The very best movie ever made (so far, and in my own opinion).

Rating: 10/10 (26 July 2012)

This has been my most favorite movie for at least three years now. To give you a bit of background, others that have held that spot for me include: "The Royal Tennenbaums", "Amelie", "Memento", "The Virgin Suicides", "Alien", "What Dreams May Come", and "The Empire Strikes Back". The funny thing is, I had to watch this one three or four times before admitting it's my number one. The iconic imagery, understated acting, sublime effects, massive scope and universal messages are undeniable, but its lines of monologue and dialogue - so easily fitting into any book of quotes - are worthy of tattoos and demand frequent repetition.
Here are a few of my faves:
-"It's a funny thing about coming home; looks the same, smells the same, feels the same. Then you realize; what's changed is you."
-"You can be mad as a mad dog at the way things went. You can swear and curse the fates. But, when it comes to the end, you have to let go."
-"For what it's worth, it's never too late - or, in my case, too early - to be whoever you want to be. There's no time limit; start whenever you want. You can change or stay the same. There are no rules to this thing. We can make the best or the worst of it, and I hope you make the best of it. I hope you see things that startle you. I hope you feel things you never felt before. I hope you meet people with a different point of view. I hope you live a life you're proud of. And if you find that you're not, I hope you have the strength to start all over again"
-"Some people were born to sit by a river. Some get struck by lightening. Some have an ear for music. Some are artists. Some swim. Some know buttons. Some know Shakespeare. Some are Mothers. And some dance."
The more I watch it, the more I think that this can be a blueprint for a life fulfilled, available to any and all who approach with an open mind and thirsty spirit. I can't wait to see it again!
-Alfie