Until 20

Until 20 is an inspiring, heartwarming yet heartbreaking documentary that was released in 2015. The film stars Victoria Alvarez-Arango, Abigail Armstrong, and Charles Brooks, who superbly translate real-life emotions onto the screen. This American documentary explores the themes of courage, resilience, and undying hope in the face of adversity.

Until 20 tells the extraordinary story of a brave young man, James Ragan. James, a promising golfer, is diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer, at the tender age of 13. This diagnosis, which would be enough to break the spirit of any ordinary adolescent, fails to dampen James's vivacious spirit. Rather than accepting defeat, he decides to face the situation head-on. The title of the movie is derived from the statistic that James was given upon diagnosis – he is told that he will likely only live until he is 20 years old. This prophecy, though daunting, transforms into the driving force behind James's journey.

In the film, the viewers are taken on an intimate and candid journey through James's life as he navigates his teenage years, battling a monstrous disease while striving to live as normally as possible. James refuses to be defined by his illness and instead emphasizes how each moment in life is precious. He desires to make each day count and inspire hope – not just for himself but for thousands of other pediatric cancer patients across the country.

The story does not solely revolve around James's struggles alone, but also reflects the lives of those who surround him. Victoria Alvarez-Arango, Abigail Armstrong, and Charles Brooks interpret these roles perfectly. It’s essential to delve into the lives, emotions, and thoughts of people like James's family, friends, medical practitioners, and all those who love and care for him deeply. The documentary beautifully captures the domino effect of a severe diagnosis on a loved one's network.

Abigail Armstrong brilliantly brings out the love story between her character and James. Their relationship is filled with young love's innocence and sweetness, along with the raw pain of loving someone whose life is a ticking clock. Charles Brooks represents the medical fraternity, as he is one of the doctors caring for James. He offers viewers a perspective of the people who are fighting from the front lines to save lives.

Victoria Alvarez-Arango plays a pivotal role as a close friend of James who stands by his side through thick and thin. She embodies the true spirit of friendship, showing viewers how vital a supportive system is in times of need. The relationships that James forges in the movie reveal the strength of human connections in the face of life's darkest hours.

The documentary is narrated by the charismatic and eloquent James himself, guiding the viewers through every high and low of his journey. By turns cheerful, sentimental, and reflective, his commentary is candid and infused with heartfelt honesty that tugs at the heartstrings.

The intentions behind making Until 20 are manifold. Not only does it aim to raise awareness about pediatric cancer and the drastic need for research and funding in this area, but it also offers an intimate exploration of resilience, the human spirit, and the true meaning of life. As James perseveres through an uphill battle, he constantly reminds viewers about the significance of living each day to the fullest, of embracing every moment, and of finding joy amid sorrow. Through his journey, he advocates for the need to fund scientific research to ensure that future generations do not have to endure what he has.

Until 20 is a deeply emotional, inspiring, and poignant film that resonates with everyone. By highlighting the dire need for pediatric cancer research, it also serves an educational purpose. Still, at its core, it’s an unforgettable journey about an incredibly brave young man who, with his indomitable spirit, reminds us of the joy and beauty of life, even when faced with the tragic inevitability of death.