"Call Me by Your Name": A Tale of Love, Consent, and the Exploitation of Innocence

Call Me by Your Name (2017)

 "Call Me by Your Name (2017)"- Insightful Film Review by Jacklyn A. Lo.

The Nuances of Love

In the realm of human emotions, love stands as a complex and multifaceted concept, encompassing a spectrum of feelings that range from the tender affection between family members to the passionate infatuation of sexual partners.
However, our current level of consciousness providing a limited vocabulary, often fails to capture the subtleties of love, employing a single term to describe both the physical intimacy of sex and the profound connection of a mother's bond with her child. This linguistic inadequacy leads to potential misunderstandings, particularly when examining the portrayal of love in cinematic works.

A Tale of Seduction

In the film Call Me by Your Name (2017), directed by Luca Guadagnino and written by James Ivory and André Aciman, the viewer is presented with a story that initially appears to be a tale of blossoming romance between a 17-year-old student named Elio and an older man named Oliver. However, upon closer examination, the film's narrative reveals a more complex and unsettling dynamic, one that challenges the simplistic categorization of "love story."

Power and Manipulation

The film's plot initially leads the viewer to believe that the relationship between Elio and Oliver is a consensual and mutually fulfilling one. However, as the story progresses, cracks begin to appear in this façade. Elio's frustration with the perceived lack of physical intimacy between them culminates in a poignant outburst: "God, we wasted so many days! Why you didn't give me a sign?" 

The Weight of Intentions

Oliver's response to this emotional plea is a revelation: "I gave you a hint when I touched you on the 'football' field." This statement, seemingly innocuous at first, exposes the power imbalance inherent in their relationship. Oliver, with his maturity and experience, holds a distinct advantage over Elio, a young man still navigating the complexities of adolescence and self-discovery.

Exploiting Innocence

The term "seduction" more accurately captures the nature of Oliver's actions. His deliberate and calculated approach to Elio, a boy half his age, raises questions about the validity of their connection. The label of "love story" seems inappropriate, given the inherent power imbalance and the potential for exploitation.

It is important to recognize that any physical action, including a touch, is deeply influenced by a person's intentions. In other words, Oliver's touch was not a casual one; it was a calculated move in his plan to seduce Elio.

Any touch can evoke a range of emotions, but a touch driven by hidden intentions carries far greater weight. In the case of Oliver and Elio, the power dynamic and the consequences of their interactions suggest a relationship that extends beyond the realm of mutual affection and into the territory of seduction.

Unfulfilled Promises

The logline of the film, "In 1980s Italy, romance blossoms between a seventeen-year-old student and the older man hired as his father's research assistant,"  paints a picture of a tale steeped in romance. However, as the narrative unfolds, it reveals a far more complex and unsettling dynamic, one that challenges the simplistic categorization of "love story."

A Narrative of Dissonance

While the film Call Me by Your Name (2017) boasts high production values and captivating performances, it is the responsibility of the filmmakers to accurately convey the essence of their story. The film's failure to reconcile the logline's promise of romance with the narrative's exploration of seduction leaves the viewer grappling with questions about the nature of love, consent, and the exploitation of innocence.

Lingering Questions

The film Call Me by Your Name (2017) challenges the simplistic categorization of "love story" and presents a more complex and unsettling dynamic. The filmmakers' failure to reconcile the concept of seduction with the logline's suggestion of a romance leaves the viewer grappling with questions about the nature of love, consent, and the exploitation of innocence.

In Conclusion

Distinguishing good from evil, wheat from chaff, and love from lust is a lifelong journey that becomes smoother with practice. A higher level of consciousness fosters an expanded understanding, leading to a clearer perception of the consequences of our actions and minimizing negative consequences, i.e. karma.

Notes:

• Please find more about the Development of Consciousness 
• Image credit: ©IMDb 
• Edited using Bard from Google AI

 

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Warsaw '44: A Beacon of Hope - A Film Review by Jacklyn A. Lo

Warsaw '44

The film Warsaw '44 (2014) beautifully captures the spirit of young Polish rebels fighting for the fundamental values of Light, such as Freedom*, Independence, and Human Rights*.

Freedom, the cornerstone of Light, is the driving force behind their struggle. They yearn for independence, a concept essential for existence in worlds with higher collective consciousness than our own.

Dedication Fuels the Fight

To wage this courageous battle, freedom alone is not enough. Courage*, another essential value, is also crucial in this fight.

These young fighters bravely stood up for human rights, recognizing that Hitler's vision for Slavic nations was one of enslavement, not liberation. Slavery, the antithesis of freedom, represents the core value of Darkness.

Driven by an insatiable thirst for power, Hitler aimed to eradicate the entire Polish nation. The persecution of Jews was merely the first step in his sinister plan to reshape the world according to his twisted ideology.

Seeking Peace Through Courage

Courage, another value of Light, is also crucial in this fight. Without it, the pursuit of Peace* remains elusive. War, an intrinsic value of Darkness, fails to provide a clear explanation for why Polish teenagers willingly embarked on an armed uprising. After all, they were ill-equipped, lacking even one gun per person.

Reincarnation: Investing for the Future

The concept of reincarnation sheds light on their motivation. When viewing this life as an investment in the next, the purpose of the current life becomes clearer. In this paradigm, one life serves as the reason, while the next is the consequence.

Undeterred by the odds and challenges they confronted, the Polish rebels embarked on a mission that transcended personal aspirations.

Their unwavering spirit lit a beacon of Hope* and resilience. This left an indelible mark not only on the souls of the participants but also raised the collective consciousness of the nation.

This interconnectedness is evident in Poland's unwavering support for Ukraine during the ongoing conflict with Russia.

The Ripple Effect of Lives

Delve into the concept of a chain of lives, where one life serves as the platform for the next, and their cumulative impact on a spiritual entity, in the novel "Redemption."

Conclusion

In conclusion, Warsaw '44 is a thought-provoking film that captures the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity, directed by the talented Jan Komasa.

Through the story of Stefan and his fellows, the film highlights the courage and belief in freedom and independence that fueled the Warsaw Uprising.

Despite overwhelming odds and the brutality of war, these heroes fought for the Values of Light, illuminating the darkness with their unwavering determination.

Warsaw '44 serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of standing up for what is right for you, even when it seems hopeless. It is a testament to the enduring power of the human spirit and the unwavering pursuit of Freedom.

The film inspires us to embrace the values of Light and fight for a world with Freedom and Independence reign supreme.

Jan Komasa's screenplay, infused with historical accuracy and emotional depth, is highly recommended for all ages.

Notes:

• * Freedom, Courage, Peace, Hope, and Human Rights are fundamental Values of Light
• To find more about Choice Towards Light
• Image credit: ©IMDb 
• Edited using Bard from Google AI

 

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Soul: A Journey of Self-Discovery and Spiritual Choice

 

Soul (2020)

Pixar Animation Studios, renowned for its consistently meaningful and heartwarming films, has once again delivered a masterpiece with Soul (2020).

This captivating animated film, infused with metaphysical elements, delves into the profound concept of "Spiritual Choice" in a way that resonates deeply with viewers of all ages.

Dilemma

Joe Gardner, a passionate jazz pianist, yearns to grace the jazz club stage and inspire others with his music. However, life has steered him towards an ordinary job as a middle school band teacher. His aspirations seem out of reach until one day, he faces a pivotal dilemma: accept a secure, all-encompassing existence or pursue his dreams, no matter the uncertainties.

Spiritual Choice

In essence, Joe confronts a significant milestone – the Spiritual Choice. This transformative decision, often encountered in life's journey, demands deep introspection and self-discovery. It's a moment to weigh the pursuit of true passions and fulfilling one's higher purpose against the allure of a comfortable, secure existence.

Meaningful Life

Pixar subtly suggests that the Spiritual Choice isn't about a specific decision, such as a career or relationship. It's about aligning oneself with their authentic self and embracing their true calling, even amidst challenges and uncertainties. It's about living a meaningful, fulfilling life, not merely existing.

Self-discovery

The Spiritual Choice marks a pivotal moment in every individual's journey, and Joe is no exception. His hardworking mother, understandably, urges him towards a secure path. Recognizing the inherent duration of every Spiritual Choice, Joe receives a unique opportunity to extend his final decision by entering a limbo-like state – a magical realm bridging the physical world (Earth) and heaven. The inherent duration of every Spiritual Choice underscores that these decisions are not fleeting impulses but rather ongoing journeys of self-discovery and spiritual evolution.

Light

This journey helps Joe embrace the challenge, guiding him towards a Spiritual Choice that aligns with the Light, ultimately leading him to fulfill his dream of joining a jazz band.

Light is an ocean

However, the film's ending feels slightly underwhelming when Joe expresses his concerns to the jazz band founder, who imparts a life philosophy using the analogy of two fish. The ending would have been more impactful if Joe had independently arrived at this enlightened perspective, realizing that life is an ocean, and the path to the goal is as significant as the goal itself.

Metaphysics

Complementing the "Spiritual Choice" are other metaphysical principles woven into the film, such as souls, life after death, and a higher power, adding layers of intrigue and uniqueness to the narrative.

Deepest values

In conclusion, the animated film Soul, directed by Pete Docter and Kemp Powers, is a compelling story masterfully blending profound spiritual elements with entertaining storytelling.
It invites viewers of all ages, both children and adults, to contemplate their own Spiritual Choice, prompting them to align their life's direction with their deepest values and dreams, bringing the concept of the "Spiritual Choice" to the forefront of our collective consciousness.

 

Notes:

• To find more about Spiritual Choice
• For further exploration of the concept of Spiritual Choice toward the Light and its consequences, consider reading the novel "Redemption.
• Image credit: ©IMDb 
• Edited using GPT4 from OpenAI and Bard from Google AI

 

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Enlightenment in the Middle Ages: A Review of 'Brother Sun, Sister Moon

Brother Sun, Sister Moon

Review of Spiritual film "Brother Sun, Sister Moon", 1972. by Jaclyn A. Lo.

The central theme of "Brother Sun, Sister Moon" revolves around Enlightenment, driven by the Spiritual Choice toward Light.

Thou Shalt Not Kill

The film is set in the Middle Ages in Italy, a time when war was not only accepted but even glorified despite the Christian commandment against killing.

Peace as a Value of Light

The protagonist, Francis, participates in a military campaign and witnesses the inhumanity of war. However, he makes a conscious choice² in favor of Peace³ and returns home, much to the disappointment of his family. During his illness, Francis undergoes a profound inner transformation, experiencing Enlightenment.

Spiritual Choice of Light

Francis's Enlightenment is a direct result of his Spiritual Choice of Light that he made during the war. This Choice leads to an elevation of his consciousness, refining his perceptions and sharpening his vision of the Spiritual.

As a result, he re-discovers joy in nature⁴, which is portrayed as a spiritualized reality. Simultaneously, he loses interest in the materialistic values as more basic aspects of the world.

Freedom as a Value of Light

Money and material goods acquired with it, especially in large quantities, are addictive and cause dependence on the physical world. Additionally, their excessive consumption does not support spiritual development.

Francis is deeply affected by this revelation that he wishes to guide others, especially his parents, away from materialistic values. He believes that the reward for this shift is the attainment of Freedom, a fundamental Value of Light.

Unconditional Love for Nature

Spiritual enlightenment is the key to the worship of nature and its elements. Improved sense organs perceive flora and fauna at the highest level, which can only be compared with a miracle. This unconditional love of nature we seen clearly in Francis.

Absence of Anger and Hatred Towards Others

Another notable feature of the protagonist is his complete absence of anger, hatred, and other negative emotions. We observe this in several episodes of the film, where he remains calm, clear, and kind to others.

For example, Francis never blamed his parents for continuing to live their lives, as well as for the fact that they completely abandoned him. He also always maintained inner and outer calm at the receptions of high-ranking priests - both local and the Vatican pope. Also when one of his childhood friends could not continue the monastic lifestyle, he did not blame him and did not resist his departure, but on the contrary, told his friend that of course, he could be obedient to God in worldly life.

Powerful Soul

Francis's journey from wealth to a monastic lifestyle inspires some of his influential friends, highlighting his strong energy potential and unwavering dedication to achieving his goals, including the construction of a temple.

Conclusion

Brother Sun, Sister Moon, 1972, directed by Franco Zeffirelli and written by Suso Cecchi D'Amico, Charles Dyer, and Kenneth Ross. Lina Wertmüller is a remarkable spiritual film. 

This film is highly recommended for those interested in exploring the concept of Spiritual Choice toward the Light and its profound consequences, such as Spiritual Enlightenment.

Notes

¹  War is depicted as a Spiritual value of Darkness

²  The protagonist's choice is implied but not explicitly shown in the movie 

³  Peace  is portrayed as one of the values of Lights 

⁴  In today's high-tech world, some acknowledge that we exist in a programmed reality, but fewer realize that everything around us is alive, like a vast living being. This revelation transcends logical comprehension, given the current state of human spirituality and energy.

 

• Image credit: ©IMDb 
• For further exploration of the concept of Spiritual Choice toward the Light and its consequences, consider reading the novel "Redemption."

 

More Metaphysical Movie Reviews – Jacklyn A. Lo

Check Our Featured Screenplay Melissa

Explore TV-Series Redemption 

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