Films are an escape from our dimension into another. They are a portal, a window into oblivion. Sometimes, a decent film is all it takes for us to leave our troubles behind and embark upon a journey into- and here's the best part- wherever and whenever we like.
So here goes nothing, a based-on-a-true-story, film to feel good: Awakenings
Nothing short of a masterpiece, by virtue of Penny Marshall. Robert de Niro (has to) steal the show with a moving performance portraying Mr. Leonard Lowe, a catatonic patient being treated by none other than Robin Williams. Look out for some true tearjerker moments and a light, memorable sequence with the Zombies song 'Time of the Season'. Julie Kavner also plays the part of a kind-hearted nurse working alongside the doctor, bringing him out of his shell.
What stands out about this lovely film is how it gets you to let go of the melancholy mood, all part of the January package deal, and just simply appreciate life in all it's glory. It shows you what living is really all about...Love. Freedom. Being happy with what you have- a beating heart and a good pair of lungs for example- cue inspirational speech courtesy of Williams ;)
So if you see one film this week, watch Awakenings and start the weekend off with a happy-go-lucky outlook on life. See you soon~Athena
A poem from the movie:
The Panther
His vision, from the constantly passing bars,
has grown so weary that it cannot hold
anything else. It seems to him there are
a thousand bars; and behind the bars, no world.
As he paces in cramped circles, over and over,
the movement of his powerful soft strides
is like a ritual dance around a center
in which a mighty will stands paralyzed.
Only at times, the curtain of the pupils
lifts, quietly--. An image enters in,
rushes down through the tensed, arrested muscles,
plunges into the heart and is gone.
has grown so weary that it cannot hold
anything else. It seems to him there are
a thousand bars; and behind the bars, no world.
As he paces in cramped circles, over and over,
the movement of his powerful soft strides
is like a ritual dance around a center
in which a mighty will stands paralyzed.
Only at times, the curtain of the pupils
lifts, quietly--. An image enters in,
rushes down through the tensed, arrested muscles,
plunges into the heart and is gone.
Rainer Maria Rilke
