So, it’s been a few days since I’ve seen this movie and it’s not as fresh in my mind. Only a few things stand out, and here they are.
1. This is not a love story. I love how the narrator starts off with this line. It’s not what you think it is. It looks like a love story but really, it’s like saying ‘fu*k you’ to all the fairy tales, romantic comedies, and misleading K-dramas. Basically, it’s the truth. Well, at least it’s the truth for this writer and a lot of people who can relate to his movie. Boy meets girl. Boy falls in love with girl. Girl makes move on boy. And before you know they’re in a happy non-committed relationship. Then girl dumps boy. The end? Noooo, far from it. That’s just the beginning.
2. Right/Wrong. He was right. She was wrong. She was right. He was wrong. It makes sense once you watch the movie. Love isn’t like Santa Claus. It does exist. It’s just not always with the person you would want/hope it to be with. Bottom line, love hurts. It CAN hurt, and sometimes really does hurt. But both sides overcome it. I believe love can be painful, but all the more for you to know how great love can be.
3. Aesthetics. I love Joseph Gordon-Levitt. The guy from Third Rock from the Sun grew up a lot. Zooey Deschanel has a great voice and did swell on acting like a bit*h. Well, she’s definitely likable but she had no consideration or thought for the feelings of others whenever she did what she wanted to do. Heartless some would say. I can respect her character for being who she was, but I cannot agree with her actions. Alas, I guess you can’t help who you fall in love with. JGL’s character was a cutie, and it was enjoyable to watch his character grow throughout the 500 days.
4. Maybe love is when two people feel the same way about one another equally. Maybe love is when one person loves the other one a little bit more than necessary. Maybe love is…. a big fat mystery! I don’t know. I have no idea what that kind of love is, but I hope one day I get the chance to find out. Until then, I think I’ll stay content with this movie.
The End.
I’m sure some sort of simple statement would do to complete that title, but not this time.
I was on my way back to Honolulu from the Byodo-In temple. On the bus I was thinking random thoughts that I can’t even remember now and suddenly realized that the woman at that tiny humble gift shop gave me too much money in change; $50 to be exact. I didn’t know what to do. I was basically sitting on my ass in that quiet bus freaking out in my head. I refused to get off and get back on another bus because waiting for this bus took an hour and a half. My aunt was already waiting for me to get back and she was getting on my nerves. So, I get back to Honolulu and mention that I received too much money from the gift shop to my aunt. At first, she responds with a nonchalant attitude, but then after I explain to her that I need to give it back, that it’s too much money, and that it’s wrong, she asks me what I’m going to do. I definitely did not want to go back because it was such a long bus ride and the bus system (and everything else) in Honolulu is super slow and laid back. So, I got the Byodo-In shop number and called them inquiring about someone who had given too much change.
Elaine was overwhelmed with gratitude that I had called back because most people in my position would just do the easy thing and keep the money. She was obviously worried and fretting over the mistake. I immediately got her address and gave her my number to make sure she received the money the next day. I then sealed the cash in an envelope and sent it out that very minute. It felt good to be good and do the right thing. It’s something that came naturally to me, and I hope that it never leaves me. She left me a nice voicemail the next day upon receiving the money and said she would like to send me something in gratitude (I sent the money with my DC address).
That was in August. After Christmas, I received a card addressed to me from Honolulu. This day was a very bad day at work. I was completely unhinged from a customer who was rude and completely disrespectful. I was completely spent, and thought my day was over, but thankfully realized that it would end on a good note. At first I thought the card was from my aunt, but was then pleasantly surprised to hear from Elaine. She sent me the sweetest message in a humble card once again thanking me for what I had done. Now, I realize my gesture was small to me, but significant to her. It made me feel grateful and warm inside to know that someone appreciated me for being me, for me doing what I thought was right. Her words touched my heart, and she went further to suggest sending me her own artwork. I responded later with a thank you myself, and gladly told her I would love to have her art, but that she didn’t have to, and that her card was enough.
I’m not happy these days. I’m really anxious. I’m sick with worry. I think I’m almost depressed because all I want to do is sleep, stay in, or eat my empty fridge. Even when I do eat good food, the satisfaction is fleeting and I’m back to where I started. People are making me anxious and bothered and annoyed. Certain people and situations are eating at my insides. BUT after walking back from Bossa tonight, I picked up a large parcel waiting for me at the front desk. I thought it was American sending me the official acceptance and financial information package. Again, I was pleasantly surprised that it was from Honolulu and immediately realized that it was Elaine sending me her artwork. She sent me two prints and a hopeful message. I love it. I’m once again reminded why I love art and how beautiful it is the way people can express themselves.
Okay, maybe I will finish that title in a simple question, not a statement: “… how great awesome I am?”
