THIS IS ENGLAND

A film by British Director Shane Meadows; it brings us to the soulful blast from the past in the year of 1983. Where flannel shirts and doc martens were the fashion trend during that decade and would influence the adolescent time in the 90’s. The story is about another coming of age; it imbibes the feeling of searching and having the identity of how we were as teens. It is about the Joy of belongingness and the bliss of acceptance from a group where we can just discover and be ourselves.

The story revolves around Shaun, a young adolescent, temperamental and quick with his fists. A poignant young boy who lives with his mom and been suffering the loneliness with the recent loss of his father. At school he gets bullied because of his bell-bottom trousers(where it was given to him as a gift from his dad) and how he looks indifferent from the outfits of the youth. Along his way home, he stumbles to the gang of Woody played by Joe Gilgun, and eventually finds a bond with them.

The nonchalance of the gang would make you feel amiss of your youth, where being free-spirited and carefree without responsibility has brought you thrill and pleasure. It has brought me memories of my younger days and wonder about the bestfriends I had back then.

Anyhow, the Love and friendship of the gang has brought young Shaun elation to the new environment he lives in. First experiences in choosing the shoes that he wanted has also been exemplified hilariously, that to also fit in to the ways of how the gang dresses up. Amusingly as well the gang gives him his first flannel shirt to match with his doc marten imitation shoes. Now Shaun really is one of the gang.

Just as you’d think that the movie is about teens living their confused lives, a heavy twist and situation will augment to the drama of the movie. This is England also showcases the political situation during that time and demonstrates how the youth lost their way due to the insistent political bigotry in England. The brotherhood would then be tested and new idealisms will set them apart. This becomes the main conflict of the initial happy story; A clear and magnificent representation of the effect of the Falklands War to the youth of England.

The movie is set in the East Midlands in England’s midsection, where the director was born and spent his early adolescence. Written by Mr. Meadows as well, the movie becomes an autobiographical inspiration and his reverence to the world that he lived in adrift by its political turmoil. However what made this a sentimental movie for me is the grief of its young characters for their dreams, the pleasures of their youth and their passionate camaraderie…

GOAL:

A film by Danny Cannon; targeted to promote football in the United States. Goal is another feel good and inspirational movie. Where the protagonist shows that a dream would never be let down if a person has such persistence and strong hold to that vision.

Santiago Muñez is the main character played by Kuno Becker, a Mexican immigrant who works with his dad as a gardener but have an undeniable talent for football. Football clearly is his passion in life and while playing in a community football, a talent scout spots him thus opening an opportunity for him to play professionally.

Expectedly, Santiago keeps interest in the offer and decides to pursue the chance. However his father is against it and has made ways to stop Santiago. Amidst the heartbreak from his father’s acts, Santiago still fated to arrive at Newcastle with the help of his Grandmother. Santiago then proceeded to his try-out and showed that hard work and focus would then bring answered prayers.

GOAL is one of the films that will remind you on how to achieve your dreams. Despite the challenges that befalls you, most especially from a valuable relationship. It proves a point that one should pursue one’s passion. That in the end it will bring us happiness and that eventually our relationships will see to understand and be proud of our achievement.

Heartwarming experience, especially with the relationship of Santiago and his Dad, but simply it tells us that nothing is impossible…

A Guide To Recognizing Your Saints

It has been a long time since a powerful moviebiography has touched my soul. The casting was really magnificent and full of raw emotional power. Robert Downey Jr. is I can say one of the best actors there is in this generation. Shia LaBeouf (Sam Witwicky of Transformers) was at par (if not the best) in the cast as well. Wonderfully written and directed by: Dito Montiel.

Here’s the plot of the story (courtesy of Wikipedia):
Dito (Downey) is a successful writer in Los Angeles. One day, he goes back to visit his childhood home, Astoria, New York
because his father has suddenly become very ill. Memories of his childhood end up in jail or dead - and being swept back to his past in the summer of 1986. His
friends include Laurie (Rosario Dawson), his
childhood sweetheart; Giuseppe, reckless, destructive, and possibly insane; Mike O'Shea, a Scottish boy who dreams of becoming a musician; Nerf, a friend who eventually calls Dito back; and Antonio (Channing Tatum), a confident, volatile boy with an abusive father.


Sometimes we resolve our bad situations by escaping or running away from it. We feel that the only way we can breathe is to go to a new environment and start a new life there. As effective as this would seem, we never really settle the root of the crisis. We may achieve great success and betterment in our lives but deep down inside there are wounds that has been killing us for a long time already and have been carrying for so many years.

“Sometimes the only way to move forward is to go Back.”

That was the tagline of the movie. Simple and straight. I guess why the movie struck me so much is that I have been in the same state of mind before, and the only way I really rose from my grave wounds and hurts was to truly embrace and face my deep rooted pains.

And so I courageously faced my demons and dragons. I settled the score with my dad and relatives. Found my peace again with my long time friends. But most importantly I forgave myself and found myself whole again.

Let me have this opportunity to say thank you to my living saints, my Dad, (my Mom, who is having a blast now with God J the true saint for me), my great siblings and wonderful nephews, and my wonderful friends. You have been a source of inspiration and a good reason for living… Life is indeed damn Great!!!