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| Tove (2020) |
Metaphysical Movie Review by Jacklyn A. Lo - Tove (2020).
Tove (2020), [IMDb link] is a biopic that dares to deviate from the usual dark tone of biopics, infusing the narrative with a touch of light-heartedness and humor. The film follows the life of Tove Jansson, the Swedish-language artist who created the beloved Moomin characters.
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| Call Me by Your Name (2017) |
"Call Me by Your Name (2017)"- Insightful Film Review by Jacklyn A. Lo.
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.
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."
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?"
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.
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.
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."
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.
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.
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.
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| 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.
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.
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.
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.
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."
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.
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| 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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| 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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| Above Dark Waters (2013) |
Review of the film "Above Dark Waters" (2013), Director Peter Franzén.
The film "Above Dark Waters" (Tumman veden päällä) delves into the complexities of a mind plagued by imbalance and negativity.
The narrative can be interpreted in two distinct ways - the materialistic and the metaphysical.
From a materialistic perspective, the story centers on a typical Western family. The woman, not only chooses her partner but also makes pivotal decisions, such as pursuing a divorce. Yet, divorce doesn't lead her to an idyllic marriage; in fact, it does the opposite.
On the other hand, the metaphysical interpretation urges viewers to reflect deeply on the unfolding events and seek deeper meaning.
The work of the police is very important to society. In this film, the role of the police becomes symbolic. A policeman, much like a janitor, cleans up societal messes.
But while a janitor can physically cleanse, i.e. wash after dirty work, a policeman living in a Western society cannot clear his mind from the negativity he encounters. Collected negative energy pollutes the mind and creates systematic stress.
A typical reaction to such stress, shown in the film through Pete's stepfather, is drinking alcohol. Alcohol, especially when consumed heavily, can dominate a person with weakened spiritual activity, which leads to irreparable acts such as serious domestic violence.
A Heavenly Teacher also loses the ability to send signals to his earthly student as alcohol is a big constraint for such communication.
Another pivotal aspect the film touches upon is the importance of mental balance.
Everyone faces moments of anxiety, aggression, or irritation. Instinctively, we seek solace - be it through music, sports, nature, or travel to an unknown place. Unconsciously, with our inner feelings, we want to return to harmony, that is, to find peace of mind.
Yet, for a policeman, this balance is disrupted as they often need to artificially invoke aggression to combat crime. Such an imbalanced mind can oscillate between extreme emotions, as seen with Pete's stepfather.
While director Peter Franzén adeptly highlights the problem the film, however, misses an opportunity to offer a solution. A potential resolution could have been Pete's stepfather discovering the transformative power of meditation.
Imagine a scenario where, after watching the film "Doing Time Doing Vipassana," the family embarks on a journey to India to attend a Vipassana seminar. This experience could be a turning point, especially for Pete's stepfather, who no longer sees negativity in suspects but seeks out their inherent goodness.
This transformative journey would culminate, for example, in the creation of Finland's first Vipassana center to integrate meditation into prisons, as has been done in India. Such an ending would undoubtedly enhance the impact of this film.
In its current state, while the film "Above Dark Waters" is compelling, the inclusion of a solution would make it unparalleled.
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| Flowers of Evil (2016) |
Flowers of Evil is a Finnish movie with the original title: "Pahan kukat".
Flowers of Evil (2016) is a Finnish film that has the potential to inspire emerging artists, especially those from foreign backgrounds. Although it takes steps toward addressing issues related to multiculturalism in Finnish society, it disappointingly falls short in some key areas.
Cultural Diversity
One of the strengths of this film is its focus on cultural diversity, particularly involving national minorities and children of immigrants. This is a fresh perspective in Finnish cinema, which often portrays a largely homogeneous society.
Unclear Protagonist
The film struggles with its character development. It's not clear whether the story centers around the teenager Sipe, his stepbrother Juno, or their father. The absence of clear goals for these characters adds to the confusion.
Vague Antagonist
Similarly, it's difficult to identify the antagonist—is it Finnish society, drug dealers, or something else entirely?
Poor Structure
The film mainly focuses on setting up the story, giving the impression that we are stuck in the first act for almost the entire runtime. This results in a lack of resolution and a sense of unfulfillment for the viewer.
Delayed "Point of No Return"Structure
The crucial "point of no return" for the main characters is postponed until the film's end. This leaves the audience wanting some sort of resolution, which never comes giving the impression that we are stuck in the first act for almost the entire runtime.
Missed Opportunities for Growth
The film introduces several elements that could provide a resolution, such as Juno's artistic talent and social workers' interventions. For instance, Sipe could express his concerns about Juno in a school assignment, leading to a positive intervention from social workers. This would provide a more hopeful conclusion to the film.
In today's world, where the value of wealth often surpasses that of creativity and art—symbols of higher consciousness—it's pivotal for societies to re-evaluate their priorities. As highlighted in my article, the value artists bring to society is immense, and the diminishing respect and support they receive is concerning.
Films like 'Flowers of Evil' are a testament to the struggles artists face, emphasizing the need for countries like Finland to not only recognize but also financially support and elevate their artists.
For more insight into the value of artists and their key role in society, refer to the article: "Why War? Summary /C".
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| Apeiron (2013) |
Metaphysical Movie Review by Jacklyn A. Lo – Apeiron (2013), Director Maria Ruotsala.
Apeiron, by Finnish woman director Maria Ruotsala, is a thought-provoking film that is itself a work of art.
The protagonist, Umbra, goes through the "Who am I?" process. He has an academic background and earns his living by lecturing students and examining patients with mental disorders. Therefore, his soul has a fairly high energy potential, which is typical for a mature soul.
During his spiritual journey, Umbra makes some findings - he does not feel compassion for his patients, nor does he understand the meaning of human existence. Projecting his inner world onto the outer one, he concludes that people are not ruled by any Creator (i.e., God) but by blind chance.
As our thinking is a derivative of our consciousness, and our consciousness is a reflection of the qualitative energies of our soul, we can conclude that Umbra's soul contains quite dark energies. As these energies are the result of his multiple-choice towards Darkness, such a person cannot feel either Creativity or a source of Creativity, i.e. God. And while talking about Free Will, Umbra does not even realize that he may no longer have it.
Umbra's wife, Iris, is presented in the film as an antagonist. Despite her partnership with Umbra, she retains humanity. Iris is shown to be more compassionate and understanding than Umbra, thus she represents the spiritual opposite of him.
Aside from Umbra's monologues to his students, it would have been great to have a strong dialogue between him and Iris in the final moments of the film, highlighting the spiritual opposite between the two. Ideally, it would be best to come up with a Spiritual Choice for Umbra and demonstrate a further change in himself - whether it is irrevocably towards Darkness or unexpectedly towards Ligh.
Any comments, questions, and suggestions are very welcome.
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| Braveheart ( 1995) |
Based on historical events, Mel Gibson's Braveheart (1995) is a remarkable film that explores Spiritual Choice toward Light and its central value - Freedom.
While some of us are fortunate to inherit freedom as a birthright, many must fight for it. William Wallace was among those who, though born into subjugation, chose the path of Freedom.
Wallace lived in the 13th-14th centuries in Scotland, a land oppressed by the tyrannical English King Edward I. Despite losing his entire family to English invaders, Wallace harbored no hatred in his heart, choosing instead the path of Light over Darkness.
Even when the father of William's beloved Murron, urged him to join the rebellion, Wallace hesitated, advocating for a peaceful existence. (Love and Peace - Value of Lights).
His ideals, however, were challenged when English soldiers attempted to rape Murron, imprisoned her, and later publicly executed her. At this point, Wallace could no longer remain indifferent; Justice, another Value of Light, had to be served.
Thus, Wallace emerged as the leader of his clan, rallying them against English rule.
Drawn to Wallace’s indomitable Courage—a central Value of Light—hundreds of Scots from neighboring clans joined his uprising.
However, the Scottish nobles, corrupted by wealth and power, chose servitude ( Slavery - Value of Darks) over freedom and betrayed Wallace, aligning themselves with the darker values.
Wallace is brought to London, tried for high treason, and condemned to public torture and beheading.
Like all of us in physical reality, he is supposed to go through the Spiritual Choice, which in William's case, was also a Spiritual Test.
Like all human beings confined to physical reality, Wallace faced a Spiritual Choice, which in his case, also functioned as a Spiritual Test.
Isabella of France, enamored by Wallace, pleaded with him to beg for the king's mercy. He declined. She then offered him a magical potion to alleviate his impending suffering, which he also refused.
When given one last opportunity to plead for mercy, Wallace instead roared, "Freedom!" Even after being subjected to torturous execution, he remained steadfast.
Freedom for Wallace was not just a word; it held profound significance. While we may never understand why he was subjected to such a severe spiritual test, his actions stand as a testament to his unwavering commitment to the Light.
Without freedom, love and hope become meaningless, and we forfeit our ability to create, to become Creators.
Braveheart is a must-see film for anyone captivated by tales that inspire and provoke deep spiritual reflection.
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| Sully ( 2016) |
Metaphysical Review by Jacklyn A. Lo: Biographical Film "Sully".
Director: Clint Eastwood
Writers: Todd Komarnicki, Chesley Sullenberger, Jeffrey Zaslow
The film "Sully" (2016) stands out as one of the finest examples where the main character confronts a problem and transforms it into a triumph.
Sully, the protagonist, faces a difficult situation where he must make a life-defining decision i.e. Spiritual Choice, within a very limited time frame. One option is based on logic, which would be accepted by governmental authorities, while the other is based on his intuition and serious attention to his recurring night dreams.
At the beginning of the film, we see that Sully is haunted by nightmares. In these dreams, he envisions himself as the skilled pilot he truly is, but he makes a wrong decision that results in a plane crash with passengers onboard.
And then, that fateful day arrives.
Sully and his assistant find themselves in a dire situation when both engines fail. Sully, as the main pilot, has only a few seconds to make a critical decision that will determine the lives of 155 people. He is left with two options: try to reach the nearest airport or make an emergency landing on a river of icy water. He chooses the opposite decision from his dream and saves himself and the passengers.
Now, let's delve deeper into Sully's life journey.
Sully is an exceptional individual. His profession as a pilot demonstrates his proficiency in operating complex aircraft instruments. This occupation also demands a vast amount of experience and knowledge. Additionally, as a pilot, he possesses exceptional organizational, communication, and concentration skills. All of these factors indicate that the matrix of his soul has achieved a high level of maturity, i.e., an above-average energy potential.
Sully's disciplined nature is complemented by his commitment to physical fitness and jogging while keeping his indulgences, i.e. alcohol, etc. to a minimum. These qualities are especially important in an extremely stressful situation as they allow a person not only to avoid physical collapse but also to help the mental field focus on an emergency problem.
In our daily lives, by following a normal routine, we only slightly increase the energy potential of our souls. Therefore, Higher beings, whom we refer to as our Higher Brothers, closely monitor our energy progress and present us with challenges at the right time and under the right circumstances. These challenges play a vital role as the Universal Laws of Change and Evolution drive all living beings to enhance their energy potential.
However, for some of us, our Higher Superiors strategically design and create emergency conditions that push us beyond our limits. These conditions provide us with the opportunity to rapidly increase the energy potential of our souls.
Even a person working on an average problem has a good chance to increase his energy potential since the challenge activates his soul. Each problem and a situation for it are individual and created for a specific person.
The energy potential of a problem situation is always higher than the energy potential of the human soul. That's why no one can avoid problems. We can compare this process to solving mathematical problems. The problems considered and studied increase the energy potential of the student, but those that lie ahead are even more energetic, and the student must work hard on them in order to progress.
This is exactly what happened to the main character of the film, Sully - to evolve on his spiritual path, he needs new challenges.
From his conversation with Jeff Skiles, we learn that besides his skills as a pilot, he is also exploring entrepreneurship. Moreover, his business, presented on his website, looks very impressive, as if a large corporation is behind it, and not just one person. A low-energy soul cannot and will not want to “show off” in this way.
Starting your own business usually requires a higher level of risk-taking and responsibility than being an employee. It also requires a higher level of personal discipline and the ability to control business assets.
Although our life paths are individual, they are based on general rules that are controlled by Universal Laws.
For some of us, making decisions based on logic is already a triumph because that person must first learn logic. However, at a higher level of spiritual development, we must also allow our intuition and/or the promptings of our Higher Brothers to guide us in choosing the best possible option.
Our Earth serves as a platform for us to acquire the missing energy potentials, both qualitatively and quantitatively. And our Higher Brothers constantly provide us with difficult situations for the development of our souls.
Solving those problems in the right way and learning from the difficult situations is a plus for each of us.
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