It's hard to say what makes me like a movie, however, I do find that I am drawn to movies which portray what I think to be an immortal truth. I think movies often tell a myth or a story, and every once in a while they align with the Universal Truth and something in our soul resonates.
Tonight, alongside my parents, I watched Blood Diamond. I've seen this film probably four or five times, and while I'm aware it has its (many) flaws, there's also something in it to which I am drawn. Having read a wonderful book (which I highly recommend) called The Heartless Stone about the creation of the diamond as a luxury good, as well at the cost to humanity of this simple gemstone, I find that I am sympathetic to those who would rather do without. The movie also takes up issues such as child soldiers, and apathy in general.
The part of the film that makes my heart sing, though, is where the African father is finally reunited with his precious son. He has spent the entire film trying to track down his son, and when he finds him, he finds a child who has been brainwashed as a soldier and who turns his gun upon his own father. In that moment of panic, the father slowly tells his son who he is, "You are a good boy... you love soccer..." etc. And, then, at the pivotal moment, he says,
It is that line that just blows me away. In it, I hear a thousand fathers, and one Father saying to their sons (and daughters), "It does not matter what you have done. Come home to Me." It's a beautiful sentiment and a call I pray we heed.
"I am your father who loves you. Now you will come home with me and be my son again."
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2 comments:
I think that is so admirable. I've always wished I were big enough to be unconditionally loving.
By the way, I love your blog. Just thought I'd let you know that I've been reading it for a while now, and I adore your writing style. Keep it up.
Thanks for reading! It's great to hear from you-- how's Hong Kong?
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