Before We Say Goodbye

Before We Say Goodbye is a modern portrayal of a Hispanic family coping with the realities of life and death. Although the scenario is based on a Hispanic viewpoint, any family can relate to one or more of the situations that take place throughout the film: from coping with the death of a loved one, to marriage and financial problems, to not agreeing with one's family values or religions, or just trying to be accepted as oneself amongst a family unit.

The story is told through Ramona, the steadfast mother, who continues to have faith that a miracle is possible to save Carlos (her dying husband) despite all odds. As we journey with her in her quest, we also experience what other members of the family are going through in their own lives and in their relation to Ramona and Carlos.

Although Ramona doesn't quite end up getting the miracle she expects, the story has an uplifting finale that leaves her (and us) with an undeniable affirmation of hope and empowering strength to go on. This is an emotionally moving film that reminds us we all have different problems and beliefs in life, but things usually work out… just as they are meant to, which at times, in itself, can be a phenomenon perceived as a miracle.

I took a friend of mine with me to see Before We Say Goodbye. He, being from back east, was sincerely touched by the commitment to the Catholic Religion as the main character portrayed. She reminded him of his grandmother's and his mother's devotion and actually brought him to tears. I loved how true-to-life the characters/movie was to the Hispanic culture. Being Hispanic and raised in Santa Fe, NM all my life, it was dead-on on every character that was in my life in one way or another. From the devoted mom to the skeptical sister, to the talented son that "could have been." This movie is totally and completely a remarkable portrayal of strong, dysfunctional, loving, religious, humorous, committed, etc etc Hispanic families are.

Heartfelt, sad, and sometimes hilariously over the top, "Before We Say Goodbye" is the story of one mother's dogged faith in the midst of mostly agnostic, atheistic family members who do not share her beliefs. For me, the matriarch, Ramona Garcia was the heart and soul of this film, she steals the show with a poignant and unforgettable portrayal. She is the rock, the believer in miracles, the anchor that holds her family together. Surrounded by colorful characters who are sometimes tepid, cynical or downright mocking of her faith, she loves them with her entire being. Ramona's juxtaposition to Our Lady of Guadalupe (who for Catholics is the ultimate picture of a mother's unconditional love) is central to this story and the fuel that drives this movie forward. Do not expect a religious film though, it does not sugar-coat. "Before We Say Goodbye" delves into both the reverent and irreverent, the inspiring and the beautiful within the day-to-day life of a Hispanic family who are not all on the same page. Tremendously moving musical score and soundtrack, especially loved the title track and Psalm 23. Congratulations to Director, Paul Davids, for an engaging film that explores the powerful dynamics of love and conflict found within faith and family relationships.

A Heartfelt movie. Paul Davids (Director) pulls the emotional strings of the heart with this inspirational film. A work of art showing the true values of family and life in the Hispanic culture. Few movies take you into the lives of Hispanics like this one does. A very enjoyable film to watch. The character development was well thought out and applied in this film. Some of the characters were well portrayed in the film while a couple lacked development. Story line was easy to follow but wasn't predictable, a few twists kept it enjoyable to watch. The scenery and locations of the film were a nice change from mainstream Hollywood -- it gave the film that sense of realism that is lacking in so many big budget films. Shots in the Basilica of the Virgin of Guadalupe in Mexico were spectacular.

'BEFORE WE SAY GOODBYE', triumphs on many levels, especially in delivering a message all cultures and their families can relate to, specifically through the Matriarch who lovingly teaches the need for faith, forgiveness and unconditional love in order to champion the virtues of belief in God and the family unit.

Overall,the director captures the essence of one Hispanic family, their matriarch and their navigation of daily life struggles, successes through a genuine and heartfelt belief in the Divine miracle.

There is no question that not only the Latin community will find the movie "hits close to home', but all families that have relied on a core family member, like a matriarch or even patriarch, to help resolve and place into perspective the scope of each family members problems and the use of family support and prayer to overcome those seemingly daunting adversities.

The message is truly powerful!