Bridge to Terebithia

Through a series of fortituous circumstances, Andie and I were able to go see a movie for free a couple Fridays ago (9-Mar). It was indeed a good way to start off our "spring break," and a good break from the reality of Mines.

I thank God for the unconventional and yet well-suited way that my relationship with Andie has grown. We were laughing tonight at the fact that this was our first time at a movie together in 3 months of dating. Even dinner dates are few and far between--our temporal and fiscal situations generally restrain us to overlapping "together time" and "school time". Ah well, things will change someday.

After some research, we chose to go to "Bridge to Terebithia", a movie based on the 1978 Newberry Award-winning book written by Katherine Paterson. Wikipedia has a good summary of the book's plot and background if you're interested. I thought the movie was very good, and wanted to share some of my thoughts with you.

Terebithia is about two children who the "real world" has alienated. To escape the trials and tribulations of middle school, they find a secluded forest and create the fantasy kingdom of Terebithia, where they rule with truth and might, battling the forces of the Dark Master and protecting the freedom of the Terebithians.

Their triumphal adventures in the fictional realm come back to help them in their everyday lives. Defeating fictional enemies gives them courage to stand up to the bullies at school, making a statement that tyranny is unacceptable.

As I sat there, I mused on the similarities between the movie and real life. I appreciated anew the ability of a filmmaker to make an impactful movie with a powerful message and no objectionable content. Although the plot is not a "warm fuzzy" and sometimes adults are not portrayed as the positive role models they should be, I would have no problems taking my smaller siblings to this movie. In a similar way, I was able to sit with my cool girlfriend for almost 2 hours in a PG-rated world where all obstacles can be overcome. The outside world is sadly not "free of objectionable content," and sometimes it seems that the obstacles will overcome me, rather than the other way around. Maybe I will also be able to learn lessons that I can use in real life.

(Warning: Spoilers follow) Jesse and Leslie are deeply drawn into their fantasy kingdom. Epic battles are won, and Jesse breaks out of his pre-Leslie despondent view on the world. Just when he appears to be engaging more into both fantasy and real life, something goes wrong. A rope snaps, and in an instant, his world is forever changed. Eventually Terebithia gains a new princess, but first it mourns a fallen queen.

I couldn't help but note that if Jesse and Leslie wouldn't have taken advantage of their opportunities as they came, they would have been lost forever. In the same way, I need to take full advantage of my opportunities as they come, else they will be gone. God has given me a great situation here at Mines-I need to push ahead and do my best. God has put an amazing young lady in my life; I need to treat her like the treasure she is. If I fail to do what God has set before me, I will not live my life to its full potential.

The last interesting point I noted was that tragedy happened only when Jesse forsook something he was given for something he thought better. One Saturday, the teacher upon whom he has a crush invites him to an art museum. He considers inviting Leslie, then thinks better. He greatly enjoys the trip, but comes back to find his world has tumbled. If he would have brought Leslie, his enjoyment would have increased and her death would have been averted.

In my life, if I forsake the things God has given me now for what I want instead, then not only will I not gain what I wrongly desire, I may lose what I already have. Like the apostle Paul, who was content in all things, I must see the blessings around me and thank God for them. Also, when God blesses me, I will benefit more if I share it with others. (Spoilers end here)

All in all, I greatly enjoyed the movie. The movie was good, the company better (insert smirk here), and it was a thought-provoking way to spend a Friday night. I highly recommend this movie. The acting is good, and since Weta did the special effects (think Lord of the Rings), they are flawless. The book was good, and unlike so many other fictional adaptations, the movie takes nothing away.

Thanks for reading, as always. Material from Urbana and DCC is still promised, but with an indeterminate timeframe. God bless you!