Lady Bird
Instantly a new favorite film of mine and what I would consider an absolute masterpiece. Lady Bird tells an intimate story about a girl I am nothing alike but have so much to relate to. It's not a plot thats overly captivating or dramatic to the viewer but it's REAL. It was emotional watching this girl go through similar experiences and processes that I did, with different bumps and setbacks along the way that taught me a different perspective than what I had. The growth and maturity Christine went through during a time in life that I also felt was when I learned so much about myself and went through my own hardships was so personal and refreshing. It taught me that so many of us, or at least someone else, is in the same boat and sometimes its okay to give a big fuck you to the pressure others put on us and just do you. The movie also emphasizes the idea that everyone is going through their own shit, that others don't know about! Whether its as serious as the dad's depression, or as small as Julies friendship jealousy. Sensitivity is so important, because our actions have consequences that can be much greater than we could imagine. One of my favorite quotes that comes from Lady Bird is when shes arguing with Kyle and says "different shit can be sad". Just because theres worst shit going on, or someone else may be in a worse situation doesn't mean we have to undermine or invalidate someone else's feelings. Of course, its important to not be ignorant about what other people are going through and the world around you, but this isn't a fucking competition either. I think theres a lot to learn from the mother and daughter relationship as well. A great representation that hurt people hurt people, but no matter how bad it got you could tell their love for each other is so powerful. The mother was too hard on her, and Lady bird was too self absorbed, but watching Lady birds maturation, and the mothers realization as she leaves home was beautiful. The mothers lesson that "money is not life's report card" was harsh in the moment, but a meaningful step to Lady bird realizing her ungratefulness, while the mother had to learn it was also okay for Lady Bird to want the most out of her life. My final point, is realizing how much her family and hometown meant to Christine. For so long she wanted something new or something more, she forgot to take in how comfortable and nostalgic Sacramento is in her heart. I think thats something almost anyone can relate to with their own hometown. Anyways, I could talk about this movie for hours. It just hit me on a personal connection watching this girl fight through relationships, friendship, jealousy, and stupid decisions like all of us make young, and still make it out okay like we did. (Also Saoirse Ronan was incredible in this role. Her performance reminded me very much of Kate Winslets in Eternal Sunshine of a Spotless Mind which is one of my favorites ever, a very whacky personality but still able to come off as personable and relatable).