When I Find The Ocean

When I Find The Ocean is a hearttouching film from the year 2006, directed by Tonya S. Holly, and starring esteemed actors like Dan Beene, Sara Biddle, and Anthony Brooks. It's a compelling narrative that seamlessly intertwines elements of family, friendship, adventure, and coming of age, presented against the backdrop of the racially explosive era of 1960's America.

The story centers around the young and plucky protagonist, Lily Strickland, portrayed by eight-year-old Tarra Riggs. Lily lives in Alabama and has grown up hearing enchanting tales about the ocean from her seafaring grandfather, described by Dan Beene, whose salt-tinged stories ignite Lily’s imagination and spirit of adventure. However, their tranquil world is disrupted by the untimely death of Lily's father, which coerces her mother, Jenny, into remarrying to secure the family's financial future.

As fate would have it, Jenny marries Earl, a man with deeply ingrained prejudice and a coarse outlook towards life, brilliantly portrayed by Anthony Brooks. His arrival plunges their home into an environment marked by discrimination and abuse, driving Lily to long for an escape.

Fuelled by her grandfather’s tales and keen desire for freedom from her harsh predicament, Lily devises a plan to flee her oppressive circumstances and find the ocean, symbolizing solace, freedom, and the beauty of exploration her grandfather always spoke about. Accompanied by her steadfast and loyal pet rabbit, Scoot, and closely shadowed by her protective best friend, Abraham, played by Tai Bennett, the courageous Lily embarks on an odyssey evoking both intrigue and inspiration.

The trio ventures through the dense Alabama forests, their escapade not merely being a physical journey, but also a passage through various human emotions like friendship, trust, and innocence. Along the way, they encounter the mysterious nature-loving hermit, Theodore, a powerful character embodied by Sara Biddle offering them guidance and highlighting an underlying environmental message.

Layered within this adventurous journey, the film also dwells on the tensions of a racially segregated society, reflective of the volatile times it is set in. Abraham's prominence in the story brings forth the stark realities and challenges faced by people of color during the era. The friendship between Lily and Abraham, framed innocently against the spectacle of societal prejudice, rings of unmistakable courage and mutual respect, offering the audience a profound commentary on race relations.

Throughout the tale, various subplots are deftly woven into the narrative canvas, encapsulating themes of love, loss, hope, and resilience. It is fundamentally a tale of Lily’s indomitable spirit, painting a poignant picture of her struggle for freedom, her anticipation of the wonders that lie beyond their quaint little town, and the personal growth that she experiences along the way.

While the actors are instrumental in bringing the story to life, the technical prowess is equally commendable. The cinematography by Stephen Campbell offers visually arresting frames that mirror the emotive depth of the narrative. The dense forests, the untamed wilderness, and the panoramic views create an atmospheric backdrop that aids in forwarding the plot and accentuating the adventurous elements.

Meanwhile, the musical score by Alan Lazar perfectly complements the visual narrative, and through its symphony, it subtlety influences the audience's emotions and perception. The costume design and art direction enhance the authenticity of the era, adding significant details to immerse the viewers further into the film's universe.

When I Find The Ocean is not just a movie; it is an encapsulation of a time marked by racial disparity and societal prejudice, narrated through the lens of a young girl’s profound journey. The film deftly amalgamates elements of drama, history, and adventure, with each component contributing to an unforgettable cinematic experience. Despite being set in the past, the universal themes addressed make it a timeless movie. Ultimately, it is a film that celebrates the human spirit and the lengths one can go to find their freedom. While at the same time casting light onto important social issues, the film skillfully combines innocence with persistence, driving home a powerful message about friendship, unity, and courage.