A Journal for Jordan is a 2021 American romantic drama film directed and co-produced by Denzel Washington from a screenplay written by Virgil Williams, based on the memoir "A Journal for Jordan: A Story of Love and Honor" by Dana Canedy.
It stars Michael B. Jordan, who also co-produced the film, and Chanté Adams in the lead roles, along with Jalon Christian, Robert Wisdom, and Tamara Tunie in supporting roles.
The film was originally scheduled for a limited theatrical release on December 10, 2021, before going wide on December 22, but was later pushed to a wide theatrical release on December 25, 2021, without a limited release. The film had its world premiere at the AMC Lincoln Square Theatre on December 9, 2021.
Plot
The plot of A Journal for Jordan revolves around the true story of First Sergeant Charles Monroe King, a soldier deployed to Iraq who begins to keep a journal of love and advice for his infant son before he is killed in action in Baghdad. The film is based on the memoir "A Journal for Jordan: A Story of Love and Honor" by Dana Canedy.
Trailer
Full Cast
- Michael B. Jordan as First Sergeant Charles Monroe King
- Chanté Adams as Dana Canedy
- Jalon Christian as Jordan King
- Robert Wisdom as Sergeant Major Brown
- Tamara Tunie as Mrs. King
- Luke Forbes as Captain Johnson
- Jack Huston as Captain Meredith
- Brett Gelman as Major Rosen
- Paulina Singer as Specialist Johnson
- Khyrie Isaac as Specialist Johnson
- Todd Allen Durkin as Sergeant First Class Johnson
- Joshua Henry as Sergeant First Class Johnson
- Joaquina Kalukango as Sergeant First Class Johnson
- Darnell Williams as Sergeant First Class Johnson
- Michael Gaston as Colonel Johnson
- Michael Hyatt as Mrs. Johnson
- Tijuana Ricks as Mrs. Johnson
- J. Alphonse Nicholson as Sergeant First Class Johnson
- David Iacono as Specialist Johnson
- J. Bernard Calloway as Sergeant First Class Johnson
- Michael Benjamin Washington as Sergeant First Class Johnson
- John Douglas Thompson as Sergeant First Class Johnson
- Michael Potts as Sergeant First Class Johnson
- Isaiah Johnson as Sergeant First Class Johnson
- Brandon J. Dirden as Sergeant First Class Johnson
- Rob Morgan as Sergeant First Class Johnson
Director: Denzel Washington
Writer: Virgil Williams
Box Office Gross: $6,682,648
Distributor: Sony Pictures Entertainment
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 25, 2021
Themes & reception
The themes of A Journal for Jordan include love, legacy, and sacrifice. The story is a heartfelt portrayal of King's commitment to leaving behind a legacy for his son, capturing his thoughts, beliefs, and expressions of love in a journal.
The film delves into the emotional journey of King's relationship with his son and the impact of his absence on his family, offering a poignant and moving narrative that resonates with audiences.
It received mixed reviews, with some critics praising the moving true story that is beautifully told, while others criticized Denzel Washington's undistinguished direction and overly sentimental approach. Despite the mixed reviews, the film has grossed over $10 million worldwide as of February 2022.
Fun Fact
One interesting fact about"A Journal for Jordan is that the real-life journal created by First Sergeant Charles Monroe King for his son, Jordan, titled "A Father's Legacy," was used in the film. Michael B. Jordan, who portrayed King in the movie, wore Charles' actual dog tags and held the real journal on the first day of shooting.
This personal connection to the real-life story added a deeply personal and authentic element to the film's production, contributing to the emotional depth of the performances and the portrayal of the love story.