I honestly have to say that this is a film that truly put a smile on my face.
To some, the idea of a homeless addict's life being turned around by a streetcat might seem a bit far fetched. However, I was not at all surprised that this was based on a true story since it reminded me of something I had witnessed many years ago.
Back in the late 80s when I was in high school, I remember encountering numerous panhandlers around downtown Montreal, some sober, many drunk or stoned. There was one in particular who would beg on Ste Catherine, usually somewhere between Peel and Guy. He was usually sloshed out of his mind and extremely annoying.
After having been out of town all summer, I started CEGEP at Marianopolis and began spending more time downtown. I saw the above-mentioned fellow that first semester, but this time something was different.... he was sober -- completely lucid. Sitting with him was a beautiful cat. My friends and I stopped, pet the cat and listened to the man explain his newly found sobriety.
During one of his quests to score some more booze, he had found this cat who was injured. He became so worried about the animal, that he forgot all about the drink he had wanted.
I do not remember the man's name, but I never forgot his story, or the name of his cat: Magic.
Throughout the first half of the 1990s, I would frequently encounter Magic and his human companion. Sometimes I would bring Magic some cat-food and a cup of coffee or sandwich for the man.
I left Montreal in 1996 and do not know whatever happened to the man and Magic. But I was reminded of them after watching this lovely film, which was also based on a true story.
Watch it -- it will surely make you smile too.
