Wide Awake (1998)

Film Overview
"Wide Awake" is a 1998 American comedy-drama movie directed by M. Night Shyamalan and co-produced by Neal H. Moritz and Cathy Konrad. The film stars Joseph Cross, Dana Delany, Denis Leary, Robert Loggia and Rosie O'Donnell. It explores styles of faith, faith, and the innocence of youth, wrapped in a narrative of self-discovery and look for understanding.

Plot Summary
The motion picture focuses on ten-year-old Joshua Beal (played by Joseph Cross), a fifth-grader who begins to question his faith after the death of his beloved grandpa (Robert Loggia). He embarks on an individual spiritual journey to find responses about life, death, and the presence of God. The death of his grandpa leaves him puzzled and identified to learn whether his granddad is undoubtedly in excellent hands as espoused by the religions of his Catholic school.

Mission for Understanding
Throughout the film, we see Joshua take part in several activities in his mission for understanding. He dedicates himself to kind deeds, intending to protect his location in heaven along with his grandpa. He visits other religious organizations, looking for an universal truth, and speaks with his school's athletics coach Sister Terry (Rosie O'Donnell), who's also a former nun. In his journey, Joshua confronts heavy existential questions for his age, showing his maturity and genuineness.

Climax and Conclusion
Towards the climax of the film, Joshua experiences a fainting spell, which sets off a near-death experience. In his state of unconsciousness, Joshua has a vision where he encounters his grandfather, who guarantees him that he is fine and at peace in the afterlife. When Joshua wakes up, he feels at peace, believing that he has actually found the responses to his concern.

In the resolution, Joshua is seen going back to his regular life, taking comfort in the fact that his granddad is great. Although he may not have found responses to all his concerns, he understands that the essence of faith is thinking without seeing. Joshua's spiritual journey culminarily enlightens him and deepens his faith.

Reception
"Wide Awake" received blended reviews. While some critics valued the film for its expedition of deep philosophical styles through the point of view of a ten-year-old, others criticized the movie for being excessively sentimental and moralistic. In spite of the mixed reception, it's still remembered for its profound exploration of faith, spirituality, and the innocence of youth.

Last Thoughts
"Wide Awake" is a mentally engaging movie that handles heavy styles of loss, faith, and the afterlife from the point of view of a child. The film offers a moving story, enveloped with a child's interest, offering a various viewpoint to contemplate life's greatest questions. The movie is beautifully interspersed with humor, preserving a light-hearted touch despite its extensive themes.

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