Watch Helen's Big World: The Life of Helen Keller
- NR
- 2017
- 18 min
Helen's Big World: The Life of Helen Keller is a captivating American-made documentary film about the life and struggles of the iconic American author and political activist, Helen Keller. The movie showcases the amazing life journey of Helen, who overcame her deaf-blindness and went on to become one of the most renowned personalities of the 20th century.
The film begins with a throwback to Helen's early childhood days when she contracted a severe illness that left her deaf and blind at just 19 months old. Her inability to communicate or interact with the world around her left her isolated and frustrated. Her parents, in fear of their daughter's pleas and tantrums, were unsure of how to handle her outburst and sought help from renowned educators and physicians.
The film then proceeds to unravel the story of Helen's life, as she meets her iconic ally and teacher, Anne Sullivan, who helps her break out of her shell and unlock the mysteries of language, communication, and knowledge. The film emphasizes the deep and emotional bond between Helen and Anne, who spent over five decades as companions, educators, and pillars of support for each other.
As Helen's life opens up, we witness the incredible journey of a woman who refused to let her disability come in the way of her aspirations. We observe her unprecedented rise to fame as a writer and lecturer, her advocacy for women's rights, socialist politics, and her brave stance against racism and inequality.
The documentary features rare archival footage of Helen's interviews and speeches, along with engaging animations and commentaries, which draw the audience closer to Helen's heartwarming persona, the hardships she faced and how she overcame adversity with grit, perseverance, and compassion.
Eileen Stevens voiceovers as the spirit of Helen in the film is soul-stirring and brings out the complexities of the deaf-blind experience. The music score, composed by Ernest Troost, transports the audience on an emotional journey that ranges from heartwarming, uplifting, to contemplative.
The film stands out for its unique approach to storytelling, which brilliantly balances Helen's incredible achievements with the personal struggles of her life. The directors and producers of the film, Doreen Rappaport and Gary McGivney, have crafted a remarkable and unpretentious account of Helen's journey, which is both informative and inspiring.
The movie's central themes of courage, hope, and resilience serve as a magnificent tribute to Helen Keller's life and leave a profound impact on the viewer. In today's world, where social inequality, political polarization, and global pandemics are prevalent, Helen's life stands as a beacon of light, encouraging us to continue striving for a better future for all.
In summary, Helen's Big World: The Life of Helen Keller is an indispensable must-watch documentary film that celebrates the life of a remarkable woman, whose tenacity and achievements inspire and uplift people around the world. The film presents the story of one of America's most loved and celebrated women with grace, dignity, and respect, and will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on anyone who watches it.
Helen's Big World: The Life of Helen Keller is a 2017 family movie with a runtime of 18 minutes.