What is my purpose in life? Have you ever asked yourself that question? I find that I ask myself that often. Don’t get me wrong. I love being a wife, mom and blogger. I wouldn’t change that for the world. But sometimes I do feel like I was meant to do MORE with my life other. Do you ever feel that way?
Many years ago I read a book by author Po Bronson called What Should I Do with My Life? The book featured real life stories of people who questioned the meaning of life and their purpose in this world. The people in the book often gave up everything they knew and changed their entire lives.
I can’t remember specific stories (I’m lucky if I can remember what I had for breakfast), but to give you an example – A man making millions of dollars in the stock market in New York City giving it all up to run a goat farm in Whales, UK. Or a scientist who finds happiness in being a brick layer. I’m sure you get the idea. There are people out there that listen to their inner voices and heart rather than follow the norm or the path that others feel they should follow. I admire people like that, but it must be scary to give up everything you know and jump head first into the unknown. That is what a young man name Rocky Braat did which is documented in the film, available on DVD tomorrow (Feb. 4, 2014), when he packed his bags and moved from the United States to a small town in India that doesn’t even have indoor plumbing. Instead of surrounding himself with other young men like himself at a bar having a few beers he decided he would be happier being surrounded by young children – all of which affected with HIV or AIDS.
Blood Brother is the story of Rocky Braat and his amazing life transformation.
Rocky went to India as a disillusioned tourist, dissatisfied with his life in America, with no close family of his own. When he met a group of children with HIV, he decided to stay and devote his life to them. To the children, he becomes “Rocky Anna,” or brother. Despite formidable challenges, his playful spirit and determination in the face of despair proves to be an invaluable resource. Blood Brother, a documentary directed by Rocky’s best friend, traces Rocky’s story of working in the village of Tamil Nadu, India for five years. The film illustrates his commitment to the children who face life-and-death situations on a daily basis.
Blood Brother has received much praise including the Sundance Grand Jury Prize and Audience Award for US Documentary at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival.
Here is the film’s trailer for your enjoyment.
I enjoy watching documentaries. I find that they really get me thinking. I also find them to be very educational.
I am still in awe of Rocky, even after watching the movie. I cannot believe anyone in their right state of mind would give up everything he knows, move half way around the world and work with young children who are very sick and dying.
Rocky had a trouble childhood. I guess being there for these children – caring for them, befriending them and showing the so much love and compassion helps to heal the parts of his heart that were hurt when he was a child.
The movie was filmed and directed by Rocky’s friend from the United States, Steve Hoover. You won’t really see Steve but all the narration is done by Steve.
It really touched me and saddened me to see children suffer. No one, young or old, should have to suffer with HIV and AIDS. It really broke my heart to see these beautiful children in such dire conditions. At the same time these children were happy and smiling. Seeing their smiles made my heart smile too.
I don’t know if I could leave everything behind and move to another country, live in poverty and help sick and drying children. I think it takes a very strong person to do something like that. I admire anyone that can do something like that.
I think Rocky is a much happier person living in India and caring for these children then he would be sitting behind a desk pushing papers like he might have been doing if he stayed in the United States. He is fulfilling his life and making a difference in the lives of others.
Blood Brother is available on DVD. It’s also available on Video on Demand, iTunes and it is evening playing in select theaters around the country.
To learn more about the film and what theaters the film is playing in visit www.BloodBrotherFilm.com. You can also check out the film’s official Facebook and Twitter pages. You can also purchase the film on the official website too. 100% of the filmmaker profit, including DVD sales, will be donated to Rocky, the kids and the Arms Around the Child charity.
What do you think about this film? Would you leave everything you know behind and do what Rocky did?
Kimberly
*I received a free screener copy in order to do this review. There was no compensation. The opinions expressed are my own and not influenced in any way.
Todd Lovessweeps says
Looks good – going to have to check this out.
M.Clark says
This sounds like an amazing story, I’d definitely watch it. I don’t know if I’d be able to do what Rocky did. Thank you for his review.