Monday, April 11, 2016

Word of the Week - 110

Word of the Week: LIFE

It was a weekend of treats, two movies with no explosions, interstellar travel, explicit language or ass kicking.  Not that I have anything against such pictures.  Far from it.  However, there are times when storytelling in a lower key is a better match.

On my sister's recommendation, we saw BROOKLYN, which allowed the two of us to bring out our favorite moments for discussion and agreement.  Such details as the department store's pneumatic tube system recalled our childhoods.  The sweet and gentle exploration of life as some have lived it gave a needed respite from wearying, real-world harshness.  We took to heart various aspects of the immigrant experience, very much a part of almost all our histories, certainly my sister's and mine.  And I happily confess to being a fool for Irish music.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=rflaJNqmxpg

The link above, if it works, will take you to the trailer for a Chinese film, A SIMPLE LIFE, another quiet segment of the human experience, dealing with love and respect, growing old and, by my definition, managing, as best one can, to adjust to life's demands.

It seems to me that there are as many ways to be part of the human family as there are humans.  Every story ever told explores the infinite variations, unique responses, choices made.  The best stories remind me that no one, no one, has it easy.  How a thing appears from the outside is no true measure.  Hooray for the movie-makers, all those names scrolling past once the picture ends.  Hooray and thank you.  My world continues to expand.

3 comments:

Kass said...

I loved "Brooklyn." The story, the cinematography, Saoirse Ronan's sweet face and accent...everything.

"A Simple Life" looks very worthwhile. I love that it is based on a true story. The music in the youTube short made it even more touching.

Marylinn Kelly said...

Kass - My son and felt it was a memorable weekend of viewing. Both movies, each in their own way, transported us from here and/or now with great style and affection. Please let me know if you see A SIMPLE LIFE and what you think. On Monday we watched Andy Lau as a crooked Hong Kong cop in INFERNAL AFFAIRS. My son discovered Hong Kong cinema in the 90s and we've been fans ever since. xo

Marylinn Kelly said...

Kass - Son and I, that is.