Watch Kids' Reviews of
BEING ME (OR CLOSE TO IT)

Sage Drake is an ambitious filmmaker who made this semi-autobiographical film through the words and faces of many women. Mr. Drake is a man who champions women's stories and has made this film into a women's journey film, which he feels there are too few of. Being Me (Or Close To It) is a great concept as it reveals the difficult challenges of the past three years - the pandemic, the elections, Black Lives Matter, climate change and general confusion creating colliding cultures.

Beautifully shot, several girls and women from multiple cultures are interviewed about how they "lost themselves" as the crises promoted in the news daily have completely overwhelmed them. Eventually there is an awakening, like a metamorphosis out of helplessness into self-empowerment. In a sense, all the different women are one voice, representing all people, especially Mr. Drake, for whom this film represents a snippet into his own life. It is a delicious experiment that succeeds in making its point. And though the sources of the music are not credited, he uses gentle background music that supports this story with sensitivity. The editing also helps the viewer realize that the narrative applies not only to one person but to all. The sets are in each woman's home or backyard.

The message is that those struggling with anxiety or depression are not alone. Get help; find support; rediscover your inner child as it grows up to become a beautiful adult.

I give Being Me (Or Close to It) 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 13 to 18, plus adults. By Nancy K., KIDS FIRST!

Sage Drake is an ambitious filmmaker who made this semi-autobiographical film through the words and faces of many women. Mr. Drake is a man who champions women's stories and has made this film into a women's journey film, which he feels there are too few of. Being Me (Or Close To It) is a great concept as it reveals the difficult challenges of the past three years - the pandemic, the elections, Black Lives Matter, climate change and general confusion creating colliding cultures.

Beautifully shot, several girls and women from multiple cultures are interviewed about how they "lost themselves" as the crises promoted in the news daily have completely overwhelmed them. Eventually there is an awakening, like a metamorphosis out of helplessness into self-empowerment. In a sense, all the different women are one voice, representing all people, especially Mr. Drake, for whom this film represents a snippet into his own life. It is a delicious experiment that succeeds in making its point. And though the sources of the music are not credited, he uses gentle background music that supports this story with sensitivity. The editing also helps the viewer realize that the narrative applies not only to one person but to all. The sets are in each woman's home or backyard.

The message is that those struggling with anxiety or depression are not alone. Get help; find support; rediscover your inner child as it grows up to become a beautiful adult.

I give Being Me (Or Close to It) 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 13 to 18, plus adults. By Nancy K., KIDS FIRST!

A short semi-autobiographical experimental film that deals with anxiety and depression.