Courageous Warriors Beauty from the Ashes (2021) User Reviews

You are still feminine, still worthy and not alone

[tonideaver-889-837766 · 10/10 · 22 November 2021]

What an empowering telling of various male and female breast cancer survivors and their caregivers experiences triumphing over this disease.

The film is hopeful, helpful, educational, encouraging, edifying, I can't recommend it enough.

The stories are ever cognizant that battles, even wars, that are won can sometimes be resurrected for future combat. But as of that taping, they are soaring like butterflies taking flight, determined not to give into fear.

Courageous Warriors not only shares memories of the struggles, the treatments, the resulting emotional, psychological, and physical scars, but also celebrates the opportunities that have arisen from these very same men and women to affect healing for themselves and others

It's moving, it's powerful, it worth seeing whenever and wherever you can.

Not only surviving but heroically giving back.

[kathibaer · 10/10 · 26 February 2022]

I am in awe of the courageous warriors and the caregivers featured. Their compelling stories and their determination not only to survive themselves to then to go on and develop wonderful ways to help others that would come after them. Developing programs that help so many others claim their own power to defeat this terrible illness and their determination to share their own victories and defeats with love and hope and new ways to help other cope. This film needs to be seen by those who are experiencing this devastating diagnosis, but also those who have not but who have talent or treasure they could use to further the outreach of the programs presented.

A Deeper Look Into Illness & Survival

[jseeleyconsulting · 10/10 · 30 October 2021]

Wow! Moving. Beautiful. Heartbreaking. Inspiring. I love the depth of the film and how it delves into the deeper aspects of cancer from the perspective of those battling the disease and also seeing what the caretakers are going through. This film really can be related to anyone battling illness. Overall the film shows the power of the human spirit to support, fight, survive, and overcome. I appreciate learning more about so many amazing resources available to people as well. Have your tissues and your heart ready!

Listen to the stories, feel the highs, lows, sadness and inspiration. It takes a village

[michelledegray-79320 · 10/10 · 3 February 2022]

This documentary will pull at your heart strings. The stories brought forth not only give one insight into those men and women who have been affected with breast cancer, going through triumphs and failures; but it brings forth so much light to those who are the caregivers, the family, friends and those closest to person who is going through one of the biggest and most important battles of their life, for their life.

As I watched, this movie isn't for just those who have suffered through cancer, but can be applied to anyone who has suffered through an illness. The focus on not only the patient but those around the patient was thought provoking. It takes a village, giving so many hope, inspiration, support, resources and a genuine lifeline.

The attention to detail is superb and this documentary was well done. The film was emotional, heartwarming, sad, full of hope and empowerment. The power of the human spirit is amazing. I will consider myself lucky to have been able to see this film and will share with anyone who will listen and watch.

True, raw, and empowering

[EricIyoob · 10/10 · 26 February 2022]

Courageous Warriors displays the message of hope and the fight to stand tall against cancer. The film is raw, bold, and enlightening. In order to tell a story in it's most true form, dialogue, stories, and visuals, should not be hindered or held back in any way. The mental strain. The initial shock. The cloud of gloom that falls upon you after receiving that call from the biopsy results. The emotional toll and the way survivors lead life after cancer remission, is displayed in the most beautiful and unabbreviated way. We see in-depth, at how much we can learn about the many milestones it takes to cross that finish line. The overall tone of the film, in my opinion, is one of hope and strength, with the reality that unfortunately many people across the globe come to terms with. No one is alone in their battle with cancer, and we see that here.

Often, people forget about caregivers. In many ways they are seen as angels. In being seen as angels, mental health is not something that is brought to light as much and can sometimes be pushed to the side. Upon completing my watch of the film, I have learned that there are fantastic resources out there and the mental health awareness for caregivers is ever-growing and should not go unnoticed. The stories are emotional in their most true, unscripted form, but turn the page to the survivors leading the path for new ways in guidance for the world to take part in.

We see the affliction and emotional impact this has on cancer patients, survivors, and their families. But, we see the positivity and light at the end of the tunnel which is nothing short from hopeful and completing for both the Warriors in the film and the Warriors across the globe who seek solace. I love everything about this film from the stories, cinematography, well developed music score, and the many things that you may not have even been aware of.

My heart is full after seeing this film. After experiencing first-hand what it was like to have a close family member in hospice from Ovarian cancer, the emotion and reality is just too real and relatable. This is my honest review and I hope everyone has the opportunity to watch this film in it's entirety, because every second of it is worth it. To Darla and the Production team, thank you for this beautiful presentation. To the Warriors, thank you for having the courage to tell your story...

These Courageous Warriors went through hell and now help others find their heaven

[RubyHearted · 10/10 · 27 November 2021]

Cancer is an uncomfortable subject for most people. Either because it's outside their personal experience or because it hits too close to home. I'm glad we have a cultural shift happening to tear down the veil that hides all kinds of cancer from our collective awareness. We have to admit that we can only change problems by acknowledging they exist. That's what this documentary and the people in it have done: they highlight the fact that for much too long, there was a void when it comes to dealing with the long-term effects of fighting breast cancer.

In recent years, that has started to change at the ground level, with those who care for and live with breast cancer patients stepping up to make a difference for their loved one. The community at large still has blinders on, however. Thankfully, this film encourages us all to shake off those blinders and see what has always been right in front of us: human beings dealing with breast cancer (either as patients, caregivers, or family and friends of patients) and many being willing to admit they need help. I can't imagine how hard that must be, to humble yourself so intensely, to make yourself so very vulnerable to total strangers. But that's what it takes to change the cultural attitude about cancer, and that's what these Courageous Warriors and others like them have done. They bared their souls and even their embattled bodies so that we can all learn to do better, be better. In other words, they have reminded us that cancer is everywhere and affects everyone, so we need to accept that, stand up straight, and face the challenge.

The most moving part to me about the film is seeing the beauty they create from the ashes of their lives... patients and their caregivers walk through a personal nightmare, then go on to help others' dreams come true. Instead of crashing, crumbling, and giving up, they wiped their eyes and saw there are ways they can use their God-given gifts to help others who are also living with cancer. There was a need they could fill and they went after it with gusto. Good on them! The charities spotlighted in the film do great things for people who really need their help, and the warriors behind those charities truly amaze me. Forgive me for using another beauty/ashes metaphor when I say they went through hell and now help others find their heaven.

It's thanks to them that the rest of us can have hope right out of the gate on the very day we are diagnosed with a potentially fatal disease, should that terrible day fall upon us. Thank you to every Warrior out there! Each one of you is a gift to the world.

Amazing heartfelt documentary

[jroush-60625 · 10/10 · 28 November 2021]

Very well thought out and done. I love that the caregivers are given some time in the forefront as they are the quiet behind the scenes ones who are forgotten because everyone normally focuses on the patient who is in the dark valleys trying to fight their way up that mountain.

I also respect that other healing approaches are discussed and give others hope that there are things out there to help through the process that is not directly a medicine.

I believe cancer is a whole body disease and you must heal the mind and spirit along with the body. Grat job and Kudos to Darla and her amazing team.

A journey taken together

[rosswave-01865 · 10/10 · 10 January 2022]

This documentary provides a whole new look into the experiences of breast cancer - specifically focusing on the power of caretakers.

It is a powerfully real look into how cancer impacts entire families - and uplifts us with the affirmation of support from so many communities.

Many times I found myself becoming emotional during the film. I recognized this as a wonderful opportunity to engage in the true power of human feelings.

Together, we can fight cancer and help our loved ones.

Kudos to the Courageous Warriors team.

Emotional and heartwarming.

[widgerlr · 10/10 · 27 November 2021]

This documentary has made me cry every time I've watched it. Having been a caregiver and gone through being a caregiver of someone with cancer, it hits every feeling inside you. I can't stop sharing and loving this documentary.

Enlighting Film

[debbiemcdevitt · 10/10 · 29 November 2021]

I so honor and blessed to see this documentary, especially as a survivor. It also gave me a better understanding what women go through, the help that is available and that cancer is not just an individual diagnosis but a family and friend diagnosis. Support, education and compassion are important factors to everyone's journey. I hope everyone will see this documentary.

Not your average documentary

[JoshuaTBerglan · 10/10 · 26 October 2021]

This documentary is not just heartwarming, and inspiring, it is thought provoking. While the topic is discusses is specific to cancer, anyone who has death with loss, disease and other health issues will find comfort and hope in this film.

A unique look Into the lives of cancer patients and those who support them

[JenWilde · 3 January 2022]

Almost everyone has been affected by breast cancer, whether they've had it themselves or know someone who has. This documentary tells the stories of breast cancer patients and their caregivers, who are so often left out of the films we see about living with cancer. The stories are told with grace and love and a bit of humor as they open the viewers eyes and heart to the realities of battling a deadly disease. Highly recommended.

Gave me a Deeper Respect for Breast Cancer Survivors

[washingtonbreanna · 10/10 · 13 November 2021]

Riveting documentary! I was emotional just watching the countless men and women tell their story of how this terrible cancer affects so many in tragic ways. Salute to the survivors and it was beautiful to see how they found new meaning to life despite setbacks. Very inspiring.

Helpful for anyone going thorugh or caretaking someone with cancer.

[tcwpc · 10/10 · 5 January 2022]

This was a beautifully done film, touching on a variety of ways that people face cancer. It provides hope in the middle of grief and anxiety. I highly recommend it! Well done.

A must see for virtually everyone!!

[pamelagaudreau · 10/10 · 29 November 2021]

This film is phenomenal! Whether you have experienced a battle with breast cancer yourself, or any cancer or other life threatening affliction, or have been a care giver for someone, or are medical professional who works with patients or survivors... This film is a must see for everyone! A message of love & loss, the battles waged on so many levels, and some unexpected pathways to overcome adversity and reclaim your power and "mojo" after waging war with the "beast" of a life threatening illness.

Thank You

[myrawis · 10/10 · 10 December 2021]

As a two time breast cancer survivor, I was so grateful to finally watch something that clearly depicts what it means to be a breast cancer survivor! It was raw, ugly and beautiful. The women inspire me while breaking my heart.

Breast cancer is an incredibly ugly disease that takes so much out of you. And Courageous Warriors really shows the viewers what life is like.

A must watch to anyone that wants to see what breast cancer survivorship is all about!!!

Brings To Light So Many More Things You Don't Know About The Cancer Journey

[Louie_Feher-Peiker · 10/10 · 21 August 2022]

Why is it that the first thing eveyone assumes that cancer is a death sentence? Why can't the first news about cancer be that we can work through whatever form you have and that it will be a journey, a process, hard work... AND a transformation.

What is so hard about sharing that the medical part of the cancer journey is, what in many ways has been found, to almost be the easiest part of the process. You don't hear about the emotional, the psychological, the familial, and of course the physical ramifications, along with the support, understanding, knowledge and insights that are gained.

Why do we need to see it here in this movie that as strict reality, unrehearsed and yet many times repeated, not only to others but inside of each persons head or out loud, about what is going on and why didn't I know? Why didn't someone tell me? How I could have done things differently if I had known. I didn't know I could do that or get help there.

These are the questions asked by Courageous Warriors. These are the answers that are shared in a way that has not been done before. This is the movie that everyone needs to see before, during and after they , or a family member or friend, is diagnosed with cancer and then during the journey of getting rid of or dealing with the everyday fight that defines each and every warrior. Because no one comes out of this unchanged. And everyone comes out as a Courageous Warrior.

Such a powerful movie

[valserrano-24740 · 10/10 · 19 August 2022]

As a breast cancer fighter, this movie was so inspiring. I cried watching these amazing people fight. The struggles we go through are so hard. I felt like I wasn't alone watching this. Truly an inspirational movie. Go watch this now!

A Much Needed Film

[tam_burks · 10/10 · 23 August 2022]

This film is a beautiful,raw, and real film that empowers everyone who sees it. While the film is told through breast cancer survivors,warriors,and their caregivers it is not just for those experiencing a breast cancer diagnosis, it is so much more.

I saw the film at the Awareness International Film Festival. It was a sold out theater.

I was there with a friend who had battled breast cancer, but like so many others watching the film I was deeply impacted and realized the film actually gives you courage to stand up and advocate for yourself and for those you love regardless of the battle or obstacle you might face. There are tears and deep emotions both on the screen and in the audience.

It's a very thought provoking film and the filmmaker made some bold decisions of saying what others have not and certainly have not shown before, but it was tasteful.

I hope more will see the film and share it with others.

It validates and empowers you in so many ways.

I wish this documentary was arround during my time as a caregiver

[vickieswa · 10/10 · 8 September 2022]

I strongly recommend this documentary for all to see. I didn't watch just once, I watched it several times. It helps anyone who is a patient, caregiver, family and friends dealing with someone who has cancer or any other life threatening disease or injury.

The resources that are shown in this film and different options that will help these courageous warriors (both women and men) deal with cancer and help them in their battle.

My eyes were opened to many options available to those women, men and caregivers. I personally was a caregiver to both my parents who had cancer, kidney disease, heart problems, hearing failure and almost totally blind. I wish this film had been around for me during that time because it would have helped.

Courageous Warriors acknowledges the struggles and emotions that patients, families and friends go through once they are diagnosed, how they go through treatment, recovery and claim back their lives and help others.

This film gives women and men diagnosed with breast cancer hope, the willingness to fight this horrific disease and to regain their will to live, have dignity and the strength to help others and themselves.

Thank you Darla for opening our eyes to these brave women and men who are fighting cancer and were willing to share and let us see their battles and struggles. This film will help so many brave courageous warriors not give up the battle.

I am blown away by Courageous Warriors

[andreaoatman · 10/10 · 28 September 2022]

As a caregiver, I relate to story and appreciate this film so much. The stories from these families were so emotional and humbling. I look forward to seeing this film again. The director was amazing and extremely personable, so much talent!!! I love the fact that the director added raw film from what the families were going through and experiencing, it was raw and emotional I am so excited to show this very important film to as many people as possible. The score and the song where incredibly moving and inspiring. Courageous Warriors Beauty from Ashes is definitely a must see for anyone who has taken care of someone they love or know someone who takes care of loved someone. I loved it so much!!!

A beautiful film!

[michellehoglan · 10/10 · 1 March 2022]

As a breast cancer survivor I loved these stories, the raw and real truth that was shared was almost overwhelming! I laughed and cried and wanted to hug everyone who shared their story!

Because it's real...its raw, and beautiful.

[rjherm-79832 · 10/10 · 27 February 2022]

There are at times no words to explain someone's journey through the darkness to the light. And, like watching the butterfly emerge after the struggle to get out of the chrysalis, there is an emotional connection to the experience, and a feeling of soaring after you see the butterfly rise higher and higher.

This is how it felt to be watching this documentary. This is real...and it is raw, but it is beautiful! And, these women (and men) who share their stories, are beautiful beyond description, too.

I am an RN, so I've walked beside these women, hundreds of them, and no one has the same story, and yet they aren't alone. I am also a sister, and a mother, an aunt, and a friend. This journey is a hard to watch, takes strength to participate in, and tugs at your heart all the time. But it is also real...and raw, and beautiful. The tunnel is dark, but there is light at the end, and along the way, their journey gives each of us who choose to share, an opportunity for a new perspective, a new grace, a new sense of life, and a new vision of true beauty. Soar beloved one! Your story has inspired and changed each one of us.... we are better. Thank you!

Beauty Is beyond the Physical!

[buckmancarolyn · 10/10 · 24 August 2022]

"Beauty is as beauty does" was something my mother said to me very often as I was growing up. This film lets that truth shine! It is a beautiful work of art, done by professionals, telling the story of people whose lives have been changed - in so many ways, but yet they didn't let breast cancer define them!

They have survived "the physical, and emotional traumas" of having cancer and are continuing to tell their triumphant stories to others who have been where they have been, or where they may be heading!

If you need hope...

[mbreycher · 10/10 · 29 December 2022]

This is the most raw and real film I've seen about breast cancer. As a warrior myself, it's hard to always be hopeful. This movie did that for me, it made me feel less alone and more hopeful for my future. It was even better to see some hometown ladies giving their stories, it made me feel like a part of a community that I didn't even know I had. The honesty from all the participants was unparalleled and very informative. I also loved all the discussions about alternative therapies, most of which are never spoken about in your doctor's office. It was comforting to know others were getting relief, and opened my eyes to so many options.

Highly recommend!