The Last Brickmaker in America

The movie begins with two story lines--an older man at the grave side of his not too long deceased wife, who is obviously struggling to find meaning in his days anymore since he can't share them with her, and a young boy tagging the brick of a school building with the words "Washington Sucks". Washington is the name of the school. Next we see him sitting between his obviously concerned parents in the principal's office. You learn that Danny has been in trouble a few times recently which seems to coincide with the time that his parents separated. Danny is suspended from school and is supposed to work for his Dad during the day and spend evenings with his Mom doing his schoolwork. The parents can't get past their troubled relationship to deal with their son's behavior in a united way and he can't stand any more of their bickering and blaming, so he runs away. He had met Henry Cobb (the grieving man) one day when he was working for his Dad and Henry had invited him to come to his place and see how brick was made. Danny had taken him up on it and was fascinated with the ancient process of brickmaking and Mr. Cobb's knowledge of the history of it. Now he runs to Mr. Cobb for refuge from his own unhappy home. Before his wife's death Henry Cobb had been commissioned to make the brick for the new library at the Washington School. His wife had been librarian there and he knew this was important to her, but he couldn't find a passion for his work since she died. It just so happens that Danny's father is the project manager for the new library and his boss has been on his case to get Mr. Cobb to sign off on his contract for the brick. The boss owns a brickmaking company and he wants to use their brick for the job--and he is sure Mr. Cobb won't have his brick ready in time and they would have to sue him for the delay. But Henry Cobb won't sign. He plods along making his brick and when Danny arrives he pitches in to help. Danny's parents semi-reluctantly agree to let him stay with Henry for a while. *SPOILER ALERT* Henry and Danny grow to trust each other and literally have to "weather a storm" which wipes out several days' work and makes their goal seem impossible. Henry tries to approach Danny's father about an extension of just a few days, but with the pressure his boss has put on him, he can't give in. Danny goes to his Mom to see if she will come work with them after her teaching hours for the school choir, but she has just been given a big program to prepare for and it will require extra hours after school. Danny feels let down by both of his parents. It has become so important to him to help Henry get the bricks made on time. You begin to see glimmers of hope as Danny's parents start to realize the consequences of the choices they have made. Danny learns a surprising fact about Henry's past and a choice he had made that he always regretted. You can see that his experience has given him insight into what Danny's family needed. This is a movie about relationships, motives, choices and consequences--all centering around what really matters in life. It is worthwhile viewing and family friendly, though there are a couple of incidents of swearing which may not be to the liking of some.

This is Sidney Poitier in one of his best roles. Reminded me of his character in Lilies of the Field. A wonderful family film. I highly recommend it!

Wonderful

This is a wonderful family story, in which one is entertained by Sidney Poitier, as the last American brickmaker, who extends compassion and teaching of his brickmaking trade to a young boy, caught in the separation of his parents. Poitier explains the choice of substance (clay) and the process of making bricks the old-fashioned way as he attempts to complete an order against the promise of a quicker, more modern brick industry. The story unfolds with warmth as a man continues after the loss of his wife, at an age when he could retire, to do what he likes to do - brickmaking - and encouraging the youthful friend he makes. Expect trials and determination in face of those trials. Be uplifted by the characters around whom the story evolves. The performance by Sidney Poitier was good.

Family friendly wholesome entertainment, the way movies should be. No violence, sex, or drugs, just great acting and wonderful directing, almost guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

My relatives long ago was in the brick making business in New York. Made this movie special to me.

First of all I always enjoy Sidney Poitier. He is one of the best actors, in my opinion. I can't wait until my little grandsons get older and I can have them watch this movie. It is a wonderful example of hard work and the importance of family. Loved the movie

This video presents several interconnected themes . . . 1 - Pride (self-respect) the craftsman creates by excellence in his work. 2 - Successful marriage produced by putting the interest of the other ahead of their own. 3 - Empathic listening succeeds where critical talk fails. 4 - Hard work, keeping promises, essential to honorable life. 5 - Forgiveness, where possible, needed. 6 - Money, work, job, status not enough to bring happiness or success. 7 - Pain of loss in death, and how to endure, overcome. Great! There are probably other lessons here contained. Nevertheless, not preaching, not condemning, but presenting normal, regular people caught up in modern society, current culture. We’ve all been (are) there and we know many who exist (live) in this place. What to do? Who can help? How can these decisions be changed? What is most important? Financial security? Career satisfaction? Status? Family togetherness? Principles and virtue? Personal honor? How and what has to be sacrificed? Where can wisdom be found? And what is it? Watch the movie! (Recalls the proverb - ‘Happy are those conscious of their spiritual need)

Great movie, what more can be said.

Great film

I've always been a fan of Sidney Poitier and he did not disappoint in this film, just excellent. A touching and inspiring story, suitable for all ages. Life lessons we can all appreciate and learn from. Messages of hope are what I think we all need more of, especially right now in this world gone mad. I felt calm and happy watching this story and that is worth a lot imo. Beautifully filmed, with an appealing nostalgic vibe throughout. Sound and picture quality both excellent. Cast was well chosen. Nice to see Canada's Wendy Crewson in the role of the mom. Buy this film if you are looking for a nice, relaxing but relevant film. Learning an making handmade bricks was quite interesting too.😊 One more comment, RIP and many thanks to Sidney Poitier. One of the great film stars of this past century. Your stellar work lives on to entertain us all. Helpful votes are always appreciated!

What's not to love about this movie! Sidney Poitier still giving a first rate performance. This is one DVD I will return to regularly on a Sunday afternoon when I want something warm & inspiring to watch

Filmbewertung: Einer der besten Filme,die ichbisher gesehen habe.Warte noch dringend auf eine deutschsprachige . Kann diesen Film jedem,der Englisch verstehen kann,wärmstens empfehlen.