Plenty of 'reality checks' Mr. Cain taught at a mission center in Manhattan's blighted Lower East Side. Mr. Futterman, who had done volunteer work on the Lower East Side, provided some reality-checks, also. Mr. Cain's godson, Wade Pizarro, on whom the character Lee Cortez was based, contributed the artwork we see in the film. There is some harsh language and muted violence in Thicker than Blood but are well within the bounds of what is realistic. This reviewer wondered, though, if the film was not overly pessimistic.
Downbeat endings seem to be in vogue among serious filmmakers.
In real life, though, Wade Pizarro made it out of the ghetto, became an accomplished artist and now teaches at Mr. Cain's old school. This is not to say that Thicker than Blood is depressing. Having intended to spend only a year in the classroom, Griffin returns, sadder but wiser, to teach again. He may not be able to save them all, but he keeps trying to save all of them he can. Thicker than Blood premiered on May 31 and repeats various times through June 14.