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- What Is Find Me Falling About?
- Stelana Kliris’ Thoughts on Don Ritchie
As a dedicated gamer and movie enthusiast, I’ve recently come across a fascinating new addition to Netflix’s roster – Find Me Falling. This romantic comedy, released on July 19, 2024, is unlike any other I’ve seen before. The plot follows the story of John Allman (Harry Connick Jr.), a former rock star who, after hitting rock bottom, finds himself in Cyprus, where he stumbles upon an unusual calling – saving people from jumping off a cliff.
Starting July 19, 2024 on Netflix, the heartwarming romantic comedy “Find Me Falling” makes its debut. This little-known fact may surprise you: it’s inspired by true events. In this story, we follow John Allman, a once successful musician portrayed by Harry Conick Jr., who embarks on a journey to recover from a failed album comeback in the tranquil Mediterranean paradise of Cyprus. However, things take an unexpected turn when John discovers that his new seaside retreat is notoriously known as a popular spot for those seeking an end to their lives.
From a devoted fan’s perspective, if that wasn’t already unsettling, one of John’s past lovers unexpectedly resurfaces, adding an extra layer of complexity. The film “Find Me Falling,” though receiving mixed reception, is inspired by the true tale of an Australian man who gained notoriety for saving countless individuals from taking their own lives. This astonishing story, which might not be perfectly translated onto the screen, still warrants greater recognition due to its inspiring and unbelievably captivating nature.
What Is Find Me Falling About?
Stelana Kliris penned and helmed the musical comedy-drama “Find Me Falling” which unfolds on contemporary Cyprus, an island in the Mediterranean Sea. The narrative revolves around John Allman (Connick Jr.), a former rock star whose latest album flopped embarrassingly. In search of peace and healing, John journeys to Cyprus. Upon reaching his beautiful seaside villa perched on cliffs, he’s startled by a man yelling nearby, believing him to be an intrusive paparazzo. Shock sets in when the man unexpectedly leaps off the cliff to his death.
When the police show up at John’s place, they inform him that his new residence is notoriously known as a magnet for individuals contemplating suicide. Despite being warned that approximately ten people end their lives there every month, John is contented with the affordable rent and breathtaking surroundings. In case of emergencies, he has been provided with Captain Manoli’s (Tony Demetriou) phone number. The following day, a resident named Melina (Ali Fumiko Whitney) drops off groceries at John’s doorstep. Melina performs at the local tavern and extends an invitation to John when she visits. At the pub, he encounters an old flame named Sia (Agni Scott).
As John and Sia’s romance reignites on screen, the film deviates from the factual account that served as the foundation for the globally popular romantic comedy. However, authenticity returns when John saves a woman named Anna from jumping off a cliff, preventing a tragic end to her life. Discovering she is pregnant, John offers her shelter for the night. The following day, Anna discloses that Captain Manoli is the father of her child. The movie concludes with John and Sia rekindling their love while Melina embarks on a music career. Although the majority of the musical and romantic plotlines are fictionalized, the selfless act of saving a life by John is based on the true story of Australian hero Don Ritchie.
Who Inspired Find Me Falling?
Don Ritchie, an Australian local legendarily referred to as “The Angel of the Gap,” dedicated his life to preventing suicides at Sydney’s The Gap cliff. He is believed to have saved approximately 160 lives before his passing in 2012 at the age of 86. In the movie, John Allman portrays a character who saves at least two individuals from jumping off cliffs in Cyprus. However, Ritchie’s heroic actions took place at The Gap in Sydney, where numerous lives were lost to the Tasman Sea.
One effective method used by Ritchie was approaching someone precariously perched on cliffs with a soothing tone and asking if he could offer assistance, all while giving a friendly and genuine smile (as reported in The Independent). Additionally, his obituary recounts the techniques he employed for preventing suicide.
In most cases, a subtle method proved effective, but there were instances where he bravely put himself in harm’s way to prevent the more resolute from taking their last step.
After saving someone from the brink of suicide, Ritchie would often invite them to his house for a cup of tea. One grateful survivor even made an angel painting for Ritchie with the caption, “An Angel Living Among Us.” In 2006, the Australian government recognized Ritchie’s philanthropic efforts by awarding him the Medal of the Order of Australia.
In 2010, two years before his passing, Ritchie expressed his mission to prevent suicides, sharing with The Associated Press, “It’s not enough to just stand by and watch; you need to try and save them. It’s a straightforward concept” (as reported by Hope For Tomorrow). Prior to his death in 2012, Ritchie championed the “Seven Effective Strategies for Suicide Prevention.” Unassumingly, he left an indelible impact on the lives of countless individuals.
Stelana Kliris’ Thoughts on Don Ritchie
Don Ritchie isn’t specifically named in “Find Me Falling,” but the film’s writer-director, Stelana Kliris, draws inspiration from his courageous tale and weaves suicide prevention into the narrative. As stated in the movie’s official press materials by Kliris herself.
A few years ago, I came across an article about a compassionate man residing near a well-known suicide spot in Australia. He managed to prevent numerous lives from being lost by merely approaching strangers and offering them a soothing cup of tea with a gentle voice. I pondered,
The actions of Don Ritchie, a real-life hero known for saving lives, contributed to the storyline of “Find Me Falling” in part. However, none of the film’s other characters, including John and Sia, are based on real people. The romantic relationship between John and Sia, as well as the supporting characters and the Cyprus setting, are not derived from Don Ritchie’s story. Instead, the movie uses Don’s suicide prevention efforts to provide redemption for a lonely and bitter character who is experiencing hardships.
Find Me Falling is available to stream on Netflix.
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2024-07-25 06:01