Saturday, May 14, 2011

Water For Elephants

Fandango asked me to rate, and review this movie, so I actually did. I don't normally do that, but this movie was one of the best I have seen in a long time. I thought, since I had it all written out,  I would put in on here too ;o)  But, in my usual, Chatty Cathy, way I expanded the review, because thankfully, I am not bound by a character limit on here!

I was minimally interested in seeing this movie, even though I had heard great things about the book. I am an animal lover through, and through, and know my stance on circuses well. I also knew I would have to watch animal abuse in some way, and something about that never seems to sway me into a movie of this sort.

In recent years, I have changed though, I feel in not covering my eyes, and actually watching horrible, real life things, that happen to innocent creatures, my positions are strengthened.  In not covering my eyes, I have watched Food Inc., The Beautiful Truth, The Gerson Miracle, Temple Grandin, and even read Eating Animals, and The Kind Diet. And, after twenty years of starting it, and then putting it off for 'sad reasons', I am going to pick up, Diet for a New America again.  I still have my boundaries though, I have yet to watch Earthling! 

In my life, being a vegetarian, eating organic, buying exactly the right kind of eggs, and donating to causes for animal protection have only gained more momentum.  Not only is my position strengthened, but expanded by these awful mental images. Now, not only will I continue to be a vegetarian, but my aspirations of becoming a vegan are, slowly, but surely, moving in the right direction. Going raw, is way out in the horizon though...

I finally watched the movie yesterday, and even though, I cried my eyes out in various parts, I LOVED it. I don't think anyone's love of animals should stop them from seeing it. I felt the abusive parts were horribly sad, but necessary, (I can't believe I just said that) because we, often times, live in an 'ignorance is bliss' state. I have never been to the circus, nor will I ever.

The movie was well written, and equally well delivered by the characters.  My brother kept saying the same formula was used in The Notebook, and Titanic. While I did see the parallel lines, this movie went much further. This movie was not only a great love story, but most importantly examined true humanity.  This movie took a close look at what a person is made of at the core of their being, especially when the world is stacked up all around.  We are all made up of good, and evil, and this movie dove deep into, which side people choose to feed into.

I give it two thumbs up, and a z snap.

By the way, I never got the whole Robert Pattinson thing. He was previously completely lost on me. Not anymore! I get it! Now, I love me some Robert Pattinson!! Oh, and I equally loved Rosie too!














4 comments:

  1. Hmm, I wasn't going to see this, although I did love (and cry) reading the book.
    But now you have made me rethink a little. Maybe I will give it a go, and if nothing else your review really made me rethink my stance on how I decide what I want to watch.

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  2. I am not reading this post yet! My sister and I are taking my mom to see it soon so I am closing my eyes and covering my ears. :)

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  3. i do want to see this, I love Reese, and I did really liek this book. I have a hard time with animal abuse, The horse Whisper had me in tears, and that was not the abuse just the fear the horse felt. I haven't gotten the whole whatever his name is yet either, but I haven't seen his movies so maybe thats why. I loved the original Interview with a vampire books and never obthered with these.

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  4. I haven't seen the movie but I loved the book. Planning on seeing the movie soon :)

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