The Man in Black meets his toughest match

Rating: 9/10 (25 February 2006)

I saw this great film, and I thought it was a moving work of inspiration. Joaquin Phoenix plays a tough role as the "hard as nails" legendary persona, John R. Cash. As a great fan of country/western music, I love the spirited scenes of laughter and song. What is so heartbreaking and terrible, is that sense of abandonment and loneliness I felt John had hidden within his own heart.
As surmised in the film,Cash has a father who left him and his brother without a role model, or any male guidance in Life.I thought that the disappointment his father felt for him cut him deep, and hurt. It is heart wrenching and moving,seeing this mature man pitifully beg like a child for his daddy's affection and approval.I also felt that the death of his brother Jack took away that sense of comfort, and shared "bonding" John felt as a child.
Reese Witherspoon is memorable, as solid rock June Carter. Carter is the wall of strength and courage John needs in facing the "haunting" demons of his past. In the overview of the film, it is her songwriting talent that brings them fame and wealth.We see how tenderly June loves him, but also how she never backs away from his bearish behavior and wild ways.It is her critical quote, "you'll never walk that line", that becomes the main focal point of this biography.
I recommend this film, and think it is a lesson of how great Love works in a Family.