Tag: Movie

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The Movie That Gave Me All The Feels

Like most, I love me a good movie. It’s nice to be able to sit down and forget about reality for a bit and dive into the life of something or someone else.

I watched a highly anticipated movie when it first came out in 2009, and to this day, it left a lasting impression on me. I remember feeling inspired, in awe, there was love and loss, conflict and resolution, and had a good, strong narrative. I remember feeling like I was having an existential crisis afterwards. The feeling and inspiration of wanting to do more.. be more.

So which movie gave me all these feelings?

The highest grossing film of all time, James Cameron’s 2009 Avatar.

Emotional Connection

The Na’vi people have a word for “bond” or “connection” and it’s called Tsaheylu – a mental connection to one another. This connection in a way, was brought to life, when experiencing this movie for the first time. You felt like you were a part of the the character’s development and the trials and tribulations of Jake Sully, Neytiri, Dr. Grace Augustine, the Na’vi people, and the creatures of Pandora. Each with their own unique layers, motivations, and struggles. You had characters you fell in love with and were rooting for, and you had the villains you despised. The emotion put into every single detail of the alien environment, music and characters is fantastic and the story it told was remarkable. The connection between the current real world encroachment on our ecosystems is also very prevalent and really gives you something to think about and reflect upon.

Visually Captivating

This movie was innovative and visually stunning especially for it’s time being released in 2009. The movie transported you to a world unlike anything you’ve ever seen before. The colors, CGI effects, movements, symbolism, and the elements of spirituality all tied in to create the most beautiful and captivating cinematic experience. During the plot development in the beginning of the movie (just when you thought the visuals couldn’t get any better) you’re introduced to Pandora at night. The subtle lighting cues and the experience of the bioluminescent environment is like something out of a dream. Avatar was pinnacle in the film industry, as it was one of the pioneers in 3D technology.

The Plot

The film’s plot follows a classic formula of an outsider thrown into a new world facing conflicts, and ultimately finding themselves aligned with the indigenous people. While this theme is not entirely original, Avatar manages to create a compelling narrative with a strong environmental message. The themes of corporate greed, exploitation, and the destruction of nature resonate, and they serve as a reminder of the importance of preserving our planet. The story is captivating, gripping and suspenseful – blending science fiction, action, and romance in a way that keeps you involved and on the edge of your seat from start to finish.

It’s a true masterpiece in it’s own way and it will leave you in awe long after the credits have rolled.

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No Country For Old Men

“Somewhere you made a choice. All followed to this.”

Anton Chigurh, No Country For Old Men

It’s Christmas morning. Mariah Carey is playing over the speakers quietly. I slowly rise up from under the blankets and make my way downstairs to join my family around the tree. Little about myself; I love giving gifts, but am a horrible gift receiver. I think it’s because I have a tough time hiding my feelings. “Socks?! You shouldn’t have.”

My girlfriend at the time hands me a gift, beautifully wrapped in gold and red. I carefully tear all the paper off and in my hands I now hold a box. “Nature Valley Granola Bars? You shouldn’t have!”

“No, Cody. Inside the box..” I am politely told from a voice across the room.

Inside, there is no granola to be found. But there is a blu-ray disk.

Directed by Joel and Ethan Coen, No Country For Old Men was released in box offices November 2007 and features incredible cast members such as:

The story is set in the in 1980’s on the Texas – Mexico boarder. While out hunting for antelope, Llewelyn Moss stumbles across the aftermath of a drug exchange gone horribly wrong. After exploring the scene, he discovers a lump sum of cash (2.4 million dollars to be exact) and can’t resist taking the money. This could help solve a lot of problems in his life, but instead is the start of many more.

Unknowingly to Moss, the briefcase of cash contains a GPS tracking device. This is when our antelope hunter, becomes the hunted, and must escape the literal hands of death. Enter Anton Chigurh, now listed as #44 on Empire Magazines Top 100 Greatest Movie Characters of All Time.

“If the rule you followed brought you to this, of what use was the rule?”

Anton Chigurh
No Country For Old Men

Little spoken words. Music quietly played through out. Intense scenes of chaos. An ongoing battle between good vs evil. Well developed characters. I had no idea that Christmas morning I would be opening a box that would, not only become my favourite present, but also my favourite movie recommendation to others.

No Country for Old Men is almost considered, by me, a modern day Charlie Chaplin silent film. Almost completely removed of all music and spoken dialogue for much of the film, the strength of the film are the provided by the outstanding performances from the entire cast of actors. Josh Brolin as Llewelyn Moss, for example, often builds tension in scenes without saying a single word.

“One of the things you realize about gettin older is that not ever’body is goin to get older with you.”

Llwelyn Moss, No Country For Old Men

The Coen Brothers did an amazing job on this film. If you don’t believe me, take a look at this list of awards this movie has won since released in 2007. I highly recommend you sit down and watch this movie, not once, but a couple of times. I have seen it, I believe 5 times now, and each time I pick up on another small, but big detail, I missed the time before.

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Film: Mulan (1998)

“The flower that blooms in adversity is the most rare and beautiful of all”

Mulan is an animated Disney movie from 1998 based on the Chinese legend of Hua Mulan. In the story Mulan leaves home to take her father’s place in the army during the Hun invasion. The movie follows her path from being an outcast to becoming a strong warrior who eventually saves the Emperor and China.

Why I love Mulan as a Story

I’ve loved this story since I was a child, it had the perfect combination of action, drama, romance and suspense especially for an animated film. Additionally, Mulan was one of the first female-lead Disney movies that wasn’t a princess and made the lead character a regular person that didn’t include a traditional Disney version of ‘femininity’ and happily ever after.

Mulan & the Four Principles of Good Storytelling: Universal

As a story, Mulan hits every single point of Pixar’s four principles of good storytelling and incorporate a number of its 22 rules of storytelling. The first point, “great stories are universal” applies because many of us have struggled with being an outcast, trying to fit in or facing adversity to better yourself. We can also all relate to the reasoning why Mulan chose to risk her life and potentially bring dishonour to her family: the love of her father and being worried for his wellbeing and wanting to make her family proud. These themes are universal among many people in society and helps the audience connect to this story.

Mulan & the Four Principles of Good Storytelling: Clear Structure and Purpose

Mulan also has a very clear structure and purpose as the audience can easily follow along the different steps of her journey to get to the final. The structure, based on Helping Writers Become Authors website would (generally) be:

  • Mulan fails at the matchmaker
  • Mulan takes her father’s place in the army
  • The Huns challenge the Chinese army
  • Mulan retrieves the arrow at the camp
  • The Chinese army is attacked
  • Mulan is discovered as a woman and let go of the army
  • The Huns kidnap the emperor
  • Mulan kills the Hun leader
  • Mulan returns to her family with honour as a hero.

Mulan & the Four Principles of Good Storytelling: Simple & Focused

Mulan as a story is also very simple and focused, while many elements are going on the primary focus is Mulan finding herself and growing into a warrior who honours their family. By keeping this focus, we feel even more connected to the character and root for them even more because we know what they are working towards.

Mulan & the Four Principles of Good Storytelling: Give a Character to Root for

Finally, the last principle of good storytelling, Mulan is absolutely a character to root for. Through her rejection at the matchmaker to her going through base camp and getting stronger and initially being rejected by the other soldiers we all want to see her succeed and bring honour to her family. They showed not only her highs and lows but also how she got from her lowest to her highest.

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