Row F Seat 19 "One Chance" rated PG 103 mins

"You know what you were put on this earth to do, you have a natural talent for singing!"

   This is a film with 'heart'! It's a story in good hands as the retelling of the global sensation Paul Potts who auditioned for, took on and won 'Britain's Got Talent.' His audition video went viral globally on the internet and conquering his nerves allowed him to live out a dream as an opera singer.

"The only time I'm ever truly happy is when I'm singing opera!"

   But in truth it's the 'heart' shown by Paul's slightly reluctant best friend and his positive, encouraging, beautifully  supportive girlfriend who allow Paul's own 'heart' to show through. He endures merciless bullying, a lack of support from his dad, an accident prone life and the disappointment of nerves on the big occasion of singing for his hero Pavarotti in Venice.

   It's a well told story evoking the same tearful response as Paul Potts' youtube sensation where even Simon Cowell pays attention to this surprise packet!!

   I am uneasy about clips like Paul's, Susan Boyle and others... Yes, they are a surprise, but are also a reminder that we find it so easy to judge on externals and maybe the whole reaction that leads to these clips taking off is a shallow starting point from which we should learn our lesson...

   Like many good films, I was moved by those experiences and insecurities Paul showed and how they relate to my own sense of self, hopes and dreams and life opportunities passed up or missed for lack of confidence.

   I wonder if 'heart' is a given quality or can be learned or gained. If we are the sum result of everyone we've met and every life experience we've had, we will make small choices everyday about how we encounter others, what judgements we make and whether or not we seek what best for others. These are values to live by, to shape a community with and to change the world through... one day at a time!!