The Starfish Throwers

The Starfish Throwers is a heartwarming 2014 documentary by director Jesse Roesler that explores the undeniable power of simple human kindness and how a single person's determination and spirit can create life-changing impacts. The movie delves into the lives of an American fifth-grader, a retired school teacher, and an Indian chef who have all chosen to make a difference in their own distinctive ways. Although they're separated by thousands of miles and diverse cultures, these three individuals share a common trait: giving. Through this story, viewers are graced with an understanding of how simple everyday actions can become an inspiration worldwide, echoing the profound phrase, "All it takes is one person."

Narayanan Krishnan, a highly revered Indian chef, leaves his lucrative career behind when he encounters a homeless man eating his own waste in hunger. His heart bleeds at the very sight, leading him to feed and care for the destitute population of his city, Madurai. What makes his tale an inspiration is his full emotional involvement with the people he cares for, instilling in them not just physical nourishment but providing existential solace and dignity through his acts of kindness.

In contrast to the streets of Madurai, The Starfish Throwers transports the audience to the urban jungle of Minneapolis, Minnesota, where retired teacher Allan Law daily drives the cityscape in a van filled with sandwiches. Law diligently distributes these meals to the night-time homeless people across varying weather conditions, braving the freezing Minnesota winters. His tireless efforts highlight his passion and dedication for a cause he holds dear, making him an emblem of selfless service.

Meanwhile, in South Carolina, we meet Katie Stagliano, a young American schoolgirl who unexpectedly grows a giant cabbage weighing over 40 pounds in her third-grade school project. Rather than use it for momentary personal gain, she donates it to a local soup kitchen where it helps feed more than 275 people. This experience initiates her mission of combating hunger, leading to the creation of numerous vegetable gardens devoted to feeding the needy across the country. Her relentless efforts, despite her young age, make her a shining beacon of humanity for her generation.

One key strength of The Starfish Throwers lies in its showcase of these various environments and cultures, underpinning their shared humanity. The peoples and cultures may be different— the bustling streets of Madurai, the cold nights of Minneapolis, and the greens of South Carolina—but the universal message of compassion and kindness unites their narratives.

The film captures authentic moments of their tireless efforts digitally and aesthetically. Their deep sense of commitment and compassion is beautifully amplified through intimate interviews, layered narratives, and raw footage. Each character’s story is independently strong, but when interweaved, it offers a cohesive message of global compassion. From the chaotic streets in India to the quiet simplicity of suburban America, Roesler narrates a tale rich in cultural nuances and regional diversity without ever distracting from the clear, unified message of the power of kindness.

The title, The Starfish Throwers, is inspired by a viral story about an old man who encounters a boy on a beach filled with stranded starfish. When the boy attempts to save them one by one, the old man scoffs, suggesting his efforts won't make a difference. The boy then throws another starfish back into the sea and says, "It made a difference to that one." This spirit of creating change, one step at a time, is encapsulated riveting in the documentary.

The Starfish Throwers excellently constructs an inspiring narrative of humanity. It is a sensitive depiction of how ordinary individuals can make an extraordinary impact through simple acts of kindness and resilience. At the heart of the film is the portrayal of the principal characters as everyday heroes - the chef, the teacher, the schoolgirl - who embark on a journey against the odds, challenging societal norms and personal barriers.

This visually spectacular and emotionally powerful exploration of basic humanity is a testament to the boundless potential of individual action, reaffirming faith in the adage that "every act of kindness counts." The Starfish Throwers, in essence, confirms that anyone, from any background, can make a difference, thereby creating a wave of hope. All it takes is one person, one act of kindness at a time.