Grab My Hand: A Letter to My Dad (2019) User Reviews

Less than 5 mins and damn it hits

[email-erikramos · 10/10 · 20 January 2021]

I watched this film during the NYICFF. It got me all in my feels. Camrus Johnson does a stellar job in exposing the vulnerability men of a certain age work too hard to keep covered up. His narration told the story like a close friend, Pedro Piccinini's animation brought it all together smartly and effortlessly. The final product is touching and makes you appreciate the super heroes in your own life. (insert tears here.)

way to make me cry

[nelliganjennette · 10/10 · 19 January 2021]

Camrus really made a beautiful piece here.. yes, the animation is stunning but Camrus' voice behind the story is heartbreaking and raw. We need more content like this.. It's beautiful and makes you think of your own family.. and what makes them superheroes to you.

A film from the heart and full of love

[Hernando_Caicedo · 10/10 · 20 January 2021]

Camrus takes a story from his personal life and creates a universal message that everyone can relate to. I feel like given the world we've been in the last year or so, seeing a story about family and holding on to those that matter to you is something we could all use now. Deeply moving and heartfelt, this story really is an inspiration and a wonderful tribute to the kind of love we all experience at one point or another.

A poignant and deeply moving tribute film - brilliant!

[lamararichardson · 10/10 · 6 October 2020]

Camrus Johnson has accomplished such a major feat with this beautiful, touching animated short. During this tumultuous time of loss and grief, GRAB MY HAND offers a brief moment of respite and heartfelt connection that can be accessed by all. The message is timeless, and Camrus' words serve as a much needed balm for the soul and a gentle reminder concerning the importance of family. This is a must-see film, and all viewers should be prepared to leave it with a full heart and watery eyes. 10/10 - bravo!

A gift to the world

[joannateris · 10/10 · 20 January 2021]

Camrus created a wonderful tribute to his father but gave the world a gift. In this beautifully written piece, Camrus takes a personal story which universally everyone can relate to at some point in their life, especially after the year we just had. Reminding us that love truly is the greatest gift and to cherish every moment we have with those we love. This is the 5 minute reminder we all need that can bring change in the world.

Beautiful and heartfelt

[kpbarnhart-96542 · 10/10 · 5 October 2020]

Touching, earnest and amazingly executed. I don't know anyone who's watched it and not broke down in tears.

I'm Not Crying, You Are!

[smithdonnelle · 10/10 · 20 January 2021]

What a powerful message to Black men and their fathers! This is the kind of work and message that we should be seeing more of. Kudos to Camrus for being so vulnerable and inviting us to witness a piece of the fabric that has woven his life's Journey.

Powerful!!

[dextermckinneyjr · 10/10 · 20 January 2021]

Wow, talk about turning tragedy into triumph! During a time when so many people are experiencing one hardship or another, this 5 minute film beautifully takes you on a ride and opens up your mind to creatively express yourself. The animation is fun, the words strike a chord, and the characters make you feel it!

Incredibly personal and powerful

[gnfvefg · 10/10 · 11 January 2021]

I saw this back in the summer and was weeping the entire time. It's so beautiful and stunningly animated. Definitely give it a watch the second you can!

I'm not crying, you're crying!

[albeec-37141 · 10/10 · 20 January 2021]

A tug at the heart strings that masterfully shows the trials and triumphs of life. Its a touching reminder to love and cherish those closest to you. This story not only grabs you through a journey by the hand, but grabs you at the heart. A must-watch.

A touching, inspirational tear-jerker.

[mchristensen-85140 · 10/10 · 6 October 2020]

I saw this film at a festival in New York City earlier this year, and WOW. What an emotional experience! There wasn't a dry eye in the house. It is a bold, beautifully-written piece by Camrus Johnson. Even if you somehow don't have a free five minutes to watch this film, make time; you won't be disappointed.

WOW!

[bookingdenisechristi-705-316870 · 10/10 · 20 January 2021]

Let me start by saying I am not typically one to watch animated films, but when I saw that one of my favorite up and coming actor-directors was behind this piece I couldn't help but see what the buzz was all about. What a touching film. Johnson does a phenomenal job reaching the hearts of the viewers with such a beautiful, intimate story. The film oozes with love, vulnerability and maturity that all ages can't help but connect with. Bravo.

Gate Check

[Fallenhazel · 10/10 · 19 February 2024]

We walk past the gate every day. Most of us hate the sound it makes behind us. Just another damn day, but we're still here, still moving forward to something. And most of us are not alone. There's always someone standing beside us, and if we can't see them, they're still there, watching over our shoulder. And we move another step forward. Sometimes, we aim high, and sometimes, we just try not to fall. We can't all be superheroes, especially in the world that we live in, but some of us want to do good, help those that need it and defy anyone that tells us to just be silent. Live your lives. Don't make noise, but we can't leave ourselves at the gate because that won't be living.

So, we move another step forward, and we keep on moving until we are out of moves. But we don't want to let go. We can't let go until we know those we loved will be okay once we are gone. They take our hand, and we squeeze back. It's okay to say good-bye, but this is not good-bye. We will see them again when the gate opens one last time.