"I think the world is what we make of it"

Rating: 9/10 (12 August 2019)

I first saw this movie when I was maybe 12 years old. I didnt understand the gravity of the adult topics, but the story stuck with me. Today I consider it one of the best sci-fi thrillers of all time. It has all the elements of a great movie: technology, a love story, tragedy and heartbreak, plot twists, deep philosophical debates, politics, and a sense of openness to the potential of humanity and the beautiful celesial unknowns of our Universe.
I was raised partially Catholic and have long since turned away from it and religion in general. But I still fully recognize and appreciate the debate that pervades the movie. One of Ellie's lines has stuck with me over the years and has formed part of the basis of my own life philosophy: "I always thought the world is what we make of it." That solves so many problems and answers so many questions about one's identity and perception of the world they live in. It is a great way to male sense of what can feel like a chaotic storm of pain and disappointment at times.
So glad this movie was made!