Watch The Saint of Fort Washington

The Saint of Fort Washington is a 1993 drama film that takes audiences into the lives of two homeless men, one with severe mental health issues and the other a former drug addict, as they forge an unlikely friendship on the streets of New York City. Danny Glover portrays Jerry, a kind-hearted yet delusional man who suffers from schizophrenia. He spends his days wandering the city, talking to himself and seeking refuge in abandoned buildings. Meanwhile, his new companion, Matthew, played by Matt Dillon, is a recovering addict recently released from prison. With no job, home or family, he relies on the shelter system for survival.

The story kicks off when Jerry and Matthew's paths cross in the Fort Washington Armory, a rundown shelter in uptown Manhattan. Despite their different personalities, they soon discover a mutual understanding through their shared experience of homelessness. They begin to lean on each other, offering support and encouragement as they try to navigate their way through the harsh realities of living on the streets.

As the story evolves, we get glimpses into the lives of other homeless individuals who make up the fabric of their community, including the compassionate outreach worker, played by Rick Aviles, who does his best to connect them with vital resources to help them get off the streets. Director Tim Hunter creates a poignant picture of what it truly means to be homeless, capturing the daily struggles, fears and hopelessness that come with the territory.

Despite the darkness, there are moments in the film that offer glimmers of hope, such as when Jerry envisions himself as a modern-day saint, complete with angelic wings, inspiring Matthew to consider that there is more to life than his current situation. The combination of a powerful storyline and excellent performances by Glover, Dillon, and Aviles make the film an unforgettable journey into the depths of humanity's basest struggles.

Throughout the film, Hunter pays careful attention to highlighting the different ways that the characters form connections with each other, exemplifying the importance of social support and human relationships in surviving the homelessness experience. This central message is particularly poignant when juxtaposed with the harsh realities that the characters face on a daily basis, such as police brutality and the lack of basic necessities like food and shelter.

Overall, The Saint of Fort Washington is a heart-warming and deeply moving film that delves into the complexities of homelessness, mental illness and addiction. It's a powerful work of cinema that highlights the humanity and resilience of those most marginalized by society, laying bare the flaws of a system that leaves so many behind. Fans of powerful dramas with great performances and deeply felt messages will surely be impressed by this cinematic masterpiece.

The Saint of Fort Washington is a 1993 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 43 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0.