Given

Given is a 2016 travelogue-style documentary film that presents a heart-warming portrayal of family, freedom, travel, and learning from the world. At the heart of this global adventure is the Goodwin family - a pro surfer and his wife, who decide to take their two young children on a journey across the globe that merges their love for surfing and exploring cultures. Directed by Jess Bianchi, the film stars Aamion Goodwin as himself, a legendary surfer and spirit seeker, along with his wife, Daize Goodwin, and their young son, Given Goodwin.

The movie begins in Kauai, Hawaii, where we see the Goodwin family living amidst nature, cherishing a simple existence connected with the land and sea. Aamion Goodwin's life spent surfing gives him respect for the ocean, which he passes on to his young son Given. As a third-generation surfer and Hawaiian-Kenyan, Aamion comes from a lineage of people bound to the water. His wife Daize, a renowned professional surfer herself, equally shares this passion. Right from the onset, the film effectively conveys the familial intimacy and respect for nature that forms the core of the Goodwin family's philosophy.

The central premise of Given is the Goodwin family embarking on an unprecedented global exploration on the premise of a folk tale shared by Aamion's father. As Aamion’s father narrates traditional stories of their ancestors, one narrative stands out - the tale of a unique, life-changing fish that Aamion's father once caught. Inspired by this story, the Goodwin family embarks on an exploratory journey that takes them through 15 different countries, with a mission to understand different cultures, customs, and traditions around the world, and as a metaphoric search for that Big Fish.

Given acts as the narrator for the movie, as interpreted from his whispered musings turned into a script by the film's writer Braden R. Duemmler. Experiencing the world through Given’s eyes allows the audience to perceive the world in a refreshing light, adding charm and naivety to their adventure. From exploring ice peaks in the Himalayas to salmon-fishing in Iceland, experiencing snake-charmers in Morocco to meeting Buddhist monks in Thailand, Given guides the viewers through these experiences with an innocent and simple understanding of the world.

The stunning visuals and cinematography serve the film well, as it shifts from idyllic beach settings to the hustle and bustle of various cities, the stark cold beauty of icy landscapes, and embracing the lush greenery of tropical forests. The original soundtrack complements beautifully, capturing the essence of every location, adding layers of emotional depth to the story. The soulful music accompanies breathtaking surf footage, promising viewers an immersive experience that pays tribute to the surfing tradition.

What sets Given apart from an ordinary travelogue documentary is the core theme of family bonding, respect for the earth, and the appetite for life steeped in ancient wisdom. The Goodwins are not just traveling; they are deeply connecting with the various cultures they encounter, appreciating the beauty of differences, and celebrating the human spirit's universality. Amidst all, the film beautifully weaves in the Goodwin’s deep-seated surfing heritage.

Moreover, this movie subtly challenges conventional notions of parenting, education, and ways of living. In this journey, Daize and Aamion are not just parents but also teachers, guiding their children to gain experiential knowledge and become citizens of the world. Deviating from routine schooling and societal norms, the Goodwin family values learning through experience and immersion into different cultures, making the whole world their classroom.

In summary, Given is a visually breathtaking, emotionally engaging journey that captures the philosophy of a unique family while they take on the world’s vastness, driven by a simple folk tale. Its storyline is deeply immersed in the abiding love for surfing, reverence for nature, respect for cultural diversity and profound love for family. This movie will appeal to not only surfing enthusiasts but also those who appreciate nature, travel, family bonds and unconventional philosophies of living.