A Most Beautiful Thing

A Most Beautiful Thing is an incredibly compelling documentary from 2020 that brings to the forefront the resilience and determination of a group of young men. Produced by NBA legend Grant Hill, Mary Mazzio, and 9th Wonder, and narrated by Common, the film features the power of teamwork, friendship, hope, and the human spirit's capacity to rise from the deepest anxieties, pains, and test the status quo.

The documentary revolves around Arshay Cooper, who spent his teenage years in one of Chicago's most dangerous neighborhoods, Crime-infested Westside, where the nearest Fight-or-Flight response was the only way to survive. The everyday signs of poverty, substance abuse, and gang violence were stark reminders of the lack of opportunities in his environment and the almost non-existent perspective of overcoming his circumstances.

In a twist of fate, he stumbles across a flyer about a rowing team from Manley High School and is captivated and sees it as a lifeline for him and his peers. It was the initiative of teacher Amanda Kraus, principal Ken Alpart, and the Chicago Sprints Rowing Club. Rowing, often considered a privileged sport, was too rare and almost unheard of in such underprivileged spots of the city. This program served as a marked deviation from norms, providing these youngsters an opportunity to escape the perils surrounding them.

Cooper, along with a group of fellow students, built the nation's first African American high school rowing team, a decision that would drastically shape their future. The experiences and transitions they witness and the impact it has on their lives forms the central theme of A Most Beautiful Thing.

In a testament to the power of brotherhood, their story emphasizes how participation in a team-oriented sport changed their perception of themselves and their place in society. The film captures the transformative power of friendship, the importance of solidarity, and how unlikely alliances and teamwork can bring about extraordinary changes in the lives of individuals and communities.

The documentary features firsthand accounts from Arshay Cooper and his teammates Alvin Ross, Malcolm Hawkins, Ray Hawkins Jr., and Preston Grandberry. They opened up about their experiences, fears, and ambition. It conjures up an authentic portrayal of their struggle and hopes, reflecting upon the issues of race, poverty, powerlessness, pointing out the incongruity between the possibilities for young men growing up in such communities and the realities they face.

The storytelling is focused yet compassionate, highlighting the lives of these young men not just as mere victims of their circumstances but as individuals capable of challenging their destinities. They are conveyed as inspiring figures, showcasing the grit, determination, and hope required to confront adversities and misguided stereotypes.

The director, Mary Mazzio, enhances the sensitive tone of the narrative by interposing the men's individual stories with thought-provoking interviews and dissections of systemic racism, socio-economic divide, and the impact of trauma on young lives. It succeeds in making the audience sit up, listen, empathize, and reflect.

Additionally, the film revisits the reunion of the team members after 20 years, and the decision to row again, facing the Chicago River, but this time with their former rival team from the Chicago Police force. This unexpected alliance serves as an attempt to initiate essential conversations about race, understanding, and reconciliation.

A Most Beautiful Thing doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of life amidst violence and deprivation. It is a profound expression of hope and an encouraging illustration of strength and resilience that encourages change in perspective. The universality of its message is engaging, serving as a pertinent document of the past and as a ray of hope for a more understanding and inclusive future.