Christmas movies need Santa Claus, a smattering of reindeer and, most of all, a holly jolly ending.
One 2007 feature had none of the above, and yet it captures a side of the holiday rarely shown on screen.
“Where God Left His Shoes” stars John Leguizamo as a boxer trying to keep a roof over his family’s heads during the holiday season. It isn’t easy. They’re forced to move into a shelter early in the film and he doesn’t have a steady gig or a fight to bring in some quick cash. When he hears about an apartment that’s available his hopes soar – but he can only rent it if he can prove he’s gainfully employed. If he can’t, they’ll be celebrating Christmas in a cramped shelter.
The movie becomes a race against the clock as the boxer fights the system and his own demons to provide for his family.
Leguizamo’s performance could be the best of his career, but it’s the child actors – particularly David Castro – who make “Shoes” more than just an exercise in tear jerking.
You know early on that even if every break goes their way “Shoes” won’t end the way most Christmas movies wrap. There’s too much hardship to process, too many emotional wounds that need to be addressed. It’s a haunting film all the same, and one that will make you cherish the good fortunes you have this time of year.
(Photo: John Leguizamo and David Castro star in “Where God Left His Shoes,” a beautiful drama about a family trying to make the holiday season special despite their economic hardships)
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{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
I’ve heard nothing but great things about this movie. I always liked Leguizamo, but I felt he was type-cast early in the Latino-comic mode, and it really hurt his career.
Highlt underrated movie but the ending could of been tied togetther better. Leguizamo is a genius
I love this film. Leguizamo at his best telling a story as relevant as any other Christmas film. I love the interaction between him and the young man who plays his son. Kudos to including Frank’s literacy issues. I wish more people were aware of how many men struggle with this problem while trying desperately to provide for their families and be good role models.