Novels, of course, are just one form of storytelling. Movies are another, and I confess that, when I am working hard on a book, I love to treat myself with a couple of hours watching movies that touch my heart or make me laugh.
I'm careful about making movie recommendations. What I think is wonderful, others might hate. Come to think of it, I've had people reject some of my books because of the themes of the stories, books that God has used in profound ways. The Forgiving Hour and Ribbon of Years have both been tossed into the trash without being finished. And yet I get more letters of hearts touched because of those two novels than any others I've written.
The acting is top notch, not just by the adult leads (Tom Hanks and Sandra Bullock) but by the child lead, Thomas Horn. Superb! I am familiar with Aspergers behavior, and this kid captured that literal way of thinking and speaking to a T.
The Netflix blurb says this: "Believing that his father left him a message before dying in the September 11 attacks, young Oskar Schell embarks on an emotional odyssey through New York City to find the lock that matches a key he found among his father's belongings."
Although this film incorporates the horror of the 9/11 tragedy, I don't believe the story exploits it. That painful background is used, instead, to tell the honest and moving story of a boy's love for his father and his father's love for him. And although it doesn't seem like it at first, it is also a love story between mother and son.
Have you seen it? What did you think?
~robin (who is incredibly close to typing the end on another book; when that happens, I'll get extremely loud with shouts of joy)
I have not seen it, but it looks like a great movie :-) I think I'm going to have to find a way to see it. Thanks Robin!
ReplyDeleteFor those who don't follow me on Facebook, we have an answer to prayer! I was offered and I accepted a job on Friday! It's in Clarksville, TN, and it is in the schools, so I'm definitely excited about that. An ongoing prayer request is for safe travels, as it is an hour drive each way :-) Thank you, sweet ladies, who have kept our family in your prayers the last couple weeks.
But now I have to rush off...first day of work!!!
Robin I'll take your recommendations any day. I love Jane Austen and I have purchased "The Help," "A Courageous Heart" and "Courageous." But all "sit" and no exercise, is not GOOD for this fair lady,sooo, the DVD of them all, for me, is a MUST! Yes,that's right.. The AB Wave. ROFLOL! I can now swing happily along, twisting and turning as I indulge in my passion of watching your "top notch" recommendations, but oh dear..I just had one choc too many!! Oh dear, better look at the calorie counter again *sigh* LOL.
ReplyDelete@ Catherine, on a more serious note. I am so thrilled that your Prayers have been answered and have received your position in Clarksville in the schools. I will pray that you have safe travelling to and fro my friend.
If you get disheartened with the distance, just send a message to our Canadian friend, KAV. You two can commiserate about travelling!:)
Thanks for the recommendation, Robin! I haven't seen this, but would like to. ~ Rosie, you are so funny!! Am chuckling at your exercise comment, LOL! ~ Catherine, CONGRATULATIONS on your new job!!! Will continue praying for you, and for safety as you travel to/from your job. ~ Hope everyone is having a Marvelous Monday! ~ Hugs, Patti Jo :)
ReplyDeleteHey, everyone. Since none who have commented have seen it, I look forward to knowing your thoughts when you do see it.
ReplyDeleteCongrats, Catherine, one the new job, although I'm sorry it is such a long commute for you.
Rosie, I do a lot of my movie watching while on the treadmill, so know exactly what you mean.
Patti Jo, I'm trying to remember if there is a cat in the movie so I could make a PURRfect remark about it. Alas, I cannot remember.
I enjoyed the movie, Extremely Loud Incredibly close made me cry. Very seldom do I cry at movies.
ReplyDeleteI have a son who is on the Autism Spectrum so this movie hit close to home with me. The single-minded, obsessive/compulsive behavior of the boy in the movie is very realistic. I was very surprised that he was not nominated for an Oscar - he was amazing. This is not for the faint of heart. I saw it at the movies which is different then watching on TV.
ReplyDeleteThis movie is on its way in the mail to me as I type. I've had it in my Netflix queue, and now it is next in line! From the previews, I thought it focused on 9-11. Didn't realize there was a character with Asperger's. My husband and I have two sons on the Autism spectrum, so this movie will probably make me cry!
ReplyDeleteI'm a new reader of this blog, but I've been a reader of your books for awhile. :)
Carissa, it isn't unknown for me to tear up at movies and have to sniff and blow, but this made me weep. In the best way a movie can do it, by touching my heart.
ReplyDeleteRuth, I agree. I cannot believe the young actor didn't get a nomination. This kid nailed it.
Suzanne, if you have two sons in the Autism spectrum, this movie is sure to touch you in a personal way. Thanks for reading my books, and welcome to our blog!
Sure looking forward to this movie.
ReplyDeleteI was intrigued by your comments on your books - especially "The Forgiving Hour" which I have recommended to many folk over the years as the best novel dealing with forgiveness I've read. In fact, it was a privilege to hear you speak about your own experience of having to put forgiveness into practice at your great talk at the church service after Chicago RWA 1999.
It has always highlighted the fact to me that no matter what happens in our lives, God can use those times to bless others with the love, comfort and strength we receive from Him as we walk with Him each step in this crazy old world.
Looking forward so much to another one of your great books, Robin!