Monday, May 19, 2008

Young @ Heart: Go NOW.


You must go see this movie.


Really. We went to see it last night. I don't recommend movies on my blog often, but this sweet documentary touched my heart and my soul. It's the story of http://www.youngatheartchorus.com/ a chorus of people in their 70's, 80's and 90's, who sing cover songs by groups like Crash, Coldplay, and Nirvana.


The music is terrific, but it is the stories of the individuals that inspire. Their message is clear: passion and involvement are the antidotes to growing old (not aging, these people seem to be happily aging.) I'd tell you about the prison scene which at the same moment inspires and hurts the heart, but I really want you to see this movie yourself.


It's a sermon in movie form.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

We'll probably add it to the Netflix queue when it comes out on DVD.

I'm surprised you never posted about "Juno". I was curious to hear your take on it.

Debra W. Haffner said...

Hi Cassandra --

I think you and your family will enjoy this.

I had very mixed reactions to Juno, so it didn't seem to fit neatly into a blog. Surely it's a teachable moment for a teen and parent to see and discuss. I "enjoyed" watching it, I think Ellen Page is amazing, but the bottom line is that I think it romanticized teen pregnancy and its outcomes in a way that disturbed me. How many pregnant teens have parents so supportive, schools so supportive, grow closer to their boyfriends rather than apart, and find a great adoptive parent on their own -- and then go on with their life as if nothing had happened? Not many in my experience.

So, what did you think?

Anonymous said...

Glad to hear it! We're a little behind in our Netflix queue, so it may be awhile before we see it.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts about Juno. Overall, I enjoyed the film very much for a variety of reasons. From my perspective, the thing I found interesting was Cody's treatment of the pro-life protester outside the clinic (and Cody claims to be pro-choice). She wasn't demonized. In fact, it was her comment that Juno's baby had fingernails that really stuck with Juno. I found the ensuing scene in the abortion clinic intriguing as well-from Juno noticing everyone's nails, to the apathetic receptionist offering purple condoms.

Sure, teen pregnancy doesn't always have this outcome, however, isn't this how we ought to treat women when they find themselves in this position?

BTW, I thought this article, about why you can never have a "feel good" pro-choice film was interesting:

http://www.beliefnet.com/story/138/story_13846_1.html