Watch Holes in My Shoes

Holes in My Shoes is a documentary film that follows the life of Jack Beers, a 94-year-old man who has lived in New York City for most of his life. Directed by David Wachs, the film is a portrait of a man whose life has been shaped by the city he loves. Throughout the film, Beers guides the audience through his neighborhood of Greenwich Village, pointing out the places that have shaped his life. He takes us on a journey from his childhood in the 1920s to the present, showing us the places where he went to school, where he worked, and where he raised his family.

The film combines personal anecdotes with historical footage and interviews with Beers' friends and family, creating a compelling portrait of a man whose life has been a microcosm of the city he loves. Director David Wachs uses Beers' story to explore the changes that New York City has undergone over the past century, and the enduring legacy of the city's immigrant communities.

One of the film's recurring themes is the importance of community. Beers talks about the vibrant neighborhood life he experienced in Greenwich Village, before gentrification and modernization transformed the area. He speaks wistfully about the sense of community that he felt when he was growing up, and how the neighborhood has changed since then.

Beers also talks about the various jobs he has held over the course of his life, and the impact that those jobs had on his sense of identity. He worked as a bike messenger, a bellhop, and a subway conductor, among other professions. The film shows how Beers' work gave him a sense of purpose, and how those jobs helped him forge connections with his fellow New Yorkers.

At times, the film can be quite nostalgic, especially when Beers talks about the city during his youth. But the film also explores some of the darker aspects of New York's past, including racial segregation and the Great Depression. Beers talks about the way that these events affected the city, and how they influenced his own life.

Despite the challenges that Beers has faced over the years, he remains optimistic about the future of New York City. He talks about the way that the city has reinvented itself over the years, and how he believes that it will continue to do so in the future. He sees the city as a place of endless possibilities, full of people who are passionate about making the world a better place.

Overall, Holes in My Shoes is a compelling portrait of a man and his city. It celebrates the richness of New York's history and its diversity, while also acknowledging the challenges that the city has faced over the years. Beers' infectious passion for New York is contagious, and the film will leave viewers with a renewed appreciation for this dynamic and endlessly fascinating city.

Holes in My Shoes is a 2006 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 31 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.7.