Marathon

By: Amos Lassen

"Marathon"

Love

Amos Lassen

Based on a true story, "Marathon" is about the love shared by Richard Harteis and William Meredith, former poet laureate of the United States and winner of every American prize for poetry as well as the Pulitzer (1988). When William suffered a stroke that left him almost helpless, Richard stood by his lover and fought for the right to be his caregiver against the wishes of William's family and aware of the restrictions that would be put on his own life. Here is a story of courage and endurance that shows the triumph of love. It is beautifully acted and directed.
The two men were certainly aware that they had not made an easy choice in the past when they decided how they were going to live their lives. Yet it is their love for each other that gets them through whatever troubles they have had or will have. It takes not only resolve and discipline to deal with something like a stroke but their great love for each other gets them through.
The film is set against the backdrop of training for and running of the New York marathon We watch Richard gain the strength to work with his partner and see him help him through his illness, therapy and healing and we certainly feel the love they share. Most important than all else is that we see just how far one's dreams can take him. I love this kind of movie-the good old-fashioned tear jerker that leaves you with a feeling that there is nothing that cannot be done. Bravo to director Biju Viswanath for this beautiful film.