I recently viewed the film, In America, that, so far for the year 2004, is a favorite of mine. It is a story about a young Irish family who immigrates to the United States, carrying with them the burdens of poverty and grief along with hopes of building a new life in a country full of promise and opportunity.
Actually, the film could be titled Overcoming In America, for even though we make geographical moves, we can't run from ourselves, and in this story each parent carries into America their grief over the loss of their son and their individual ways of coping with the tragedy. No matter where we live, each of us humans have to face inevitable vicissitudes that will challenge our existence as fulfilled, happy individuals. Though America may promise for some more opportunity in pursuing a better life, that is not the case for all, as the film shows through some of its drug-addicted and impoverished neighbors who inhabit the slum apartment building with this Irish family.
In America so beautifully shows that no matter where we are, no matter what our economic status, we either carry in our hearts and minds love and hope or distrust and despair, manifesting either in opportunities for healing and growth or dead-end situations of stagnation, loneliness, and eventual destruction. The positive mind-sets and open hearts of the two young daughters feed their parents' goodness, love, and hope, which contribute not only to their parents' healing and ascension, but to one of their critically ill neighbors. As the film shows, the largest blockage to our peace of mind and enjoyment of life is our own selves.
~Van of Urantia*MPAA = Motion Picture Association of America
