Kyle M
Of course there's general knowledge wholeheartedly believing Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year, as the season of giving tends to either bring the merriest out of us or the grouchiest. In addition, as some would say it's about the presents, commercially-driven or not, with minimal agreement only because they materially contribute to building memories that are cherished. Those memories are based on being surrounded by loved ones between your family and close friends, to the even extent of strangers who are sharing the celebratory merriment the season joyfully brings. Why the latter group in particular? It's the acknowledged unknowing distance that there are those who are unfortunate during the season with the futile pursuit of happiness, mainly hopeful wishes remaining unanswered.
When my nana was a little girl, she wanted a doll for Christmas, but her parents couldn't afford such and it didn't help matters when she noticed that doll in another girl's arms because those parents were able to afford it. How much magic the holiday culminated, embodied by one symbolic figure, has been brewed as promising that makes it all more joyous. But reality gets taught when disappointment gets sadly realized, and thus creates a negative memory that would haunt a person who's unable to gift the then-cheerful innocence, built from interacting through communicating with Santa Claus. All over the world, they whisper to his representative helpers on what they want for Christmas, and later or earlier write a letter sent directly to him. Santa Claus is a believable being who comes off as mystical, but the importance of his presence is the inspiring magic taught via fitting interpretative media under purifying faith. So with Santa being considered a mystical being, it's truly a wondrous question: Where do his letters go? This documentary "Dear Santa" answers the question, and the unveiling insights make it all more magical.
Multiple stories depict the postal service routinely delivering the letters to Santa, who receives hundreds of thousands of letters. There's actually an historical relationship in between the two points as this documentary shines a light on the 100-year-old tradition titled "Operation Santa". The letters do go to the North Pole, then the postal service makes it possible for the public to safely adopt those letters and make dreams come true, therefore helping Santa out. This massive endeavor welcomes anyone who wishes to even the extent of adults who still believes and ranging from not just a wish from one child but up to families with multiple children, makes up an unfortunate equation by unlikelihood with the more who singularly wishes the lesser chance that wish would get adopted. But it's been proven here that kind generosity is boundless as the appointed "elves" are determined. This operation is hosted across multiple centers as we visit some in metropolitan areas like in New York City and others in small towns where the Post Office is the heart of the community, witnessing the heartening process that grants few wishes exemplifying the overarching mission's ranges.
Documentarian Dana Nachman seemingly has the knack to seek wonderful human stories and display them to their conceptual fullest with pure, reverent affection for layered subjects. The impactful resonance under contagiously probable effect we could feel when witnessing these stories intimately matches what Nachman felt at those moments. Storytelling filmmakers are connected over artistic intention, but connecting with a documentarian means we're being hearteningly enveloped and captivated just as much. One of her previous works is "Batkid Begins", a story when Los Angeles turned into Gotham City for one day granting a cancer battle patient's wish to become the Caped Crusader. That sets this documentary's focus in motion on the genuine possibility of granting wishes, contrary to cynical belief grounded in reality. It truly adds onto the seasonal magic, even retaining it, hence the purity in the delivery besides your usually expected exposure.
What makes it all more touching is how it's been suggestively prophesized through the Rankin/Bass beloved classic "Santa Claus is Comin' to Town" – rather than just being warmed by mirrored innocence. Like many documentaries, they're argumentative then considerably flawed if didn't provide any sort of counterarguments regarding the cons, which this in particular has nothing to argue about nor sense anything negative associated under a con point besides what's sort of been grasped. If anything, it would be representatively embodied by those grouchy figures shown at the end of the special showing their blind stances to the season. The flawlessly polished conclusion, kindheartedly executed by Fred Astaire, wondered how collectively if we all start giving like Santa, embracing his goodwill nature with cheeriness spread as those gestures tends to warm hearts with pleasant memories created. The thought there reinforces the photographed genre's other aspect being inspiring, since just seeing the simple steps in reading an actual wish and those thoughtful ideas brainstorm how you can grant that wish with the integral magic remains intact. Or in layman's terms, give them the happiness they deserve.
Thinking about the precepted criterion surrounding the best documentaries of all time with insightfully thorough arguments and beautiful captures, both with post-documented impacts, including personally seeking on answered curiosity and explorative topics in timely matters, is "Dear Santa" worth the ranking? It's arguable in both ways between differing viewpoints, including mine advocating its ranking. It's very touching, accessibly one of the most heartwarming feats by guarantee, and inspiring enough to contributively join the mission and spread the merriment. If any of this sounds commercial, just check out the documentary for yourself and evaluate your generous horizon or find out you actually have a "bah humbug" within your soul. (A)
Rated 4.5/5 Stars •
Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars
12/25/23
Full Review
Audience Member
Dear Santa is one of those movies that make you feel so good, you'll revisit it every year. The story follows the decades old practice of the USPS delivering gifts to children (and adults) in need. Dana Nachman is a wonderful storyteller and engages the viewer with beautiful portraits of individuals and families celebrating not only material gifts, but the even more beautiful gifts of human generosity, kindness and community. The film is visually beautiful, and the music is classic Christmas in the best of ways.
Dear Santa is at turns heart-warming, funny and inspiring. It's officially part of my annual holiday viewing!
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
01/13/23
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dave d
Sweet, yet meandering and unfocused, 'Dear Santa' is best when it sticks to the inner workings of how generous people are able to get presents to thousands of needy children and families. Unless you're a grinch, it never gets old seeing a child getting something they so desperately wanted. It does seem like there are some 'needy' people living in some nice houses, but there are clearly holes in the giving system. Anyone can write a letter to Santa from poor to rich and it's hard to decipher what's what. Despite the drawbacks, we still get plenty of good vibes and smiles and we all can use that! Final Score: 5/10
Rated 2.5/5 Stars •
Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars
03/31/23
Full Review
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