Letters To Juliet

Since I shared with you the other day a new movie which I have watched and loved, I decided that, after watching Letters to Juliet last evening I would share my thoughts on that movie as well. Simply, it was a wonderful love story - very clean considering the culture in which it was created, and very heart-warming. Of course it is an unlikely story that is full of events one would never expect to occur in reality, but isn't that the fun of books and movies? Being able to imagine things that would probably not occur in life? Anyway, here is a summary and trailer that I found online of the movie to give you an idea of what it's about if you haven't watched it:

Letters to Juliet succeeds in being just what it's meant to be, a feel-good romantic comedy about love lost and love found, in which love triumphs in the face of cynicism. Inspired by the book of the same name, and filmed against the beautiful backdrop of Verona, Italy, the movie tells the story of how troubled young women seek advice from Shakespeare's Juliet by leaving letters tacked to a wall, where they are carefully answered by Juliet's self-appointed "secretaries." One such note is found 50 years later by Sophie (Amanda Seyfried), a young American woman who is soon to be married and who yearns to become a writer. Her heartfelt answer to the letter serves as a catalyst for an epic romantic journey that will span continents and generations. The success of the film lies in the powerful interaction between the wistfully romantic and fully mature author of the letter, Claire (Vanessa Redgrave); the romantically idealistic Sophie; and Claire's overly pragmatic, downright cynical grandson Charlie (Christopher Egan), who grudgingly accompanies his grandmother on what he deems an insane quest to Verona to find her long lost love, Lorenzo. The filmmakers, writers, and actors all capitalize well on the comic possibilities of the situation, and there are more than a few good chuckles to be had at the absurdity of the interactions between these three very different characters, as they experience everything from hope and longing to disappointment and unexpected fulfillment. In the end, each character grows and changes profoundly as a result of their shared journey. Sure, the events portrayed in the film are highly unrealistic, but that doesn't change the fact that the film speaks to that innermost part of us all that, despite all logic, makes us want to believe that true love really does exist and that it just might triumph in the end. --Tami Horiuchi

Footprints in the Snow

Recently, snow covered our house and driveway in a thick, white layer. It was beautiful. One of my favorite things about the snow is that you can trace your path and the paths of the others who have walked outside recently. One afternoon as I walked down the driveway, something struck me. In front of me and behind me were bootprints from where my dad had walked earlier. The thought struck me that we are always making foot prints wherever we go - we just normally can't see them. We mark paths and leave imprints throughout our lives. Often our prints are left on people we have known, in changes that occur in them because of our influence. We also can follow paths that others have created before us. As Christians, it is our duty to follow after the path of Jesus - to walk in his footsteps. It is never an easy path and we often look at the footprints quizzically, wondering why Jesus walked over such a rough path when there are so many smoother and seemingly better ones besides. Yet we must follow, step by step, after the footsteps of our Savior, for that path is the only one that leads to eternal life.

A Walk To Remember - Only Hope

Over Christmas break, my sister urged me and my family to watch a new movie she had bought called "A Walk to Remember". At first I admit that I was reluctant since the plot did not sound very interesting. I am so glad I watched it though. It is a wonderful movie about transformations and a girl who was content in who she was no matter what anyone else thought of her. One of my absolute favorite scenes from the movie is when Jamie sings "Only Hope" in a school play. I wanted to share this scene with you.

Watching Beneath the Surface

I have been enjoying my second snow day by relaxing, watching movies, drinking tea, etc. During this short, unofficial "break" I have realized something about myself; I have always been a very pensive person, looking around me and analyzing the things I see, however, I think I have become even more so of late. As part of my relaxing, I have been watching Pride and Prejudice and I have found myself forming short essays in my head on various topics that are present under the surface of this story (such as outward politeness, superficiality in worship, etc.) In part, I believe this is due to my Bible class which has me analyzing every idea and headline of the world for its worldview. It's very interesting, however, to be watching the same movie I have watched countless times before and yet seeing it on a much deeper level. I imagine this is a useful skill to have and one that all my teachers have sought to further instill in me through all my classes, yet it is still odd to see it appear. Just some thoughts...

First Snow Day!!

Today is my first official snow day as schools are cancelled all across the state. The snow forms a thick layer over the ground, covering every sign of dirt or grass. The tree branches lean towards the ground - heavy with the weight of snow. It's beautiful! Snow is one of my absolute favorite things. It seems to cover up all flaws and make the world new again. Watching snow flakes fall from the sky has always given me the urge to run around in it, laughing and dancing. As I have gotten older, I have restrained the urge more, but I still enjoy it just as much. I hope it takes its time melting. I don't mind having to stay home and enjoy it. Hot tea...movies...books...steaming soups...warm clothes... All some of my favorite things about the snow!