I needn’t remind readers of Ken Hanke’s encyclopedic knowledge of the arts nor of his sparklingly witty eloquence. But I’d like to publicly thank Mr. Hanke for the warm, empathetic heart with which he perceives drama, understands its emotional and spiritual relevance, then vocalizes this in a way that makes us feel not alone in our griefs and joys; this is what distinguishes Mr. Hanke from even the most acclaimed of scholars.
A great film can, within two hours, introduce fictional strangers to us and inspire empathy to the point of tears. But much as life is complicated and confusing, sincere art that attempts to do life justice can also be difficult to understand. Mr. Hanke not only guides us to the choicest screens, he helps us understand delicate psychological intricacies on-screen, generally nudging his readers back to a sympathetic, forgiving view of humanity, rather than a judgmental one. Above all, Mr. Hanke is able to take all such ideas and feelings entangled in our hearts and put it to sky-blue crisp words as to make us feel vindicated and connected in our difficult but wonderful existence. I want to thank him for his passionate dedication.
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