May I Be Frank

I found out about this movie via the folks who made "Hungry for Change", and was looking forward to watching Frank's growth and transformation. However, there is only so much that can happen to someone over 42 days, and the movie admits this near the end. Frank's larger than life persona and courage to admit the loneliness and emptiness that his life has become as a result of his addictions and, I believe, the rage and shame that comes from sharing this. His willingless to bare his body and soul is somewhere between courageous and the act of a desparate man. It was serendipity that he wandered into Cafe Gratitude and met the young men who agreed to help him. In the end, I don't know if it was the colonics and raw foods as much as it was their love and attention that he craved. Frank manages to set some boundaries in his life for the first time in a long time. This makes the viewer hopeful; until he reconnects with family members and you see the rage that he still needs to deal with. How that happens is left as a mystery, and I wish the film had the time to explore that- or to come up with more of an 'afterward' that explains it better. The good news is that Frank does appear to be doing well, following a relapse that the film mentions in passing. I wish Frank could have explained for us all how and why it happened, and how he got back on track...

It's a great recovery story made by amateurs. The intro has graphic pictures of drugs. They spend too much time talking about colonics and bowel movements. Those are important I get it but I was trying to show this in a recovery class and for people with sexual trauma it was no bueno. I was trying to show the class about integrative medicine and its role in recovery. Not sure I accomplished that goal. Excessive use of profanity and a few penis jokes were tolerable. Frank was charming and funny, difficult to understand some of the staff as they didn't use a high tech system I guess. I love the idea of this movie and am buying the cookbook. Please consider making another one with clearer use of Integrative Medicine I will buy that one too. Not sad I bought this...just wanted more :)

This documentary was inspirational to me because I'm undergoing my own transformation right now -- about to embark on 90 days of Phase 1 Rainbow Green Cuisine, which is even more restrictive than the Cafe Gratitude diet. I will likely watch it several times over the next three months and purchase a copy of The Expanding River Workbook. The film really drove home how important the emotional transformation is in order to achieve lasting physical transformation. It also makes me miss the two Cafe Gratitude restaurants in San Francisco and sad that their experiment in Sacred Commerce led to them needing to close the SF restaurants and sell others off. The first one in the Mission District had such an incredible vibe to it that you could not help but grin from ear to ear the minute you walked in the door. Thank you Frank for being so open and vulnerable on your journey!!!

For anyone struggling with weight issues, health issues, and addiction "May I Be Frank" is a very honest look into one man's struggle to beat addition and restore health with the help of supportive people that were in the right place at the right time. Regaining health and beating addition is not a smooth road and Frank shows us that even with setbacks, we can still move forward towards healing.Frank learns to love himself, lose weight, beat his addictions and now is an evangelist to others who were once in the place he was.As a holistic health practitioner, this movie showed me that beating addictions and changing lifestyles is not about will-power but so much more. It really gave me more empathy for people with addictions.Viewer beware: There are some graphic parts in this movie!

This is a great movie. It follows Frank, a former drug user and divorced father, as he changes his life with the help of three people he met at a raw food restaurant. It is particularly moving because Frank is a genuine and open person, and the movie captures that as Frank exposes himself for the camera. IT is inspiring to see the transformation that Frank goes through as he changes his diet and his mental habits.There is a moment in the film, when frank gives away all sort of clothing and shoes to homeless individuals, then shares how the more expensive the item he gave away, the more satisfaction he felt. I am not doing the scene justice, its something you have to watch to experience the emotions for yourself. This is a movie definitely worth watching.

I have never felt compelled to write such a personal review as this. Frank is my late father in the flesh, but my dad did not wake up in time. He never had the life-changing benefit of meeting three loving, enthusiastic adults who stuck by his side to help him through his metamorphosis. My dad died in his sleep on his couch, at the same age that Frank was just beginning to live. This fact alone made the film so bittersweet for me. Frank, you changed your life from the inside-out without changing a drop of your delightful personality. I cannot stop telling people about this film, and I don't want to spoil any of the 'Aha!' moments for anyone by telling them why I loved this film so much. Suffice it to say that it is touching, well-made, and has a great soundtrack. I would be so happy if I could have lunch with Frank at the Cafe Gratitude.

I was very impressed with Frank's story and the results he achieved, but more importantly his candor and willingness to share what he was going through with the world as he went through it.

While this documentary began as the video record of a health journey, it morphed into something else entirely. Human beings are complex creatures, and the health challenges we face, which can seem obvious when speaking of obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and more, can often be symptoms of deeper issues that have wounded us. This documentary dives into those. I don't think the creators of this knew what they were going to end up with, and that is a blessing to all who watch it. It is at times hilarious, heartbreaking, inspirational, and thought provoking. Highly recommended!

I've been recommending this video to people for years. It is the most honest and transparent sharing of what it really means to take responsibility for one's physical and mental health. No airy fairy 'I'm enlightened' and perfect in every way white washing will be found in this documentary. It is the real deal, the challenges and the benefits, of changing habits and letting go of addictions to achieve vibrant health and a new lease on life. I loved every moment...but if you are sensitive to swearing there may be a couple of points where you will have to cover your ears. The most truthful documentary on self healing out there....and you will barely recognise this amazing man by the end!

An excellent documentary - full of heart, hope and humanity. The star was, of course, Frank - but the superstars of this movie were the wonderful, sweet young people who work at the Gratitude Cafe. What a journey we go on with them all. It is life-affirming and so touching. Very inspiring for anyone struggling with overweight and poor health. Watch it and be motivated

Not quite what I was expecting but found it interesting. I felt as though I was going through the battle with Frank at times but well worth effort

Very good honest movie about one mans journey!

For anyone who is considering embarking on a healthy lifestyle both physically, emotionally and spiritually. This is a great watch.