The Diving Bell and the Butterfly

This evening Andrew and I were able to go and see this film at the Watershed. Thanks to Alex and Tamara who played with Cara. Andrew managed to get us free tickets to the preview.

This is a French, subtitled in English, film, based on the book. I have read the book, and really enjoyed it. The film, although different from the book in many details was amazing. It was filmed really well, the acting was great, and it was very moving.

It is amazing how people react to different situations. This man did so much despite having 'locked-in syndrome' and the people around him that helped him were amazing also. It is interesting how those friends and family around him acted with the situation too. How would I react if this happened to me? or someone I know? or love?

Spanglish

A really great film. Not as funny as I thought it would be, but an interesting look at different families, and the way that different people parent, and are.

The Nativity Story

I had been wanting to watch this since I saw the trailers for it, and it lived up to my expectations. It was really well made, and made me think about how it may have really been for Mary and Joseph. It was such a touching moment when Jesus was born, and then when the Shepherds and wise men came to show their respects. I would definitely recommend this film to anyone.

Philadelphia

Film about a guy who sues his firm for wrongful dismissal, due to having AIDS. A very emotional film, with lots to think about.

The Attitude

Ally takes a case where she needs to try and change a Rabbi's mind about a religious topic. She goes to talk to him in his temple, and is quite rude. The Rabbi does not take too kindly to this, and this is not good for Ally's client. Ally goes back to apologise, but ends up being rude again. In the end the Rabbi actually finds it funny, and finally decides that it is great. He later explains that most people don't speak their mind when talking to him since he's become a Rabbi - that it was refreshing to finally hear what someone really thinks. It got me thinking whether I don't speak my mind round certain people, and it's probably true. There are things left unsaid at times because of politeness. Is this good? or is honesty in all occasions best?

An American Tail

What a great movie. So many great songs! There Are No Cats in America... Somewhere Out There... and Never Say Never. What a great idea as well - to never say never. Is it always best to stay positive? In this film you can see how Fievel changes as soon as he meets some who have lost hope. His whole countenance and character change. Luckily for him his family was not far away. I love that this film is about family and about unity as a people also. What a great idea to have the mice get rid of the cats. At one point a mouse asks to the crowd of mice.. "are we mice or men?" to which they all shout "MICE!". Fantastic!

Now I Know, Don't Be Scared

Susan finds out that Mike (her now husband and father of her unborn baby) has a father who is in prison. She previously was told that he was dead. They went to meet him, and Susan was shocked that he didn't feel bad for the murder that he is in prison for. It seems that she has a problem with her baby's Grandfather being that person. This is why Mike didn't want to tell her, he didn't want to be judged by his fathers deeds. Is our character determined by our parents, or other family members? I don't think it is, but it can definitely be effected by those people who are most in our lives, don't you think?