Daniel

This was a really special film, a mosaic of memories perfectly woven together. With thousands of hours of footage of Daniel's life to work with, this could have easily been a bloated film, one that could have been an extended and (understandably) indulgent look at a young man, by family, for family. Instead we get a quilted blanket that is neither too heavy, nor lacking substance.

No matter what you believe, this film will make you wonder what if. What if lost things were found? What if the wrongfully removed were replaced? What if the ancient guardians of a cave of the dead had never lost their toy? What if we didn't so easily dismiss the old gods? We don't believe in silly curses and old world superstitions, but Daniel's story eats away at the foundation of those (non) beliefs.

But for the talk of curses and premature endings, we're left with a profound feeling of admiration of a life well lived. This film was always about life, and by the end I can't help but think that the documentary has a life of its own. Rarely do people get to tell the story of their life so completely. Here, Daniel and his family get to tell his story as perfectly as can be told.

Daniel has left me with lingering feelings. The emotions of his life's work are complex, but by the end of it I am certain of one thing: I will not feel sorry for Daniel.

It's rare in these days of three hour plus movies to say I wish a film was longer, but in this case, I wish it was.

It's an interesting film and well worth watching in terms of seeing someone living life to the fullest and suddenly finding themselves, unexpectedly, at the end of it all.

My only complaint is at the end of 102 minutes, relatively short these days, that I didn't feel I knew Daniel as well as I could have. From what I understand he filmed over a thousand hours of his life, and this easily could have been a two hour to two and half hour film and I would've felt like I knew him better.

On the upside, maybe more people will watch it as it's reasonably short and since it was produced by his sister, maybe she didn't know what best to include or leave out.

In the end it would be difficult not to recommend it, as it is one of those "live life while you can" kind of stories. I just wish I got to know Daniel a little better over the course of the film and with all the available footage there was, I think the possibility was there.

Like the headline states. It's a beautiful story. But it's also very depressing. Daniel had such an interesting perspective on life. Something many of us can relate to. His journeys and experiences are things we can appreciate, because it's something we all want to see in life. It's a raw insight into the life of an extraordinary young man. A man who lived a life time. A man cut short of the life that could of brought so much more to this world. His journey shows us the beauty and the beasts of the world. The light and darkness that plays a a part of all our lives. He lived and died to tell a story, to show people there's more beauty than beasts and that we can see the extraordinary and live the lives we want to. Live the impossible and be who we want to be.

Daniel's life was... a long short life. I'm sure that he lived in ten years what I or 90% of people worldwide won't live. I'm glad to have watched your movie, and I'm grateful for your existence. I will remember this experience for my entire life. The way your sister edited the movie and the way you speak through the scenes were amazing. For me, it almost seemed planned, you know, the way you live, even without knowing about your illness that you show... it's amazing.

How things happen... how people look for us... how our friends can imagine or understand life... I don't feel sorry for you, dear. Thanks.

Yes!

Such a life-affirming movie. About what truly matters. Love, travel, nature, family, friends, people, the beauty of life, art & expression. It's also about loss, karma and acceptance.

With people documenting so much of their lives these days on video, it makes for some stellar documentaries.

Please watch this movie. It's a rarity to encounter a film that simultaneously captures the raw beauty of life and makes you mourn all who you've lost. I lost my brother eleven years ago and Daniel had me crying cathartic tears of grief. And I related to Daniel's loss of his grandmother to what I assume was dementia.

Daniel also made me think about my son who is in a horribly depressed, hopeless and rebellious phase. At least I hope it's a phase. He's really hurting and I can't do anything to help. I hate this. It physically hurts to see your kid in so much pain. And to not feel empowered to do any of the comforting a mother would do, especially as one who shows love via touch. If only my son could see this documentary. He needs an infusion of the life force and demonstration of grace that is both Daniel the person and Daniel the movie (thanks in part to his loving sister who produced). I haven't been as inspired or moved since Anthony Bourdain passed away.