The True Don Quixote

A neurotic loner who has raised himself on books instead of real life, loses his sense of reality and thinks he is Don Quixote - who, in Cervantes novel, thought he was a knight several hundred years to late for knighthood. The soul of the original story is present all the way. But instead of fighting windmills, this modern version lets Don fight oilpumps, and his Sancho Panza is an overweight outsider, and so forth. Things go from hilarious to embarrasing. The modern world slowly catches up in the last quarter of the movie, and he might end on antipsychotic medicine and antidepressants. But things take a turn once again. This might not be the masterpiece of the year, but it is areal good antidote to the navel-gazing paranoia that haunts many american movies and TV-shows these days. This is about accepting the weirdness of the world, so that you can live in it and with it.

Eccentric and hilarious while touching on heavier themes like mental illness, The True Don Quixote puts a modern spin on a classic story that will leave viewers warmed and pensive. Recommended for those who enjoy witty, ironic dialogue and the charms of discovering the extraordinary within the ordinary. (think Scott Pilgrim vs the World, Little Miss Sunshine)

After reading de Cervantes Don Quixote I was left questioning why this was one of the most widely read and loved fictions of all time. Leaning more about the true story of De Cervantes helped shed light on the story and it's impact on modern literature, but did little for my understanding of Don Quixote.

Chris Poche's modern interpretation of the classic is truly refreshing, it is simple and clever. I now have a much better understanding of the story De Cervantes was trying to tell in his time. This film's simplicity forces the viewer to engage in the wit of dialogue and characters. Poche does not rely on CGI And large budgets to make up for the lack of dialogue and story like the vast majority of film forced upon us in the past decade. This film is funny as well as thought provoking. It is also safe for young families, and lends itself to honest and thought provoking conversation about history, and current social issues.

Wonderful work!

So, I watched based on a Mike Rowe podcast (#219) interview of Chris Poche, the creator and writer. I enjoyed it, but it is what it is.

I loved this film so much. Shines a light on mental illness in a heartwarming way :) A great movie to watch with family and/or friends!