Movie Magic

"Movies mirror us and invite us to go beyond the obvious. Their themes and images can powerfully equip us to see ourselves as we are at our worst, and at our best, or to help us invent new scripts about who we hope to be... Everything placed in our path can help us... Certain films- like certain lovely people, glorious works of art or music, and special instances of prayer- seem a grace expressly given for our edification."- Marsha Sinetar

Movie Meditation

"I use movies to replenish my creative well- usually videos, which we watch on the weekend. I crave period films with lush sets and costumes for my visual fix, rely on comedies for relief from stress, and seek out black-and-white mysteries and romantic classics from the 1930's and 1940's for sheer escape. I collect movies about angels, reincarnation, the afterlife, and everlasting love. I won't watch scary movies or films with senseless violence- nor should you, because once an image is imprinted on your consciousness it's there forever. I think we all need the uplift provided by films that inspire, encourage, affirm, and celebrate the human spirit.

Meditatively matching your mood to a movie is very restorative and rewarding."- Sarah Ban Breathnach- August 26- Simple Abundance

Movies Can Empower

"Good movies make you care, make you believe in possibilities again."- Pauline Kael

"Studying movies for their mystical message empowers us. We gain insight and greater self-awareness."- Marsha Sinetar in her book Reel Power: Spiritual Growth Through Film.

"Movies elevate our sights, enlarge imagination. Film, like poetry, is one of our heart's most subtle agents. It reminds us of what we know, helps us stretch and change, provides us with a sensory catalyst for creative, cutting-edge change."- Marsha Sinetar

Reel power is "the ability to dig out, and use, whatever is spiritually valuable in a movie."- Marsha Sinetar

Letters to Juliet

Ahhh... those "What-ifs". That's what this movie is about: how what-ifs in our lives can often haunt us, unless we do something about them. Or maybe it's suggesting to just go for it (whatever "it" may be, so that we don't have to worry about what-ifs). Letters to Juliet demonstrates how in some cases, it's not too late to act on a what-if, especially in matters of love. It might not turn out how you wanted, and you may have lost a lot of time in between if it does, but at least you don't have to wonder anymore.

Sophie, the main character, is on a pre honeymoon in Italy with her fiance Victor. They both decide to site-see separately one day, because Victor is a chef exploring the many tastes of Italy in the vineyards, while Sophie is more fascinated by literature and writing.

On Sophie's list of places to visit is the house where Juliet lived in Verona (Yes, Juliet as in THE Juliet from Romeo and Juliet). And Sophie is surprised by what she sees. On the wall outside the house, there are dozens of letters written by women, and all the letters are addressed to Juliet. Some of the women are sitting on the steps writing and shedding tears onto their paper, from the emotions they are revealing to Juliet, but writing none the less.

Sophie is intrigued and follows a group of women carrying a basket full of the letters. These women call themselves Juliet's secretaries because they respond to all the letters on behalf of the legendary Juliet. While picking up some letters off the wall herself, Sophie comes across a letter written fifty years ago. It was written by a woman named Claire, who was too afraid to fight for her love because she knew her family would disapprove, yet she shares her story with Juliet in her writing.

Sophie decides to write back to Claire and thus, the tale begins... a story of perseverance, passion, being guided by intuition, having faith in destiny, but also doubting destiny.. feeling defeated by it because you think it's "letting you down" at times, it is not coming through the way you hoped. But most of all, the tale is about never ever giving up on love. After fifty years, Claire hasn't, and it's all because of Sophie's letter.

"Doubt thou the stars are fire. Doubt that the sun doth move. Doubt truth to be a liar. But never doubt my love," a line from Shakespeare's Hamlet (I believe) was quoted in a scene in the movie.

Those words, as archaic as they may be now, still pull at my heartstrings... reminding me of what I really feel deep down inside: that no matter what I've gone through in relationships, and heard about from friends' relationships- the heartaches, the betrayals, the bitter sweet loves and the mysterious ones that have just disappeared without closure- I will always, always, always believe in Love, the true and real kind. It's scary, it's painful, it can make you crazy and angry and confused sometimes, and test you as a person, but real love is worth believing in. I just know it is. It has to be. It's out there, somewhere. In fact, I think I felt it at a time...

But God knows I haven't given it my all sometimes. And maybe that's why I understand the what-ifs. I have had that feeling of wondering, or imagining what could have been. And I don't always know how to tell if it's just simply curiosity and whimsical daydreaming- just reflecting on a "not-meant-to-be" experience, or if it's a sign that I should have acted on it, or should still act on it...that I should say something and dare to see what will happen next.

"Now, I just want to tell him that I'm sorry that I was such a coward," says Claire. I could really feel for her. I know I've had my own cowardly moments, where I didn't say all that I wanted to in a relationship, didn't risk looking like a fool for love, or where I didn't fight as hard as I could have for love. I hope I do in the future.

My friend Diane (or writer Lucy Smiles) said it so well today when she shared her own experience: "I used to keep one foot in and one foot out of my relationships because I was too afraid to commit, too afraid to trust. I wanted to make sure I had a way out, if I needed."

I smiled because I could flashback on times when I did exactly the same. But that's when the what-ifs resurface... when you know you didn't give it your all. Because if you give it your all, and the relationship doesn't work out, at least you are certain you did your part. I am hoping the next time around.. the next time love comes into my life, I step in with both feet, trusting it and myself, so there is no room for "what-ifs".

But how do you know when a what-if is just a moment of nostalgia, of bitter sweet reminiscing, compared to a what-if that is calling to you to act, to go for it without looking back? How do you know the difference?

This idea of what-ifs, and the aching of what could have been... reminds me of India Arie's song "These Eyes". In it, she describes a lost love or a relationship that never fully developed as "the greatest story never told": "Of life's many mysteries, what intrigues me the most... is who our children would have been, I guess we'll never know. Even as I walk away, I'll always keep the hope..."

Movies are not just movies... when they have the power to make you move and be moved and rethink your actions, or act on something that you've let sit inside you for too long, or just stir something up inside you that perhaps needed stirring ...or confirm what you've always believed... only to have you believe in it even a little stronger and longer. Letters to Juliet did just that for me.

Did You Hear About the Morgans?

Okay, so this movie is predictable as far as its storyline, and some parts are a little cheesy. But Sarah Jessica Parker and Hugh Grant are great actors, and they make a good pair in this movie about a marriage on the rocks. Paul (played by Grant) and Meryl (played by Parker) are separated because Paul slept with another woman. But there is much more to their separation than meets the eye. Paul realizes he has made a mistake and he knows he loves Meryl. The problem lies in how to show her, how to gain her trust and how to get himself back in her good books. "I was so in love with you," explains Meryl in one scene. "But now I can't help but to wish you excruciating pain." (or something along those lines).

Lucky for Paul, a turn of events helps take Meryle away from regular life responsibilities and daily schedules. He gets more time to show her how sorry he is and how much he wants her back in his life. Truth, fears, anger, and new lessons come about to teach Paul and Meryl what is really important in life.

My favourite parts are the trip to the Bargain Barn, the moments of simplicity and the way the couple were forced to live life again without using the phone or computer. We should all try that some time! I think that in itself would solve so many relationship problems- just getting back to talking and spending real time together, rather than getting engrossed in texts and voicemails and emails.

There are funny lines, scenes filled with sarcasm and some cute smiles in this movie from time to time. But it is the subtle and serious reminders about relationships that kept this movie going for me-reminders of what a marriage is really about, what love is really about and what living is really about. It's not about your chauffeur, or your long list of business dates and the next client knocking at your door. It's about people, about enjoying life, about getting back to who we are without all the flashy clothes and titles.

I think this movie put a little hope in me because I've just been hearing so many stories from friends and family about less passion, less trust, less time spent together, more responsibilities and less ... well LOVE in what should be love-filled relationships, love filled marriages. Sure, I realize marriages take work, and they are not always perfect, but when people don't even know what to talk about anymore... that's when I just feel like something needs to change. And that's what this movie is about... a much needed change in scenery that allows for a change in perspective and a realization of what each person wants, what each person needs.

Ironically, all these changes take the couple back to a reminder of why they got married in the first place. I like the way this is portrayed more with some semblance of realism in this movie- acknowledging that people are imperfect, that we have to see what a person is genuinely like rather seeing them only the way we want them to be. I also love the acknowledgment that trust needs to be regained.

I wish I could tell everyone I know, especially the couples going through a rough patch in their relationships, about this movie. I guess I'll just start here. Go see Did You Hear About the Morgans!

Bright Star

Thank you for telling me about this one, Neems! Bright Star. had me from the very first stitch. (In the opening scene, Fanny Brawne, played by Abbie Cornish, is weaving an intricate piece of embroidery).

This movie is based on the true story of the love between Frances Brawne (Fanny) and the famous romantic poet John Keats. The actual words from the poems and letters that Keats wrote way back in the 1800's to Fanny are used throughout the movie.

Though at first, Fanny almost seems to dislike Keats, it doesn't take long for her to become intrigued by his writing, by his creativity and ideas. And she wants to learn from him.

Their relationship quickly goes from one of teacher and student to deep, devotional love. It's a beautiful, innocent, but very intense love. And soon, it becomes almost obsessive. The young couple can't seem to live without one another. But with their different social and economic backgrounds, as well as the fact that Keats becomes very ill, both their families separate decide that it is best for Keats to go away.

Separated from her love, Fanny locks herself in her room, first collecting butterflies in the hope that her love will soon return. But as time goes on without him, the butterflies soon die, and so does Fanny's spirit. She no longer enjoys anything she did in the past, and Keats' is the only thing that she seems to want.

Sadly, Keats dies of turberculosis at the very early age of 25. But what seems even more tragici is that he never knew what an amazing talent and writer he was during his liftetime. In fact, as the afternote in the movie reveals, Keats often thought himself a failure and was often criticized for his work by his peers. If only he could have known that hundreds of years later, he is revered and admired, and that his writing inspires and moves us today. If only he knew the everlasting power of his words and his hard work...

John Keats was a genius. And this movie was a great reminder of that. I can't wait to delve back into my Romantic Poetry notes from university, and to reread Keats' works, especially the letters he wrote to Fanny.

Bright Star

by John Keats

Bright star. Would I were stedfast as thou art--

Not in lone splendour hung aloft the night

And watching with eternal lids apart,

Like nature's patient, sleepless Eremite.

The moving waters at their priestlike task

Of pure ablution round earth's human shores.

Or gazing on the new soft-fallen mask

Of snow upon the mountains and the moors--

No--yet still stedfast, still unchangeable,

Pillow'd upon my fair love's ripening breast.

To feel forever its soft fall and swell,

Awake for ever in a sweet unrest,

Still, still to hear her tender-taken breath.

And so live ever-- or else swoon to death.

Love Happens

"It really does," said the cashier at the theater when I asked for one ticket for Love Happens. I actually thought I heard him wrong. "What did you say?" I asked. "Were you talking to me?" I added. And he confirmed it- "Love really does happen," he repeated. "Maybe not to Jennifer Aniston, but it does," he said with a smile. I was impressed that this young guy was so confident and secure in expressing his views... about love, too, and it made me all the more curious to watch the movie.

But surprisingly, there seemed to be less of a love story in this and more of a life story- many life stories, actually. I think the movie was more about forgiveness- of others and yourself and about mistakes, accidents, and coming to terms with unexpected turn of events. It's about moving forward and making the most of what you've got. I'd like to retitle it Life Happens, because the main character, Burke Ryan, played by Aaron Eckhart, is struggling to make sense of, or go on with his life after the tragic death of his wife.

He turns towards helping others sort out their problems, giving them tools on how to overcome their hurt and pain, but all the while covering up the reality of his own grief and guilt. Even after hearing others, seeing and feeling their devastation but also their courage to go on, Burke doesn't really acknowledge or admit his true emotions until he meets Eloise, played by Jennifer Aniston. Eloise allows Burke to see that he needs to take his own advice, and talk about what really happened to his wife, in order to move forward.

He is reminded that admitting to the anger, guilt and pain of the situation is not only okay but also necessary in the healing process. The emphasis on the importance of honesty towards oneself in the move is inspiring and refreshing.

This movie takes place in Seattle. It was great to recognize a slam poet- (known as Spelt?), who frequents the Vancouver open mic venues in one of the scenes in this movie!

And okay, so the movie wasn't filled with gushing, passionate romance, but a little bit of love, and the hope and potential of new love, was definitely present.

Love Happens? Of course it does! You better believe it. I still do!