Hole in the Head: A Life Revealed (2009) User Reviews

Regarding Post by wilbertsmith

[beechamg · 11 June 2015]

I am Dr. Rosalyn Beecham-Green, director of a program that has used Hole in the Head: A Life Revealed. While our program has utilized this film, the above quote by user wilbertsmith is falsely attributed to me. I have never provided any statement, comment, or quote as a review of the book or film. Additionally, the book and film have not in any way been endorsed by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Lastly, the recruitment and outcomes of program participants cannot be attributed to the Hole in the Head book or film. Dr. Rosalyn Beecham-Green, Ph.D. Director, NC Health Careers Access Program (NC-HCAP)

Great story with a powerful message

[rharrel7 · 10/10 · 13 January 2015]

This story provides a vivid and incredible example of the power of the human spirit that was embodied by Vertus Hardiman throughout his entire life. Vertus was truly a remarkable person and the documentary forever captures his resilient spirit and righteous nature.

The film has touched me deeply, and like so many others who have had the opportunity to view the production, it has assisted me in working to improve my own life in many areas.

I find the documentary to be encouraging, uplifting, and educational, and I would recommend its viewing in any setting.

It is a must see!!!

Watching this felt like someone radiating my head

[montshopettaway · 2/10 · 17 April 2015]

Amazing story. HORRIBLE MOVIE. I think Wilbert Smith got confused somewhere along the way and thought this film should be about him. He starts the film saying he's not a writer--it's evident. He's not a writer, not a narrator, not a director, not a documentarian. The soundtrack is God awful. Between the horrible karaoke singers who are completely irrelevant to the film and the off key choir singers who literally sing the same two songs repeatedly throughout the film, I almost could not make it through this train wreck of a documentary. I bought the book and now I'm petrified to even open it. DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY ON THIS FILM. It's unfortunate that someone qualified did not the film because there is a story here, but this film did a truly terrible job telling it. I'm giving 2 stars for Vertus. He was a better narrator than Wilbert Smith.

Wonderful Story! Great life lesson!

[smile-brian · 10/10 · 13 January 2015]

What a wonderful story this is! It taught me that through adversity, pain, and trauma we can still be successful. I will no longer complain about the small things in life we all tend to complain about. It is a great story of love, forgiveness, and triumph. I think each and every person should experience the spirit or Mr. Vertus Hardiman. & What a class act Mr. Smith is! I"m not sure I would have been able to do the things he did. To remain strong despite seeing a friend or love one going through something of this magnitude takes a lot. I would Love to hear more about this story and types of things we never learn about in history class. Thank you Mr. Smith for sharing this with us and I will do my best to expose more to the lessons learned from this.

Absolutely the Worst

[cai-carney17 · 1/10 · 10 November 2014]

The writing, sound, lighting, mood, theme, story line, and editing were atrocious. I can't BELIEVE I sat through this "documentary" and watched the whole movie. I didn't know whether to feel sorry, or be happy that he was courageous because the movie never gives me an opportunity to feel both at the same time. Sometimes I laughed during this "documentary" because of how bad it was. The thing that put me off the most was the unnecessary singing. It made absolutely ZERO sense and could have easily cut down the already short run time. Production wise, the sound quality was the worst thing about this movie. There were times I couldn't understand what they were saying because of the poor editing and overuse of the noise gate feature. AWFUL.

Excellent, Uplifting

[hansbernabe · 10/10 · 20 March 2015]

I first saw this film at my old university, during a career center workshop. I wasn't expecting much, I was focused more on the rest of my day rather than to watch some documentary. But as the film went on, I found myself caring more and more for Mr. Hardiman. It was as if he became a member of my family and I grew concern for him. The way the film portrays his love and forgiveness is excellent, and it has taught me to be a more humble person in my everyday life. Sometimes you don't realize the blessings you have until you see someone else's point of view. I also enjoyed the historical aspects of the film. There are many underground stories in this world that you have never heard of. This is one that truly deserves to be shared.