The Saint of Fort Washington

source: The Saint of Fort Washington

Excellent movie. This film shows that people who lives in the underworld of poverty in big cities. But it does so from a realistic and dramatic view. The characters are well portrayed.The plot is simple, and unfortunately close to reality. One of the virtues of the movie is that it is not overloaded with elements to increase the drama. life is shown as it is. Good direction, The soundtrack score by J.Newton Howard fits perfectly to the film . The acting is also at good level with Danny Glover and Matt Dillon 8/10

The Saint Of Fort Washington isn't a bad movie. Do I need to watch it a second time in the future? No, not really, but it' certainly worth a watch. The best thing about this movie is the acting, certainly from Danny Glover who did a great job. Matt Dillon wasn't bad either but to me it's Danny Glover that carries this movie. The plot is realistic, exactly how I can imagine homeless people try to get by in a big city. There are a couple of dramatic events that weren't really necessary in the story though. the movie could have done without those scenes, the message would have been the same.

There's really no middle-ground when it comes to movies about the homeless: you either always watch them or you never do. If you always watch them, you've probably seen The Soloist, Cardboard Boxer, Shelter, Being Flynn, Same Kind of Different as Me, Stone Pillow, Time Out of Mind, No Place Like Home, The Lady in the Van, and of course, The Saint of Fort Washington. This one is pretty well known, especially if you grew up in the 1990s and watched a bunch of Danny Glover or Matt Dillon movies. Being a fan of both actors, I rented this movie during Danny Glover's week on Hot Toasty Rag, only to remember halfway through that I'd already seen it! I guess I've seen too many of these movies, and they all started to blend together in my memory. If you're new to the genre, this is a good one to start with because it feels like Sociology 101. Danny Glover plays a Vietnam veteran, and Matt Dillon plays a man with schizophrenia. In case you didn't know, there are lots of veterans on the street as well as (ever since President Regan closed the mental hospitals) lots of people who are mentally ill. The 101 students might wonder, "Why don't those people go to a homeless shelter?" The purpose of this movie is to answer that question. The shelter Fort Washington is a very large facility with metal detectors, guards, and hundreds of cots. While technically, these men (homeless shelters must be segregated) have a roof over their heads for the night, it's far from the safety us homeowners imagine it to be. Danny shows his new friend Matt how to survive in Fort Washington: anchor your shoes under the bed frame posts and store anything you want to keep in your underwear. There are dangerous, violent people who are let in shelters, and they rob, emotionally harass, beat up, and sometimes murder other men. This movie shows a representative of that type, played by Ving Rhames. During the daytime, Danny tries to make a living by washing car windows during traffic jams (another representative). He teaches Matt the ropes on that trade, like making jokes and complimenting the drivers for a bigger tip. Obviously, you're going to see some great acting in this movie. Matt really convinces you that his focus isn't "all there", and Danny is completely believable as a homeless man. You can tell he's lived through horrors, but he's completely accepted that his life will never get any better. However, if you're really not in the mood to learn about such a terrible way of life, I wouldn't recommend it. There are lots of people who enjoy watching these movies, so they can talk about how awful the homeless problem is and how "someone" should do something about it; then, they step around the carboard boxes in the street. If you really, really think about how terrible it is that men who have risked their lives for our country are living under freeways, or that people who should be in mental hospitals are left to fend for themselves on the street, it's unbearable. It's too painful to really, really think, though. But if you can, try to be a little nicer to the guy who washes your window in a traffic jam.

This is a very inspirational movie and very heartfelt as well. You will laugh and cry along with the actors as they go through the struggles of living on the streets. It is a very hard life and the movie is increasingly honest about living in poverty and trying to get back up after being knocked down. The actors in this movie, Danny Glover and Matt Dillon offer, maybe, their best performances ever! The imagery is very true to life and cinematography is stellar as these two try to make ends meet. You won't be sorry to see this movie and I believe it will change how you look at homeless people, it did me! Very strongly encourage you and all of your friends to see this movie!

I encountered this movie on a dreary, rainy day and after watching it for about 10 minutes, it thoroughly sucked me in. It is fascinating portrayal of the plight of the homeless. a problem that effects nearly a million people in this country. If you really are concerned about humanity, I strongly suggest it. It seems that there is a "void" in Hollywood to tackle social problems, but this attempt hits the nail on the head. It gave me the thought that we take so much for granted in our lives, while we ignore many issues which profoundly effect others. It doesn't pull any punches, and there are few, if any, cliché's.... Danny Glover, Matt Dillon and a strong supporting cast are superb, and the location shooting is impressive. Don't pass this one up.

Not enough movies focus on homelessness. One that does is "The Saint of Fort Washington", starring Matt Dillon and Danny Glover as indigents who meet up in a shelter and form a bond. The movie depicts the gritty existence of these men, forced to wash windshields for money while a tough guy (Ving Rhames) threatens them in the shelter. The coronavirus has forced homelessness back into our consciousness (crises do tend to lay the unpleasant things bare). With many out of work for an extended time, they can't pay rent and face evictions. Anyway, it's a good movie. Also appearing are Rick Aviles (Willy Lopez in "Ghost"), Nina Siemaszko and Joe Seneca (the scientist in "The Blob").

I saw this film about 5 years ago on TV and then spent the next 5 years trying to find out what it was called. This film is a true masterpiece it really is. The acting from the two stars is fantastic(Matt Dillon is always fantastic probably one of the most underrated actors along with Kevin Bacon). The direction is fantastic and the all round feel of the film is great, it draws you in and you really feel for the charactersand you really will them on, then it hits you hard at the end not giving you a hollywood happy ending. Hollywood always seems to tiptoe around films like this and unfortunately a mass audience never gets to see them, mainly because some d**k h**d reviewer calls them a sentimental tear jerker. The film is a real gem and if you're reading this you probably agree.Get the word out to the people no-one should miss this classic.

It was one of my finest movie experiences to watch that movie. I only had the chance to watch this masterpiece once on TV a few years ago, but I can say that I can't forget the effect it made on me. Especially, the scene where Danny Glover was wiping the car windows waiting for the green light for some cash. The way he was getting his job seriously and the drivers who were not even looking at him. A wonderful human film which shows what we are. I am still confused when those red light people come over my car and try to sell something and realizing that I am too is afraid of looking into their faces. Are they there or just we don't care them.

One of the movies you will remember always. Matt Dillon is just riveting in his role as Matthew. If you don't think much of him as an actor, then this is a must see. Not playing a misguided teen in this one, but a sad person you want to see win in a world you can't win in. Danny glover is as always great and together they're a real team. Do yourself a favor, and watch this moving sweet film. Don't forget to tell others about it. I will watch it again. I think you will too.