Profound: A Must-See

Rating: 10/10 (13 March 2016)

For decades now, I've watched countless films but I don't recall ever wanting to see a movie twice; that is, until I saw Youth directed by Paolo Sorrentino; and thrice is a real possibility.
How does one review a movie that so simply states, the essence of life is beyond words? While the movie is philosophical, it isn't airy fairy New Age spirituality. This movie is the real deal. No philosophical punches are pulled. As Harvey Keitel's character points out, we're all irrelevant "movie extras," like mere plants or bugs; and yet, we humans have these strivings that eventually allow us to soar, complete and free.
Youth, old age, giving up, becoming re-inspired once again, beauty, the meaning of creativity, moving forward in spite of that familiar feeling all of us know all too well, that life is pointless. The film's themes penetrate one's soul to its core and they're intertwined so beautifully, in such complex ways, like life itself.
After watching "Youth," one appreciates the basic truth that what happens to one's body, or mind, is arbitrary. Who knows why we land in a particular spot at a particular time at a particular age. But wherever we land, if we still have our youth - not "youth" in the sense of a certain age - but in the sense of an inspired internal state with our gifts intact and (as one character puts it) our drive to return home, we do it.