First I want to call attention to two posts she wrote regarding her birthday: "DOB: 7/22/1980" and "another birthday".
I also want to share with everyone a movie that was the last film Leah saw in the theater, probably the last movie she really got to pay attention to and enjoy. It was in Tucson just a couple of nights before she flew with me back to Rhode Island only days later endeding up in the hospital with the worsening news.
It's a hand-drawn animation called Song of the Sea, the story is based on Celtic foklore. At the time it already had rave reviews and still has held it's amazing 99% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
When the film began we immediately learned that the Mother in the story dies, leaving her 2 young children. I remember us looking at each other and we knew we were both thinking, "ahh crap another cancer movie!". Leah and her family seemed to have a regular knack for accidentally finding ourselves watching a film where a lead character turns out to get cancer, or in this case where one of the parents die. Such movies can take a little warming up to, sometimes with a payoff, overtimes not quite worth the untimely reminder of her own situation when she's seeking distraction.
This particular story is what someone described as having "That interplay of reality and magic makes it the most complex and subtle exploration of grief in a children’s film – perhaps any film full stop – since Pixar’s Up.".
This particular story is what someone described as having "That interplay of reality and magic makes it the most complex and subtle exploration of grief in a children’s film – perhaps any film full stop – since Pixar’s Up.".
I remember Leah, like me, didn't love love love it like it appears so many do, but she enjoyed the film. If you don't normally watch animations, be patient and give it some time to bring you in.
I honestly have forgotten much of the story-line and will have to watch it again soon! Actually it lullabied me to sleep in the middle, however that's a testament to it's immersive dreamscape.
Let me know what you think if you have already or do watch it. You can find it on google play, itunes, youtube, vudu, etc for $4.99 for the HD version, which is recommended because it's so visually striking.
Ben, thanks for sharing this. I remember Leah telling me about seeing this movie and the irony of it, but I forgot the name. I finally watched it this past weekend. It is beautifully animated and such a sweet story. I kept wondering how Leah must have felt watching it. And you too. The main character/brother is named Ben!
ReplyDeleteLeah,
ReplyDeleteToday is 21 December 2017. Today I thought about you and miss your smile and friendship. March 23rd has become a day of reflection as I've shared this birthday with many and now I share the day with you!
John