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Summer in the Forest

Play trailer 2:30 Poster for Summer in the Forest Released Mar 23, 2018 1h 48m Documentary Play Trailer Watchlist
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92% Tomatometer 12 Reviews 85% Popcornmeter 50+ Ratings
Four people who have intellectual disabilities create L'Arche, a commune at the edge of a beautiful forest near Paris.

Critics Reviews

View All (12) Critics Reviews
Ben Sachs Chicago Reader Well-intentioned but cloying. Apr 16, 2020 Full Review Thomas Lee San Francisco Chronicle Director Randall Wright keeps things simple. Nothing much happens, really, but the film's optimistic take on life is like an easygoing stroll through a verdant forest. It's invigorating. Rated: 3/4 Apr 26, 2018 Full Review Dennis Harvey Variety Wright's film provides considerable insight into how various special-needs conditions might be better handled by society than they are presently. Apr 5, 2018 Full Review Hosea Rupprecht Catholic News Service Through the stories of five residents, the film shows what a blessing L'Arche, with its commitment to the dignity of every human person, has been in the lives of many. Aug 12, 2021 Full Review Daniel Eagan Film Journal International Modest, intimate documentary about L'Arche, an international organization for the disabled, and its founder Jean Vanier. Mar 23, 2018 Full Review Matthew Bond The Mail on Sunday (UK) Do try to catch Summer In The Forest, an affectionate and joyously uplifting portrait of Jean Vanier, a philosopher and former Canadian Navy officer who appears as close to a living saint as you can imagine. Rated: 4/5 Oct 9, 2017 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

View All (7) audience reviews
Audience Member The film asks "What does it mean to be a human being"? After watching Summer In The Forest, you may ask yourself more questions: What does it mean to love? What does it mean to laugh? What does it mean to really spend time with another person? What are my values? How do I live each day? What is pure? What is unconditioned? What is something, one small thing I can do right now, or tomorrow, to more accurately bring the life I live every minute of every day, into conformity with the values that form the core of my being? This is not a Great film, or even a Great Documentary, but if you're lucky, if you're very, very lucky ... and blessed, it will change your life, and elevate you. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/21/23 Full Review Audience Member This straightforward story of friendship, told straight from the mouths and hearts of adults with disabilities has touched me deeply. The honor and dignity with which they are treated, and, in turn treat one another with has made me reconsider my fast-paced life in the city. David's dancing, Sebastian's ability to be in charge of his own life, Michel's articulation of what Vanier's friendship means to him - this is an exceptional and beautiful portrayal of Real Life. Spending time and even wasting time as we're becoming who we are meant to be. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 02/20/23 Full Review Audience Member Movie leaves a profound impact on how you view others and yourself as part of humanity. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/13/23 Full Review aurelie l This movie is a must see. The more you learn and expose yourself to something you do not understand or even perhaps fear, the bigger your heart grows. As a native French, living in NYC and mother of a child with special needs, I was moved, inspired comforted in the idea that there might very well be "some Jean Vanier" out there for my son when he gets older. Also, the cinematography is spectacular. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review Audience Member Quite possibly the only documentary to ever keep my eyes filled with tears--tears of joy and of sadness. Summer in the Forest is a wonderful story that will change your perspective on people with disabilities and those with enormous hearts, like Jean Vanier, who can openly and honestly share their love and life with everyone suffering from a disability in a world that shuns them. You will have fun watching this film and it will hopefully open your eyes to a world outside of your smartphone screen. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/22/23 Full Review Audience Member Beautiful movie. This movie shows what LOVE means, it shows LOVE in action. This film reminds us of what life is really about & how unfortunate yet fortunate most of us really are. 5 stars! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/05/23 Full Review Read all reviews
Summer in the Forest

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Movie Info

Synopsis Four people who have intellectual disabilities create L'Arche, a commune at the edge of a beautiful forest near Paris.
Director
Randall Wright
Producer
Randall Wright, Richard Wilson
Distributor
Abramorama
Genre
Documentary
Original Language
British English
Release Date (Theaters)
Mar 23, 2018, Limited
Release Date (Streaming)
Jun 28, 2018
Box Office (Gross USA)
$44.2K
Runtime
1h 48m