Amazing Story of Growth and Human Spirit

Rating: 10/10 (9 March 2014)

I absolutely loved this movie. I am always attracted to films that chronicle characters who go through dramatic personal growth, and Dallas Buyers club delivered in a way that was both touching and heartbreaking. A man starts out with not a single care for his own well being, let alone that of others, and when he is faced with the very epitome of the human condition, and by baby steps that begin with selfish motivations, he grows into something so much more to so many people. In fighting his own battle, helps others to fight theirs, and eventually he becomes a better man. Mathew's acting is brilliant, as well as Jared Leto's portrayal of an emotionally damaged, hard-shelled transgender person living with AIDS. I literally did not see Jared Leto at all while watching the movie, because he quite literally became the character. In a day and age where movies can equal big bucks, and some are produced just for that purpose, whether they are quality films or not, I was caught off guard by how great Dallas Buyers Club was. I was especially skeptical going in, considering that so many just plain strange films have won the major categories at the Oscars in the last decade or so. Violence for the sake of violence, gimmicky film making, and surreal, shallow plot lines have ruled at the Academy Awards in past years...Django Unchained being one prime example, in my opinion. But, this film gave me what I like best, which is a great story that gripped my emotions and made me think!