I hadn't forgotten this, PeacefulAnarchy. You gave me a lot to think about here, so I waited to come back to it at the end of my replies.
That was a good read. I wish I had that kind of love for something. It also helped me see a bit of what I was missing. I could see the general thrust of the Data and Picard arcs, but they are probably much more meaningful in the context you provide.
Thank you for sticking with me! My answer turned out to be very long winded. I guess I didn't realize I had so much love for it until asked why I did love it.
Re: Shadowlands
smirnoff's quote is good, I couldn't really explain what I meant by unexciting, but I think that's accurate.
I'm glad. You both seemed to be coming from the same place, in your reviews.
I find myself using this movie as a touchstone, to keep me from forgetting the deal.
Why love, if losing hurts so much? I have no answers anymore: only the life I have lived. Twice in that life I've been given the choice: as a boy and as a man. The boy chose safety, the man chooses suffering. The pain now is part of the happiness then. That's the deal.
I was that boy, does that mean I have to be that man? Do I want to be? I've chosen safety for so long I'm not sure I can change that. Am I being a coward, or do I sincerely not believe that's the choice we have to make? It's a great quote but I'm always resistant to wisdoms that view suffering as a necessity rather than an unfair and unfortunate reality.
It's a great quote, regardless of how I feel about its conclusion, because it comes off as sincere and personal. That's why I liked the film, because it wasn't telling me how to feel, it was telling, and showing, me how Lewis felt. I can take it or leave it, or in this case continue wrestling with it probably for the rest of my life, for Lewis it was truth and that gives me perspective.
I've pondered a lot on your words here. I too have fought that quote and I too was "that boy." As for whether I want to be "that man," I give a heart filled yes. I had chosen safety out of fear, but now I choose connection. I had a counselor ask me if I was prepared for the ramifications of that choice. I think I am. I choose love. I choose pain. Children may rebel, companions may leave through death or circumstances, but not connecting to the best of my ability isn't an option for me anymore. I've lived the alternative and it's a half life at best. I wish for a full life, with all that it entails.
(Sorry if that comes across as really obnoxious. It's just that it's been a long road and I'm in the middle of all this change.)
It's a hard path to follow, especially since success is far from being as uniform as what he gets. But, yes, it's what I try to do every day and I appreciate that the film shows his flaws and humanity.
Thanks for another good month. I always find something enlightening in your picks.
You are a teacher!
Did I know that? You have my respect and admiration, for that is not an easy path.
I'm glad you've enjoyed the movies this month. It's
your reviews that enlighten me!