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ARI

Ari is a film that really touches the heart. Seeing this overweight boy being so dissatisfied with himself while trying to pursue his love interest really draws empathy from the viewer. The lighting has certain bleakness to it throughout the film, which wonderfully extenuates the emotional turmoil the young man, Ari, faces throughout his day to day life.

The film begins with Ari in the boy's locker room, grabbing and releasing the fat on his stomach while being notably displeased with himself before being rushed to put on his shirt so the other boys don't see what he's so ashamed of. He then writes a long, heartfelt letter to his crush Jess, but is too shy to give it to her when he has his opportunity. When he gets an award for being the most improved in his gym class after passing out from how much effort he was putting towards a game of basketball, which he was barely participating in before, something amazing happens. What that is, you'll just have to watch Ari to find out, and I suggest you do. I rate this films 4 stars out of 5 and appropriate for ages 12 to 18, because it may be overly sad or gloomy for younger audiences, but very motivational to those of similar age to Ari himself.

Reviewed by Kyle B., KIDS FIRST! Juror

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This is the story of ARI (meaning 'to be' in Japanese). Overweight and introverted, he longs to belong. Spurred on by his feelings for classmate Jess, he attempts to lose weight and become more outspoken in an effort to connect with others. But this only leads to more pain, to increased loneliness and sadness.