WHAT TO SEE: Same Kind of Different as Me

Starring Greg Kinnear, Renee Zellweger, Djimon Hounsou, Jon Voight
In theaters beginning October 20
Run time: 120 min
Rated PG-13

International Art dealer Ron Hall (Greg Kinnear) leads comfortable existence until he is forced to reveal his extramarital affair to his wife, Debbie (Renee Zellwéger). Humbled by the gravity of his betrayal and Debbie’s forgiveness, Ron recommits himself to their marriage and is willing to do anything to save it — even to volunteer alongside Debbie at an inner-city soup kitchen serving the city’s poorest. It is there that Debbie spots an African – American man whom she had seen in a dream, a “poor wise man who changes the city.”

Denver “Suicide” Moore (Djimon Hounsou) is an extremely violent, angry individual, and Ron initially wants nothing to do with him. Debbie, however, insists that Ron attempt to befriend him because of her dream. In time, a little trust emerges between the two men, then friendship, as Denver reveals in pieces his back story of a broken family, tragedy, and his experience of extreme racial prejudice and a hate crime. He becomes like a member of the Hall family, much to the chagrin of Ron’s bigoted father (Jon Voight).

When Debbie, by now fully invested in homeless ministry, suffers a serious health crisis, Denver and Ron resolve to carry on her work and vision together strengthened by the bonds of friendship they have formed despite their vastly different backgrounds. The film, based on a true story and a New York Times best-seller, drags a bit in places, but its primary theme — the healing, transforming power of love and forgiveness — shines through with clarity.

GERALD KORSON is a Legatus magazine staff writer.