Hopefully this project will get the recognition that it deserves. It's an amazing glimpse into an unbearably difficult experience, but for those who are willing to share it the journey is well worthwhile. Your heart will break, but you will walk away inspired to live your life with purpose, reminded to cherish whatever time you are given here. Somehow, after watching what this poor family and lovely man had to endure, many/most of my "problems" just didn't seem that significant anymore. This is one of those rare documentaries that helps to put our often baffling existence into context. Kudos to both the family and the filmmakers for offering this to the world. For fans of Andy Whitfield, it's a must-see; everyone else will be a fan once they've seen it. Highly recommended!!!
33 Reviews
A genuinely astonishing project
creationisalive14 June 2015
Most people who are drawn to this documentary are probably already familiar with the story of Andy Whitfield, the star of the television series Spartacus. All I can say is that knowing his story and experiencing it in this one-of-a-kind documentary are two completely different things. This movie will take you on a journey, but you should be prepared - it is not for the emotionally fainthearted. The viewer accompanies the Whitfield family in one the most harrowing ordeals imaginable, offering a unique and unflinching view of something that our society generally prefers to ignore, or to keep hidden. This movie is necessary, in other words. How often can we say that? We were fortunate enough to attend the premiere at the LA Film Fest, and I must say that it was a great honor to share that experience with the filmmakers and with the courageous Vashti Whitfield. My wife and I were both emotionally stricken and uplifted; it was a cathartic experience of the highest order. Hopefully this documentary will get the recognition that it clearly deserves. If fewer of us watched Jurassic Park 4 (which was also screening at the multiplex) and more of us experienced Be Here Now, our society would be greatly enriched.
I urge you all to see it.
I urge you all to see it.
It gets you without you realising
ben_arner2 June 2016
I read the reviews here before going in, not expecting the film to live up to them and leaving the cinema I thought it hadn't.
On the train home I thought it hadn't, The following few days I thought it hadn't and then I realised it was taking up all my spare brain space. I watched the midnight showing of the new star wars, even on the way home I had moved on from that. This never left, it was raw, it was emotional, even knowing the outcome you wished for it to be different. You cry for the family and because of the story and because of how they opened up their lives to show you something as personal as this. Live for the moment as you never know, if you can, go see this film!, Be Here Now!
On the train home I thought it hadn't, The following few days I thought it hadn't and then I realised it was taking up all my spare brain space. I watched the midnight showing of the new star wars, even on the way home I had moved on from that. This never left, it was raw, it was emotional, even knowing the outcome you wished for it to be different. You cry for the family and because of the story and because of how they opened up their lives to show you something as personal as this. Live for the moment as you never know, if you can, go see this film!, Be Here Now!
The real life lesson from a real life
calldharm28 May 2017
This film will hit your soul so hard that you will start seeing things in real prospective. How powerless humans are in front of life and fate. This man has suddenly became my life inspiration. Can't imagine what went through his mind every hour and his family. How strong these people are, I hope I could get that strength. A true, meaningful and such a touchy film in my entire life. May strength be with family and Andy, u r a true soul, and will remain the inspiration on life, wherever u r...
One of the most honest documentaries I have seen
davemathewsrocks21 March 2017
I loved the show Spartacus and of-course the actors in it. Andy being the lead actor was superb in his role. While I was not aware of the story, this is a must watch for those looking for a real documentary. A story that is inspiring in every way possible, uplifting, emotional with elements of spiritual awakenings. True to it title, "be here now", the documentary makes you greatly appreciate what you have in a transformative way which has been brilliantly directed, shot, edited and put out.
exceptional, heartbreaking film
ogiel26 May 2017
This would be one of the most powerful film I've seen. It touches your heart in every way possible. Very real very raw and very emotional. No film has affected me like this movie. It made me evaluate my life and question myself if I'm living my life the way I should. Thank you, Andy you'll be forever in our hearts.
Speechless
Vec-91111 March 2017
Warning: Spoilers
Many famous people from from movies to musicians have passed over the years but none have phased me until Andy Whitfield's passing. Watching him in Gabriel and the Clinic and finally Spartacus made me a fan of his work. Be here now is a huge emotional journey with Andy and his gorgeous family over the last year of his life and the ups and downs of what many people must face on a daily basis around the world. A story of Andy's rise to fame and the harrowing trials of dealing with cancer and the many treatments we would all try or at least look into.
I have never came close to tears watching anything on the TV but Andy and Vashti Whitfield's story even though i knew what the outcome was for Andy, it had me balling my eyes out. I wish i had never watched it, yet very glad i did. Andy was a fighter all the way to the end, a true gladiator and a worthy champion. It is an amazing story of a man and his family's struggle with all aspects of cancer. If you are an Andy Whitfield fan you must see this, but have a box of tissues handy. It is deeply emotional.
I have never came close to tears watching anything on the TV but Andy and Vashti Whitfield's story even though i knew what the outcome was for Andy, it had me balling my eyes out. I wish i had never watched it, yet very glad i did. Andy was a fighter all the way to the end, a true gladiator and a worthy champion. It is an amazing story of a man and his family's struggle with all aspects of cancer. If you are an Andy Whitfield fan you must see this, but have a box of tissues handy. It is deeply emotional.
Fine line
kosmasp19 August 2017
It's really tough to watch a documentary like this. And it does not have a voice over. It almost has the feeling of a home movie. Filming things that happen, everyday stuff. With the difference that you know where it all ends. Literally in this case. I can't imagine anyone just accidentally clicking on this and watching it. Even I knew what this was about and I don't read synopsis of movies or documentaries.
Andy Whitfield best known for his role in and as Spartacus. You get to see him how he was in real life, how his relationship with his family was and what made him more than human. You do wonder how much fight is in yourself and you may never know. Or you will know because circumstances do not give you any other way than fight (for your life).
At times therefor this may feel depressing, but in the end it did achieve what it was set out to do. It is re-affirming and it is successful in spreading a positive message. And that is not a small feet to achieve. There is a sort of collage during the end credits that pushes that point further ...
Andy Whitfield best known for his role in and as Spartacus. You get to see him how he was in real life, how his relationship with his family was and what made him more than human. You do wonder how much fight is in yourself and you may never know. Or you will know because circumstances do not give you any other way than fight (for your life).
At times therefor this may feel depressing, but in the end it did achieve what it was set out to do. It is re-affirming and it is successful in spreading a positive message. And that is not a small feet to achieve. There is a sort of collage during the end credits that pushes that point further ...
Huge Spartacus Fan...
asymal13 March 2017
As a huge Spartacus series fan, I often wondered some of the details of the lead actor's off-show life. This documentary of his life is extremely well told, with incredible insights to him and his family's thoughts, feelings and perceptions of how things transpired between season 1 and 2 and beyond.
It is definitely worth the time, as it is very entertaining and educational!
It is definitely worth the time, as it is very entertaining and educational!
A Beautiful Life In "Be Here Now"
raveninred1 April 2018
The incredible story of the unbelievable tale; a man risen to the heights of celebrity and sizzle sexy muscle-heavy but heart open, Andy Whitfield. Having done plenty of Australian TV, and a movie under his belt, he captured the eyes of millions, acting in the titular role of Starz Originals "Spartacus", a sensual, sensational retelling of the historical figure, with over-the-top, muscle and hustle version of the sand and sword epic. Andy's portrayal of Spartacus as the man, always driven by love even whist deadly in the arena, as calculated as a general, more cunning than the Romans, man-turned-slave-turned-Gladiator set sparks into the stratosphere through his first season. When he learned he was ill with cancer, he chose to document his fight in the real world, on an all-too-human canvas: his own will to live and fight for life is heartbreaking to watch now, but also lifts one's spirits and puts belief into the words 'being present' in each moment. This documentary is not widely represented or distributed, but should be seen on the largest screen one can beg, borrow or steal; to watch Andy's love of his wife and son, and his commitment to his determination to recover, and showcasing one of the warmest, most generous, confident, open-hearted men in the history of cinema, and a damned fine actor to boot, is inspiration in its most elemental forms. Andy believed that not only could he recover, but could become a better man, and dedicated, quite literally, his life to those ideas. His life and his love, as seen via the lens of "Be Here Now, are honest, and unflinching, and raw - you feel each moment, each struggle, each test result, each resolve. They are powerful and expose the quickening of all that makes us alive, the lightening of the human heart; that undefinable spark that - if harnessed - could change the world.
His celebrity friends lend their voices and time to his cause, and give tale of a real gentleman, and one who they believed could beat the odds. Filmed at a time when the world wad still abuses with fever from Season One of 'Spartacus', and looking toward the time when everyone was thinking how season two would break the frames of our TVs with more gladiatorial awe, and moving into the next phase of Spartacus' story, the documentarry catches the moments where Andy and his friends, and his employer all learn of his illness. Can the show go on? Should the show go on, or go on hiatus while Andy fought, giving heed to what Andy, himself, believed would be a fight, but one he would win. Should the show...recast? All delicate but real-world decisions, and the following of each of Andy's choices and how it rippled not only within his world, but in ours, in a very real sense: Season Two was...
While we may now know of Andy's passing, it is still worth the time and attention to bear witness to the legacy he wanted to leave behind, and one he fought to see made, while fighting his more personal battle. He believed there could be a cure, that mankind would unlock the prison cell of 'the 'C' word', and heal him and those others who may be sick with the same or other cancers. He believed that we would never give up, and always keep fighting, and giving to research, and exploring every option to heal each ache there was on earth due to a cancer-related loss or ease the fear of any future disagnosis. He believed the sheer will of his heart his belief and the earnestness with which he faced and fought his disease could and would inspire others to fight their own battles upon their own grounds, on their own terms, and ultimately, would prevail, and perhaps make his fans take stock of their own lives...and pockets.. and move, motivate, donate, and eradicate. The unfiltered view accorded here, in this documentary, is a testament, to not only 'Andy Whitfield, ACTOR', or ,'Andy Whitfield, LOVING FATHER AND HUSBAND', or 'Andy Whitfield, 'BLOKE WHO IS FIGHTING FOR CLARITY, GRACE, AND A CHANCE', but to a genuinely nice fellow, who you'd really like to know, and hang out with, or talk to, or anything.
The world is full of 'if only' and 'I wish'. 'Be Here Now" is a film about one man, and one moment, at a time.
His celebrity friends lend their voices and time to his cause, and give tale of a real gentleman, and one who they believed could beat the odds. Filmed at a time when the world wad still abuses with fever from Season One of 'Spartacus', and looking toward the time when everyone was thinking how season two would break the frames of our TVs with more gladiatorial awe, and moving into the next phase of Spartacus' story, the documentarry catches the moments where Andy and his friends, and his employer all learn of his illness. Can the show go on? Should the show go on, or go on hiatus while Andy fought, giving heed to what Andy, himself, believed would be a fight, but one he would win. Should the show...recast? All delicate but real-world decisions, and the following of each of Andy's choices and how it rippled not only within his world, but in ours, in a very real sense: Season Two was...
While we may now know of Andy's passing, it is still worth the time and attention to bear witness to the legacy he wanted to leave behind, and one he fought to see made, while fighting his more personal battle. He believed there could be a cure, that mankind would unlock the prison cell of 'the 'C' word', and heal him and those others who may be sick with the same or other cancers. He believed that we would never give up, and always keep fighting, and giving to research, and exploring every option to heal each ache there was on earth due to a cancer-related loss or ease the fear of any future disagnosis. He believed the sheer will of his heart his belief and the earnestness with which he faced and fought his disease could and would inspire others to fight their own battles upon their own grounds, on their own terms, and ultimately, would prevail, and perhaps make his fans take stock of their own lives...and pockets.. and move, motivate, donate, and eradicate. The unfiltered view accorded here, in this documentary, is a testament, to not only 'Andy Whitfield, ACTOR', or ,'Andy Whitfield, LOVING FATHER AND HUSBAND', or 'Andy Whitfield, 'BLOKE WHO IS FIGHTING FOR CLARITY, GRACE, AND A CHANCE', but to a genuinely nice fellow, who you'd really like to know, and hang out with, or talk to, or anything.
The world is full of 'if only' and 'I wish'. 'Be Here Now" is a film about one man, and one moment, at a time.
Heartfelt story of strength
StoneColdProductionsLtd11 March 2017
Warning: Spoilers
Just watched this Documentary on Andy and I am impressed at the workmanship and the handling of the subject matter. I AM SPARTACUS! Andy and his family going through this life changing experience was so overwhelmingly honest. Here is a man struggling through one of the most threatening cancers. The strength and positivity his wife gives the family.
Yeah, na.
swoonedd8 January 2020
Obviously many people are taken by this film. To be honest, however, I really don't get it. I found it self-centred and all about glorifying this family. Always good to push for what we want but it seems strange that we do this more than people playing actors then true creators that makes stories possible.
I don't see what benefits people dealing with cancer and overcoming it. it just showed one persons journey with the money has to be able to do it. And then on top of that it's a movie just about then, not about what it does for you.
I quote this to the usual self-centered Bondi attitude that everyone seems to have about saying to make a world a better place but really it's just about themselves.
So I don't get it.
I don't see what benefits people dealing with cancer and overcoming it. it just showed one persons journey with the money has to be able to do it. And then on top of that it's a movie just about then, not about what it does for you.
I quote this to the usual self-centered Bondi attitude that everyone seems to have about saying to make a world a better place but really it's just about themselves.
So I don't get it.
Beautiful, Sad, and Inspiring
reb-warrior4 March 2017
Warning: Spoilers
Well done documentary about Andy Whitfield's battle with cancer. It was a little hard at times watching knowing Andy didn't make it. You'd hear him and his wife, the wonderful Vashti, rally on with a positive attitude that he'd beat this thing. But the viewer knows he didn't
I think what was most inspiring was just listening to Andy and Vashti. I found both Andy and Vashti, relatable, down to earth. Just real.They kept a positive attitude all the way through. Break down and cry, but pick themselves up and move forward. Living in the moment. Being here now.
The documentary really makes you think about things. Really makes you think about life. Thanks Andy and Vashti for sharing your experience. I think it will inspire and help a lot of people.
I think what was most inspiring was just listening to Andy and Vashti. I found both Andy and Vashti, relatable, down to earth. Just real.They kept a positive attitude all the way through. Break down and cry, but pick themselves up and move forward. Living in the moment. Being here now.
The documentary really makes you think about things. Really makes you think about life. Thanks Andy and Vashti for sharing your experience. I think it will inspire and help a lot of people.
Is it for real ? So alive, and so sudden
fraisedesbois25 September 2019
I was touched by the simplicity and how reels it feels.
Prior to watching, I didn't know the ending, and I was expecting him to recover. With such a solid and nice body, with such a positive attitude toward life.
So it was a strong shock to see this healthy man going heavily affected by his sickness in such a short period of time.
You realize then it can happen to anyone, any time. We take our life, our health for granted, our everyday life.
As he said, some complains about having a black spot on their face, and I have cancer... It puts things in perspective. It takes courage to see death coming. It takes a shift, and most of us don't see it coming until the very end.
Struggles of a spartan Hero
NikkoFranco25 May 2018
As a tellyphile, I remember noticing the change of title role actor in Season 2 of Spartacus clearly and wondering why as I know it is not a limited series. Later on I learned from another co-fan that the main actor is battling cancer. After he passed on, I was able to see this documentary about his struggles , and post-Andy more than a few years later I mustered the courage to watch the docu about his struggles with the Big C. It shows the real side of him, his family, his love story with his wife, the trips to the hospital, the trip to India, his mother, his father, his beloved children. As I have immediate family who succumbed to the disease, I can feel Andy's pain nerve per nerve and how it must be in someone's head knowing the clock is ticking. No one can escape death that is the unwritten and sure guarantee we were not handed when we are born in this earth, but Andy as gaunt as he looks in many shots , shows us that every second counts if we are getting off the highway while the rest of the pack still has to look forward to the future sans him, and it is a heartwrenching special documentary , maybe for many of us complaining about life being unfair, stop for a moment and say a prayer for Andy, Andy's children and family, remind yourself always to be here now with those who matter the most.
Get the tissues
fiftycentqueen27 June 2020
What a beautiful strong person
micheller-0966828 December 2018
Be Here Now (The Andy Whitfield Story)
rikishiv3 November 2018
In most cases after watching a movie, I do not share my opinion with the others, but here I just could not stand idly. Lilibet Foster's documentary follows the 'Spartacus: Blood and Sand' star as he struggles with a fatal illness. Whitfield and his wife clearly granted unfettered access to the filmmaker, who captures many highly personal, intimate moments that are both joyous and tragic. Although he suffered bouts of depression, some of which are captured on film, Whitfield emerges as a stoic, indomitable figure, keeping his composure even when receiving the most terrible of news from his doctor. His equally strong wife offers unwavering support, even while gradually realizing that the battle is being lost.Although it's hard to avoid the feeling of invading their privacy at times, the viewer becomes thoroughly invested in the fate of the film's subjects. Watching the once strapping actor as he physically declines is a harrowing experience. But it's offset by the inspiration he and his family members provide as they face his all-too-early fate with dignity and strength.
Beautiful, Powerful, Emotional, REAL!
dcnafari12 October 2018
Do not watch this AmAzing documentary if you or one of your loved ones has cancer. Watch it after the battle is won.
This is a must see documentary about a beautiful father and husband who has tasted success and fame but now has learnt he's got stage 4 cancer. This documentary is about his and his family's journey.
It's shot perfectly, moves at just the right pace to keep reeling you in.
It's a must watch, It'll be your Best 2 hours of your life. It will stay with you forever.
It's the only documentary I would gladly and willing watch again and again.
Thank you Andy and Vashti for being so brave, real and genuine xoxo
an intense experience
hamlet-1619 May 2018
Warning: Spoilers
Sometimes a film goes beyond simple story telling.
Be Here Now is a simply stunning documentary. Andy Whitfield is revealed as far more than the actor who played Spartacus.... his humanity is revealed as day by day he and his wife and family battle the disease that ultimately will kill him.
But as the end approaches he is at peace with himself and the world.
He seems never to rage against the disease or cry out "why me?" as I know I would.
Vale Andy ....
Be Here Now is a simply stunning documentary. Andy Whitfield is revealed as far more than the actor who played Spartacus.... his humanity is revealed as day by day he and his wife and family battle the disease that ultimately will kill him.
But as the end approaches he is at peace with himself and the world.
He seems never to rage against the disease or cry out "why me?" as I know I would.
Vale Andy ....
Immensely Beautiful.
rohhiit22 July 2018
Warning: Spoilers
I really don't bother to review anything on IMDB but Be Here Now actually changes your perception towards life. Andy & his family honestly tried to show whatever he felt throughout most difficult days of his life. Be here now is brutally honest and equally powerful. It hits you hard and breaks you down. One can't even think how hard this was for Andy and his family. Their commitment towards each other is something exceptional. One of the last scene where you get to hear how Andy said Good-Bye to his kids (Saying My Body is broken and I have to Go now) is soul stirring and heart wrenching. Most importantly Be Here Now teaches you that Life is really important even though it is fragile and you should always live your life to fullest. Thank you Andy. You're indeed the greatest gladiator I know and your legacy will live on FOREVER....
Unexpectedly Heartbreaking
u-emoli21 August 2019
I wasn't expecting much from this documentary as I don't like disease based stories. However this documentary is incredibly sweet, inspiring and touching. The story of this handsome actor and his wife and the way they decided to record it, is heartbreaking.
Devastating, inspirational and humbling
Ruskington30 April 2020
There is something incredibly powerful about seeing such a handsome, fit and otherwise healthy young man go through such a dreadful process. This documentary is a very difficult watch but in many ways it is as uplifting as it is devastating. The strength and integrity of Andy's wife Vashti throughout this ordeal is empowering, mesmerising and inspirational. This is a real love story and it will break your heart.
One of the final images of this film is a clip of Andy's son Jesse turning to face the camera and in his face you can vividly see his father, particularly those piercing eyes. This moment had a profound effect on me and is one of the most unintentionally heartbreaking things I have ever seen.
As difficult as it may be, this is a film that everybody should take the time to watch. It will clarify everything important about love, life and health.
One of the final images of this film is a clip of Andy's son Jesse turning to face the camera and in his face you can vividly see his father, particularly those piercing eyes. This moment had a profound effect on me and is one of the most unintentionally heartbreaking things I have ever seen.
As difficult as it may be, this is a film that everybody should take the time to watch. It will clarify everything important about love, life and health.
Cancer in the Zen
cockezville1 May 2018
Warning: Spoilers
Andy Whitfield, father, husband and actor faced his cancer prognosis head on with honesty and grace and applied a be present, zen approach to approaching his cancer , He also had radiation treatment, 11 rounds of chemotherapy, as well as eastern medicine practices like meditation and acupuncture. His wife's strength, pragmatism and devotion reveal such beauty.
Very sad...Ultimately he faces his mortality
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