Many years ago, a noted observer referred to television programming as a “vast wasteland”, a description that most of us would, I believe, also apply to the January through May distribution pattern of theatrical movies.
Every year, the pickings get slimmer and slimmer during this time, don’t they? Hollywood seems to have decided a few years ago that there’s only so much “quality” that we as an audience can stand so they telescope most of those films first into the summer and then into the October-December period so as to qualify for Academy Awards. Then they abandon us completely for at least 5 or 6 months until the summer rolls around again when, for those of us who grew up with and love movies, we are so starved for films that almost anything will do!
At least, in 2004, we had the brilliant ETERNAL SUNSHINE OF THE SPOTLESS MIND in February but– this year? Hollywood and even the major independents seem to drag every shallow comedy and cheap thriller from their vaults and dump them into this period of time each year. That decision really provides no problem for mainstream critics. They just take out their very sharp-edged pens and attack the films for being as innocuous and banal as most–if not all–of them are. For me, however, it provides a different challenge because it is the focus of this column to discuss only positive film recommendations and leave negative film reviews to others. In the 3 years that I have been writing this column, I only once departed from that format.
So…what to do?
Turn negative?
Write the column only on an irregular basis when there is a notable film to illuminate?
Or make another shift?
I have chosen to pursue the latter option.
When there are no new films to discuss that are opening a national basis, I have decided, from time to time, to focus on more classic films in Spiritual Cinema with which you may not necessarily be familiar and which you can rent or purchase on DVD.
So, this month, let’s take a journey into AFTERLIFE, a Japanese film that was released in America in 2000 that is pure and simple genius.
The premise is simple. After you die, you must choose one memory from your life and then spend eternity in that memory.
The film takes place at a way station in the afterlife where people are given a week to choose that one memory and then they supervise the recreation of the memory so that they can live within it.
The choices are all poignant.
— a man chooses the moment in which he enjoyed his first taste of salted rice after almost starving to death in World War Two.
— a woman chooses the moment of birthing her child
—a woman chooses the moment she is reunited with her fiancée after the war.
By the way, no one chooses a work-related memory. As the old saying goes, no one ever says at the end of life that they wish they had spent more time at the office.
They are told that they MUST choose a memory; however, it is revealed late in the film that all the people working in the way station are there so that they can help others remember because they themselves either couldn't or wouldn't choose a memory themselves.
The most moving story in the film involves an elderly businessman who led such a "so-so" life that he can't choose. His was an arranged marriage and they were never passionate with each other. She had a fiancé who was killed in the war and whom was the love of her life. The choice that is made here is beautiful, poignant, and very resonant with the very nature of spiritual cinema.
If we knew that we would have but one memory to keep with us for eternity, that awareness would make each moment of life much more precious.
Spiritual Cinema asks two eternal questions:
Who are we and why are we here?
So….which memory would you choose?
(Stephen Simon produced such films as Somewhere in Time and What Dreams May Come, produced and directed Indigo, and will next be directing and producing the film version of Neale Donald Walsch’s Conversations with God. He also wrote The Force is With You: Mystical Movie Messages That Inspire Our Lives and co-founded The Spiritual Cinema Circle. Stephen welcomes your comments by email: Stephen@spiritualcinemacircle.com
chloroquine 250 mg https://chloroquine1st.com/
Hello! Do you enjoyment Chitter? I’d equal to surveil you if
that would be ok. I’m utterly enjoying your blog and smell onward to Modern posts. http://www.cialisles.com/
hydroxychloroquine 400 mg https://hydroxychloroquine1st.com/
hydroxychloroquine tablet price in india https://azhydroxychloroquine.com/
cephalexin 500mg https://keflex.webbfenix.com/
generic brand for lumigan https://www.jueriy.com/
how long does cialis last https://www.wisig.org/
Ridiculous story there. What occurred after? Good luck!
Hi, i read your blog from time to time and i own a similar one and i was just wondering if you get a lot of spam
responses? If so how do you protect against it, any plugin or anything you can advise?
I get so much lately it’s driving me crazy so any help is very much appreciated.
Everything is very open with a very clear description of the issues.
It was truly informative. Your site is very helpful.
Many thanks for sharing!
generic viagra cost per pill https://viatribuy.com/
Great article. I will be experiencing many of
these issues as well..
If some one wants expert view regarding blogging after that i recommend
him/her to go to see this web site, Keep up the pleasant work.
Hey there! This is kind of off topic but I need some advice from
an established blog. Is it very difficult to
set up your own blog? I’m not very techincal but I can figure
things out pretty quick. I’m thinking about creating my own but I’m
not sure where to start. Do you have any points or suggestions?
Many thanks
vivitrol price https://naltrexoneonline.confrancisyalgomas.com/
Fantastic beat ! I would like to apprentice whilst you amend your website, how could i subscribe for a weblog website?
The account aided me a applicable deal. I were tiny bit acquainted of this your broadcast provided vivid clear concept
What’s up friends, its enormous post about teachingand fully defined,
keep it up all the time.
We’re a group of volunteers and opening a new scheme in our community.
Your website provided us with valuable info to work on.
You’ve done an impressive job and our whole community will be thankful to you.
Greetings from Los angeles! I’m bored at work so I decided to check out your
blog on my iphone during lunch break. I enjoy the
information you present here and can’t wait to take a look when I get home.
I’m shocked at how quick your blog loaded on my mobile ..
I’m not even using WIFI, just 3G .. Anyways, superb blog!
Hi there, I found your site by means of Google at the same time as
looking for a comparable topic, your web site came up, it seems to be
great. I’ve bookmarked it in my google bookmarks.
Hi there, just changed into aware of your weblog through Google, and
located that it’s really informative. I am gonna be careful for brussels.
I’ll be grateful for those who proceed this in future.
Lots of other people will probably be benefited out of your writing.
Cheers! adreamoftrains web hosting companies
alternatives to januvia by cost http://lm360.us/
buy hydroxychloroquine https://webbfenix.com/
cialis alcohol http://cialisoni.com/
Great post. I was checking continuously this blog and I’m impressed!
Extremely helpful information specifically the last part :
) I care for such info a lot. I was seeking this certain info
for a very long time. Thank you and good luck.
We are a group of volunteers and starting a new scheme in our community.
Your site offered us with valuable info to work on. You
have done an impressive job and our entire community will be
thankful to you.
buy careprost online https://carepro1st.com/
Have you ever considered creating an e-book or guest authoring on other sites?
I have a blog based on the same subjects you discuss and would love to have you
share some stories/information. I know my readers
would value your work. If you are even remotely interested, feel free to send me an e-mail.
cheap flights 31muvXS
Hi there mates, how is all, and what you want to say about this paragraph, in my view its
genuinely amazing in favor of me.
azithromycin 500 mg https://azithromycinx250.com/
pfizer 50% off viagra coupon https://mymvrc.org/