Same Kind of Different As Me - Djimon Hounsou and Ron Hall Interview

Djimon Hounsou in, Same Kind of Different Me

SAME KIND OF DIFFERENT AS ME is based on the New York Times best-seller of the same name written by Ron Hall. It recounts his inspiring true story as a successful businessman with a broken marriage, an emotionally scarred homeless man with sensitivity beyond his circumstances, and the woman who helped them experience a bond that crossed the socioeconomic divides that could have separated them.  

The film follows Ron (Greg Kinnear) an international art dealer, whose home life in Dallas is nowhere near as fulfilling as his professional one. He has long since stopped working on anything but appearances in his marriage, a practice he likely inherited from his estranged alcoholic father (Jon Voight). But when his wife, Debbie (Renée Zellweger), discovers his infidelity, she offers him forgiveness – and in an effort to restore their marriage, he joins her in volunteering at a local homeless shelter. 

As Ron struggles to find the same joy his wife experiences in helping the less-fortunate, the couple meets Denver (Djimon Hounsou), a homeless man served by the shelter, whose gentle heart is protected by a tough exterior from decades of accumulated injustices. But it’s Debbie, who recognizes Denver from a dream, and pushes her husband to befriend him, believing together they can help change the city. Ultimately the three share the most unexpected and incredible journey of their lives. 

Renee Zellweger and Greg Kinnear

Deborah passed away from Cancer but before she died she made Ron promise that he carry on her work to help the homeless. As a matter of fact, Debbie's final words to Ron were "Do not give up on Denver. God is going to bless your friendship in ways you can never imagine." Together, Denver and Ron did nearly 400 events in the 10 years after her death. Using the book and story at those events, they helped raise nearly $50 million together for the homeless. After Denver's death a few years ago, Ron has continued to share their story at missions, universities, and churches all across America and has raised in excess of $90 million.

This journey all began with a dream, one Deborah had that came true when she met the homeless Denver. The Halls' were forever changed and Ron was inspired to write  Same Kind of Different as Me, and then share the experience even further with the release of the film. 

Hounsou, who is outstanding as Denver says that he was attracted to the story in part because before he made it as a successful model and actor, he spent time in Paris as a homeless man.  Denver's story immediately resonated with him and Hounsou say he was determined to do the role justice. 

I spoke with Ron Hall and Djimon Hounsou via satellite from Los Angeles about working on this film, their work with the homeless and why it is so important to have a this story told on the big screen at this time. (CLICK BELOW) 

SAME KIND OF DIFFERENT AS ME OPENS IN THEATRES ON OCTOBER 20TH