Life of Pi

Life of Pi is a film that explores the concept of faith. As an old man, Pi tells the fascinating story of his life. However he tells two stories; One story involves animals and other fantastical events and the other one involves humans and is rather gruesome. Pi admits to his audience that neither story can be proven so he asks them which story they prefer. They decide that they prefer the story with the animals, and Pi responds by saying “and so it goes with God.” Pi is suggesting that a life with God is preferable. If the meaning of our existence cannot be explained, isn’t it better to have faith in a story that makes life more beautiful? Having faith in a religion can enhance an individual’s life, and this is what Pi teaches us through this film. 

Memento

I found the film Memento to be very thought provoking. This film revolves around a man, Leonard, who has suffered from a traumatic brain injury. This injury destroys his short term memory and he is unable to make new memories, so often times throughout the film, Leonard forgets what he is doing. He must to rely on notes, polaroid photos, and sayings that he has tattooed on his body to achieve his goal of finding the man who killed his wife. Leonard’s memory is unreliable, so what makes up his identity… isn’t it our memories that make us who we are? This idea is also examined in Blade Runner. When Rachel discovers that she is a replicant and her memories are entirely false, her world is shattered. She has no clue who she really is. Leonard is able to remember the events leading up to his injury, so that is all he has. He knows who he was, but doesn’t really know who he is. 

The Village

I watched M Night Shyamalan's The Village when I was in sixth grade thinking that it would be a typical horror movie about scary creatures that haunt helpless individuals. At the time I wasn’t aware that the director was Shyamalan and that he was known for his mind boggling plot twists. With all of that said, I was thoroughly shocked when I discovered the truth about this small quasi 19th century town in Pennsylvania. Dissatisfied with the evil and corruption prevailing in the modern world, a group of individuals decided to create their own self sufficient town and live simpler lives like those of the 19th century. The village actually exists in the 21st century and the elders allow no man to go beyond the woods where they would discover the truth about the world. 

A few years ago when I read Plato’s Allegory of the cave, I noticed a lot of parallels between the two stories. The citizens of the village are essentially shackled like the humans in the cave. The villagers and the cave dwellers are unaware of their true reality. This idea has forced me to question my own perceived reality and ask the question: Is there something that is even more real and true than what I can currently perceive? 

The Name of the Wind

This fantasy novel is the first in a trilogy of books that follows the life of Cvothe the King Killer. In the first book we see a young boy barely able to survive on the streets, as a homeless child growing up after his family was massacred by The Chandrian. He grows up with fight and knowledge in his soul. He figures out a way to get off of the streets and goes to the University where he learns magic and other arts. This story would make a great film because of the underlying power of narrative. This book explains the power of individual desires through the motives of a young boy. By examining his individual fight for survival and betterment the reader can see how his internal power creates external power. Cvothe's fight for acceptance and progress makes the story a religious narrative about the power of human action.

Lamb

Have you ever wondered what Jesus's youth looked like. The book Lamb takes a look at Jesus through the eyes of his BFF Biff. This satirical fiction explores religion and friendship and the paths that create the people we are. While this novel is just a fun read, it holds powerful meaning for the choices we make in our life. This novel follows Jesus (Joshua) in his youth as he explores the power of sin that holds itself over human nature. His calling as the son of God sends him on his quest to explore humanity and figure out his purpose as a divine incarnation.  This book is funny and telling of the innocence of youth and the power of choice.

Babett's Feast

This sweet film showed the compassion of different cultures. The power of sisterhood and friendship help create a tone of care for this movie. In a small Danish village two young sisters grow up under the power of their father and local minister. As they age and their father dies they hire a young woman to be their servant. Her refugee status making her agree to help these women with whatever they want. Through the film Babett cooks and cleans for the women but they never let her explore her French culture. When Babett wins the lottery and is able to return to her home in France she cooks one last meal for the ladies. Her fanciful French cooking is not what these women are used to and by allowing them to try a new culture, they realize how locked away they have been.

Wings of Desire

My least favorite film of the class. This movie was so hard for me to watch but I know it was a wonderful film. I had such a hard time connecting to the characters because they were so un-connectable. The lives of angels are not meant to be shared with humanity. Humans cannot comprehend the power these creatures have and the angels cannot live the full and diverse lives that humans lead. This film focused on the life of an angel that just wanted to be loved. His willingness to give up his image and power for a human life shows the emotional nature of existence. Love is the holy figure in this film, by letting the character explore his love through a veil of angelic power their connection grows. Her love for more and his love for more gives them something to look for in each other. His desire to be able to love her helped him escape into the world of humanity.