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| The Ultimate Gift (2006) |
A harsh awakening awaits Jason Stevens, a young man used to a lavish lifestyle provided by his affluent grandpa Howard "Red" Stevens. After Red's death, Jason anticipates receiving a sizable fortune. But the will shows an unexpected turn of events. Instead of receiving a flat sum payment, Jason will have to spend a year completing a series of twelve tasks that are meant to be "gifts" in order to collect his fortune.
Jason reluctantly sets off on this unexpected excursion because he is angry and bitter at his grandfather, who he believes has never shown him any concern. Compared to his leisurely existence, the first gift entails working as a laborer for a building business. He learns from this experience the importance of perseverance and the dignity of effort.
Jason is further pushed by the second present. He must experience poverty and adversity personally by volunteering at a nearby homeless shelter. He is forced by this encounter to acknowledge both his own advantages and the hardships of others who are less fortunate.
As Jason advances through the obstacles, he meets Ted Hamilton, an attorney who serves as Red's executor. Ted serves as a guide, outlining the rationale for every gift. He discloses that, despite his rough demeanor, Red had a genuine concern for Jason and wished for him to grow into a better man.
Making friends with a young girl named Emily who is suffering from a fatal disease is one of the most meaningful presents. As he spends more time with her and her mother, Jason and she develop a stronger relationship than when he first meets her. He learns from this event the value of having compassion, accepting one's own mortality, and savoring the fleeting moments in life.
Jason receives another gift that takes him to South America, the place where his late father had labored for Red. There, Jason learns the whole story of his father's passing and the events leading up to their tense relationship with his grandpa. He is able to reconcile his own anger with Red and forgive his father thanks to this adventure.
Through these difficulties, Jason begins to let go of his conceit and learn the importance of giving back. He makes contact with his ex-girlfriend Lexi again and discovers the value of wholesome partnerships. In addition, he develops a flair for carpentry—a skill he had never had before.
Red records a video message for Jason to watch as he finishes each present, which was done just before Red passed away. In addition to expressing Red's affection for his grandchild, these notes disclose Red's reasons and provide sincere counsel. Jason learns more about his grandfather and the person he really was thanks to these communications.
Maybe the hardest present to give is the last one. Jason has to trust a total stranger's judgment and hand up a sizable sum of money. He is forced to acknowledge his attachment to worldly belongings and embrace the true meaning of riches as a result of this act of unselfish charity.
Jason has changed from a spoilt playboy to a kind and responsible young man at the end of the year. He now understands the importance of perseverance, empathy, forgiveness, and interpersonal relationships. He is aware that real riches comes from connections, experiences, and the difference one makes in the world rather than from material belongings.
But the inheritance itself is not the ultimate gift. It's the significant personal development Jason has had as a result of the difficulties. He now has the means and the motivation to create a fulfilling life. Jason decides to continue his quest for self-discovery and help others with his fortune as the film comes to an end.
FULL VIDEO RECAP OF "THE ULTIMATE GIFT (2006)"
CAST OF "THE ULTIMATE GIFT (2006)"
Drew Fuller as Jason Stevens
James Garner as Howard 'Red' Stevens
Abigail Breslin as Emily Rose
Bill Cobbs as Mr. Theophilus Hamilton
Lee Meriwether as Miss Hastings
George Lee as Pastor
Brett Rice as Bill Stevens
D. David Morin as Jack Stevens
Ali Hillis as Alexia
Mircea Monroe as Caitlin
Donna Cherry as Sarah Stevens
Catherine McGoohan as Ruth Stevens
Mark Joy as Bill's Lawyer
Mel Fair as Jack's Lawyer
Alecia Brady Curcuru as Bill's Wife
Francis Isaac as Bill's Daughter
Daniel Barbeau as Teenager Stevens
Kenneth A. Free Jr. as Associate #1
Other Info
Director: Michael O. Sajbel
Writers: Cheryl McKay - Jim Stovall
Genres: Drama - Family - Romance
Release Date: March 9, 2007
Country of Origin: United States
Filming Locations: Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
Production Companies: The Ultimate Gift LLC - Dean River Productions - LIFE(n)
Runtime: 1 hour 54 minutes