Living for 32

Gr 9 Up—The "32" referenced in the title are those who were killed by a gunman at Virginia Tech in 2007, and the documentary focuses on Colin Goddard, a sincere and well-spoken young man who was shot there four times. After opening on a snowy scene at the memorial site, the film flashes back to grainy footage and audio from the time of the shootings, cut with interviews with Goddard, his parents, and Kristina Anderson, another survivor. Goddard is thoughtful and reassuring, even as he rolls up his clothing to reveal his scars. There is some brief background of the mentally ill student who used a legally obtained gun to carry out the murders before killing himself. Goddard, who fully recovered, joined the Brady Campaign Against Gun Violence, and advocates with that group for stricter gun regulations. At one point, he reveals a trunkful of guns, purchased at a gun show without a valid driver's license or background check. The film touches on the concealed carry debate, and gives commentary, pro and con, for legalizing guns on college campuses. (Anti-gun violence organizations, such as Harlem Mothers S.A.V.E., are also mentioned.) Living for 32 could be used to spark discussions on Second Amendment issues, mental health policies, and philosophical dialogue on the nature of courage and fate. The film is emotionally powerful, and viewers will most likely be touched by how long it takes for the 32 names to scroll by in the film's final moments.—Maggie Knapp, Trinity Valley School, Fort Worth, TX