by Kristin Ciliberto, Contributing Writer
Actor and Academy Award winner Denzel Washington is no stranger when it comes to directing. Washington previously directed three films, including Antwone Fisher, The Great Debaters, and Fences, and also directed an episode of the hit medical drama Grey’s Anatomy back in 2015. In the previous films, Washington was the leading star, but with A Journal for Jordan, he’s only in the director’s chair. The film is based on a true story and was adapted for the screen from the memoir A Journal for Jordan: A Story of Love and Honor by Dana Canedy.
The film follows journalist and author Dana Canedy (Chanté Adams), who loses her finance 1st Sgt. Charles Monroe King (Michael B. Jordan) while serving in Iraq. Over the course of their relationship, Charles keeps a journal that expresses guidance of advice and love for his son. By sharing this journal, the film describes her incredible and powerful romance with Charles.
This is a sentimental film that explores grief. It will be impossible not to shed a tear, and it leads to an emotional climax. The journal that Charles leaves for his son doesn’t resonate until the end of the film when Dana sees her teenage son Jordan (Jalon Christian) try to come to terms with his father’s lasting impact and what his death meant. It’s more of an uplifting story than a story of grief that remembers a hero. The film also explores God, patriotism, and what it’s like having a partner who serves in the Army, especially from a long-distance relationship.
Jordan delivers a great performance, and it should be considered one of his best. He excels and is at his best when given a dramatic role and his character is respectful and sweet. An emotional and strong performance comes from Adams, who has an absolutely promising and bright career ahead of her. This performance is just beginning, as she is the anchor to hold the film together. Adams and Jordan have immediate chemistry and they are able to play off each other coming together as a real couple.
Screenwriter Virgil Williams keeps the story simplistic and grounded as the film shifts from being a single mother raising her son to her time with Charles. However, audiences won’t be able to tell this is a Washington film, since it’s different from his previous works. It’s not a film where Washington shines; rather, he lets each of its stars shine. The film does have a runtime exceeding two hours, and could have been cut shorter and still be an effective story, as some scenes do drag. Its pacing is thrown off due to shifting.
The film does leave a sincere message about love, the love for family, and how to strive to be a father. It’s a genuine and bittersweet love story.
Grade: B
Great review, Kristen. I will watch it.