Po

Po is a heartwarming 2016 drama that tugs at the heartstrings as it explores the human spirit's resilience and the transcendental bonds of love. This is a story displaying the exceptional endurance of human relations, regardless of barriers and circumstances.

Directed by John Asher, Po revolves around an intelligent and highly imaginative 6-year-old boy named Patrick Wilson, lovingly known as Po (played by the endearing Julian Feder). The passionate and talented young actor portrays the character of Po, a boy on the Autistic spectrum, with quite remarkable sensitivity. This innovative and uplifting film elaborates on the meaningful life experiences of Po, who grapples daily with the multifaceted aspects of Autism.

Christopher Gorham, known for his roles in hit series like 'Covert Affairs' and 'Ugly Betty,' delivers a stellar performance as Po's recently widowed father, David. Overwhelmed by the grief of his wife's passing and the demands of providing for Po, David Wilson displays an extraordinary story of a single father's dedication and devotion. Struggling to balance a demanding professional life as an engineer, David also grapples with understanding and fulfilling Po's complex needs. The on-screen bond between Gorham and Feder offers a deeply emotional portrayal of a father-son relationship navigating through the challenges of Autism.

Kaitlin Doubleday, recognized for her role in 'Empire,' portrays the compassionate, empathetic character of Amy, a social worker who becomes integral to Po as well as David's life. Amy's introduction into their lives presents new perspectives and potential avenues for Po's social and emotional growth, giving hope not only to Po but also David. However, their journey hardly becomes simpler with Amy's intervention, and the narrative gracefully entwines her character into the many challenges that lie ahead.

Po delivers a stern message about Autism while expertly weaving a narrative around the disorder without it becoming an all-encompassing theme. It softly communicates the daily difficulties faced by those living with Autism and those around them– the unspoken realities of the disorder that often go unnoticed. However, the movie refrains from painting a bleak picture, instead it narrates a poignant story of love, resilience, and triumphs amidst the trials and tribulations.

The narrative, executed splendidly by the cast, is bolstered by the excellent cinematography that beautifully captures the intricate nuances of every scene. The film plays brilliantly with light and shade, creating a cinematic landscape that implies the contrasting emotions experienced by the characters. It further also mirrors the fluctuation in the circumstances and dynamics of Po's and David's relationship.

The success of this heartfelt drama is largely attributable to the director's sophisticated execution of the script. Asher's personal experience as a father to an autistic child breathes life into the tale, helping impart authenticity to the struggles and victories portrayed on screen. Yet, he manages to prevent it from becoming a sob story by interspersing the narrative with charming moments that make Po's journey a touching ode to the human spirit's fortitude.

Given the sensitive subject matter, Po is more than just an exploration of Autism. It is a meditation on love, loss, survival, and above all, resilience. It's about a child's imagination, a father's love, the kindness of strangers, and the power of human connection. The implicit message is clear - it takes patience, understanding, and unconditional love to surpass life-altering obstacles.

The supporting cast also contributes to the texture of the story, creating a multidimensional background against which Po's journey unfolds - classmates, teachers, medical professionals all play their part in shaping Po's world. Their interactions shed light on the common misconceptions and stereotypes associated with Autism, subtly educating the audience about the realities of the disorder.

In conclusion, Po is an emotionally charged film that offers an enlightening glimpse into Autism, shedding light on an often misunderstood aspect of human condition. Po is a gentle yet powerful piece of cinema that leaves the audience with a deeper understanding of Autism and the challenges faced by those it affects. Yet it is not all about Autism – it is about love in its profoundest forms, human relationships, hope, and resilience. It reminds us that everyone is fighting their battle, and kindness can make the fight slightly more bearable for others. Po is a film that leaves you a little more informed, a little more empathetic, and certainly a lot more human.