Forever Young

1992

Director: Steve Miner

Distributor: Warner Brothers / Icon Entertainment

Key Elements: Story – Characters – Concept – Message - Music

My Review:

Sci Fi romances are an unusual genre of film. This is probably because they’re hard to make without being completely campy and contrived. The only ones I can think of that actually pull it off are Eternal Sunshine of the spotless mind and this one.

A 1940’s test pilot is planning to propose to his girlfriend. But before he can work up the nerve, she gets in a traffic accident. He believes she is dead. In despair, he signs up for his friend’s military cryogenic freezing experiment. He is supposed to be frozen for only a year. Unfortunately, soon after he is frozen, the friend dies and he is forgotten, put into storage.

Years later, two boys accidentally unfreeze him. As he stumbles to consciousness, he realizes that he is in a different time and he cannot find anyone familiar with the experiment. He accepts the hospitality of a boy and his mother. While trying to find out what happened to his friend, he discovers that the woman he loved and believed to be dead is actually alive. But the effects of the freezing are taking a toll on his body. Will he survive long enough to make it to his love?

Ok… it SOUNDS corny. But somehow, the execution works.

You really believe this man is hurting, that he really loves his girl. And you come to like him as you watch the way he carries himself. His old school style and manners stun every woman he talks to. And his old school left hook stuns any guy who doesn’t treat women right.

Also, the kid is hilarious adding an element of childlike wonder to the otherwise over the top premise.

This movie has heart all over it. Whether it’s the main characters undying love, or the kid serenading his schoolyard sweetheart, the message is that if you love them, you should tell them, because you might not get another chance. Great watch.

clip:




Quotes:

• You are my sunshine, my only sunshine. You make me happy, when skies are gray. You'll never know dear, how much I love you. Please don't take my sunshine away.
  - Is this some kind of prank?
  No, sir. No, sir this is very serious. My name is Nat Cooper and I'm in love with your daughter.
  - Nat... go home.

Braveheart

1995

Director: Mel Gibson

Distributor: Paramount Pictures / Icon Entertainment

Key Elements: Story, Characters, Line, Message, Music, Gospel

My Review:

This is a must see for anyone with a Y-chromosome. It is rare that a movie comes out with such an inspiring and iconic leading man.

This movie blends history with legend to present the story of William Wallace, liberator of Scotland. His character shows what a leader must be.

Wallace is a devoted lover, a fierce fighter and an inspiring leader. He is led by passion and principle, not selfishness. Though he is a warrior, his heart it for peace in freedom. He is brutal against compromise and he is completely devoted to God.

Parallels can be seen between Wallace’s character and the person of Christ. This is most evidently illustrated in the use of a cross motif during the execution. Just as Wallace gives his life to free Scotland from the tyranny of England, Jesus died to free us from the tyranny of sin.

No matter how inspiring Wallace’s character is, he is only a vague reflection of the true liberating warrior – Jesus Christ.

Clip:



Quotes:

• I shall tell you of William Wallace. Historians from England will say I am a liar, but history is written by those who have hanged heroes.
• I know you can fight. But it's our wits that make us men.
• Your heart is free. Have the courage to follow it.
• In order to converse with an equal, an Irishman is forced to talk to God.
• Aye, fight and you may die, run, and you'll live... at least a while. And dying in your beds, many years from now, would you be willing to trade ALL the days, from this day to that, for one chance, just one chance, to come back here and tell our enemies that they may take our lives, but they'll never take... OUR FREEDOM!
• Lower your flags and march straight back to England, stopping at every home to beg forgiveness for a hundred years of theft, rape, and murder. Do this and your men shall live. Do it not, and every one of you will die today.
• Now tell me, what does that mean to be noble? Your title gives you claim to the throne of our country, but men don't follow titles, they follow courage. Now our people know you. Noble, and common, they respect you. And if you would just lead them to freedom, they'd follow you. …And so would I.
• I don't want to lose heart! I want to believe as he does.
• I never lie, but I am a savage.
• Every man dies, not every man really lives.
• God makes men what they are.
• In the Year of our Lord 1314, patriots of Scotland - starving and outnumbered - charged the fields of Bannockburn. They fought like warrior poets; they fought like Scotsmen, and won their freedom.

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