A true treasure has arrived on DVD, Blu-ray, and digital formats in the form of A Journal for Jordan. The based on a true story feature comes from Denzel Washington, who steps behind the camera and impresses with his fourth effort as a director.
Washington made his directorial debut in 2002 with the based on a true tale Antwone Fisher, followed that up in 2007 with helming The Great Debaters. Then, in 2016 he helmed the August Wilson penned Fences, which promises to be the first of many collaborations between the brilliant writer and the veteran actor/director. Fences also found Washington starring in the film, appearing opposite Viola Davis, who won an Oscar for her work on that film.
If his films do not seem to have a common thread, then you’re not looking close enough. After witnessing A Journal for Jordan, it most definitely is a Denzel Washington picture as it highlights a true story that few had heard about prior to the film, and it has something to say about a myriad of subjects and how—directly or indirectly—it has an effect on the African-American community.
A Journal for Jordan stars Michael B. Jordan as Charles King, a military man who is serving in Iraq. He writes a journal to his infant son with a woman he has a once-in-a-lifetime love affair with prior to his being shipped out to battle. Chanté Adams is Dana Canedy, the love of King’s life and the woman that made him a father. Now, we know early on that King does not make it out of the Middle Eastern country alive. Therefore, as he writes/reads what it is he’s imparting to his son, it is unquestionably powerful and mesmerizingly moving.
The fact that this really happened only deepens that emotive response from the viewer. It would regardless, but knowing what happens, coupled with the words coming out of Jordan to his son could not be more moving. Meanwhile, while on the home front, his beloved—Canedy—is a senior New York Times editor and it is her recollections of their relationship that introduce us to their relationship, further deepening the strength of those heartstrings that Washington and company are pulling full force.
The film is a reminder to treasure life and proceeds to illustrate these elements. There is a common thread here and that is the importance of family and our duty as those who bring kids into this world, to prepare them for the world they will enter. It’s not a big part of the film in terms of a long list of life advice. That’s not A Journal for Jordan. It goes much deeper than that and will resonate differently with various people—depending on the family and romantic landscape the viewer comes from.
Jordan is his usual awesome self. Actually, his Charles King is probably one of the more down-to-earth characters he’s ever tackled. The manner with which the actor brings King’s budding fatherly sense, never knowing that he will never meet this child. It could have been a heartbreaking premise but given the script by Virgil Williams (based on the book by Dana Canedy), it winds up being much more heartwarming.
Adams is a find. The Photograph star is every bit this woman and witnessing her go through what she goes through from finding love after divorce and then having to be a single mother also could have been just heartbreaking. Instead, through that performance of Adams, it is anything but that.
There is a terrific group of bonus features included with the Blu-ray/DVD package. We commenced our journey down that rabbit hole with Heart and Soul: Charles and Dana. The eleven-and-a-half minute featurette has the cast and filmmakers examining the real relationship between the real Charles and Dana and how that was brought to the screen with nothing but love and respect. It includes behind-the-scenes footage, coupled with insight from Adams, Canedy (!), Washington, and Jordan, and it is one impressive piece.
Family Portrait: Making the Film works as a great “making of.” Washington, Canedy, production designer Sharon Seymour, Jordan, and Adams all chime in on the actual production of A Journal for Jordan. Some fascinating background info is revealed here, including how Washington got involved, how they were able to film on a real, working, military base and Washington talks, in the most approachable way, about casting and making the movie.
In a touching addition, Words of Wisdom: The Journal features Canedy, Jordan and Adams reading and speaking about the original journal itself. Jordan also shares some terrific stories of being able to use real items that belonged to King. It’s a fascinating watch.
With what could be seen as heavy material, the inclusion of a Gag Reel is fascinating. It, at the outset, seems a bit out of place. But after witnessing the film and then this bonus feature, it is impeccable. It illustrates the warmth and family-centric nature of this film and how the cast and crew had gathered with one purpose—to do their best to salute an American hero who made the ultimate sacrifice, and those left at home to pick up the pieces.
Film Grade: A-
Bonus Features: A