmaking. Jason picked up the camera, turned it on his declining body, and set out on a worldwide journey in search of healing, self-discovery, and love.
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