One thing I have often noticed in my life is that I am drawn to two different kinds of basically anything that can be defined as a noun: person, place, thing or idea. One is BIG, important sounding, having an air of authority (real or presumed) and possessing great charisma. I like these people, places, things and ideas. I talk about them a lot.
The other, which I ultimately respect more, is quiet and understated. These people, places, things and ideas do not have much–if any–advertising: they speak for themselves and their eloquence is not less powerful for not being repeated elsewhere. These are the stories, ideas, objects and art that I really love; the people I truly want to be like.
One movie that rather defines the second category is Neverwas, my favorite movie of all time.
Neverwas is also the movie that you simply can’t review. The power of this film is being experienced, being lived with no idea what comes next. Further viewings deepen your respect for it, draws your attention to the subtle details (at least, it did for me); but it really needs that first viewing.
If you are going to watch it, my advice is don’t look it up online. Don’t read the reviews or the ratings. Just watch it. It is probably too intense for young children, but there are no scenes you will need to fast-forward on account of skin or violence.
What I will say is that this is a movie that will break your heart and put it back together somewhat wiser than it was before.
October 19, 2009 at 1:29 PM
A definite must see movie!
October 19, 2009 at 3:22 PM
Just discovered that my blog update thing is demented and only shows half of the updates it should soooo I am dreadfully behind in commenting. Sorry!
Anyhow. I’ve never heard of this movie before. A must see, eh? *goes off to look up plot* Madness and novels! Looks good!
And I completely agree with your first two paragraphs… I notice it with fictional characters especially. The headstrong, impulsive, blatantly heroic ones are interesting to read about, but for all their acclaim, I’d much rather know someone of the second sort in real life.
So glad you’re doing NaNoWriMo! Your story sounds fascinating, I’d love to read it.
October 19, 2009 at 3:42 PM
Yes, Neverwas is a DEFINITE must-see!
That’s all right, Kelsey! I hope you enjoy Neverwas.
I can’t wait to read your NaNo story, either!
October 20, 2009 at 7:55 AM
Is it appropriate for 12 year olds? Who don’t run away screaming from blood and guts but do from other things? Like a guy? (That’s pretty much the way I am about movies; battles are neat, kissing is gross.)
October 20, 2009 at 9:15 AM
Good question…it is emotionally intense…it’s rated PG-13 for thematic issues, if that’s any help.
This is either going to make no sense or a lot of sense, but the emotional content of Neverwas is like the intense moments of the Lion King, only there for the whole movie.
October 20, 2009 at 12:03 PM
Thanks! It did make sense, btw. I asked Mom and she said that we should watch it together.