I’m back! It’s a new year and many start new resolutions only to go with the wind in a couple of weeks:)). The Golden Globes will be this Sunday which is the start of all the awards shows culminating with the Oscars. There are quite a few films that have new beginnings in whichever way you wish to think. Here are my 3…
1. THE QUIET MAN-1952
I love this film and spoke bout it before but felt it fit this week’s theme because it is about a man who wishes to forget his past by going back to his ancestral home of his mom-Ireland. There, he meets the wilful Maureen O’Hara whose brother refuses to give her dowry when he, John Wayne and Maureen marry. Wayne refuses to fight her brother and his actions make everyone believe, including his wife, that he is a coward. Only the priest is aware of the real reason. Wayne wants a new beginning but can he shake his fears and can he truly win his love’s faith. It’s romantic, funny and full on fun especially when Wayne decides enough is enough. I love the whole movie but, especially, how Wayne takes his wife on a journey to meet up with her brother.
2. THE BALLAD OF LITTLE JO-1993
I came across this little known film and watched it more than once and really enjoyed it. I had no idea it was based on a true story about a woman sent away by her family for disgracing them. She ends up in a wild town and decides to start fresh….as a man. She befriends the wild men matching them shot for shot with no one the wiser. It’s quite an interesting film and a very good one. I really love her new found ways.
3. UNDER THE TUSCAN SUN-2003
I love this film! I took in every part of this film and the beautiful locations that Diane Lane placed herself in to rebuild her life. She is a very successful author who ends up in a bad way after her divorce. She ends up on a tour of Tuscany and, seeing a home for sale, stops the bus, gets off and persuades the owner to sell it to her after a birds shits on her. You see her struggle renovating the home with many issues but also meeting a new romance. The true romance is this place she now calls home and the people she meets in the town and the 3 men she hires to fix her home. The home, like her, is battered, a bit older but has style and needs to be renewed to find their true self.
So, what films make you think of renewal? Did you have a nice New Year’s? We watch the tv show, “Poldark” and feeling very happy at home and not with throngs of strangers.
Hi, Birgit!
ReplyDeleteHow's 2025 treating you and your pets so far, dear friend? Just a reminder that Christmas will be here before you know it. Now's the time to get your shopping list together. :)
I haven't seen any of these films, but have had Tuscan Sun on my list for years. One of these days, I hope to make time to watch it.
Mrs. Shady and I both love Diane Lane. She was marvelous in Unfaithful and The Perfect Storm, and as one of the principals in Feud: Capote vs. The Swans, a miniseries I have raved about before.
In the trailer for Quiet Man, I was put-off by the rough handling of Maureen O’Hara - grabbing, hard kissing, tossing to the bed. If you think about it, most "love scenes" depicted in movies and scripted TV dramas over the years show someone, usually the the woman, being slammed and pinned against a wall, lockers, etc., and people tearing each other's clothes off, sweeping items off kitchen tables and office desks, etc., because they're too excited to search for a bed. To me, that type of frenzied love scene is a tired cliché and a turn-off.
Look for my first official post of 2025 coming up first thing tomorrow. I wish you and your wonderful animals all best in the coming year, dear friend BB!
I forgot to recommend Paul Newman in The Verdict (1982) as a good example of a character's "renewal."
DeleteBIRGIT ~
ReplyDeleteYes, many good movies can fall under the category of "new beginnings" or "renewal". Of course, you already know that I also love 'The Quiet Man'. I haven't seen the other two movies you mentioned.
Some of my favorites that fit under that category are
'SCROOGE' (1970),
'JACOB'S LADDER' (1990),
'MARY POPPINS' (1964),
and 'THE GHOST AND MRS. MUIR' (1947).
I hope your 2025 gets off to a great start and stays that way.
~ D-FensDogG
I didn't know the first two, but they look interesting. Odd to see John Wayne in a suit instead of western attire! ☺ "Under The Tuscan Sun" is a favourite of mine as well. "Midnight in Paris", another favourite, fits the theme of renewal.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you had a lovely, quiet New Year's. We went out for dinner and partied with the restaurant owners (we know them personally), but were home before midnight, when we indulged in Prosecco and Panettone. Wishing you a happy and healthy 2025! 🥂🍾
I haven't heard of your second choice, but I've seen The Quiet Man, and I love Under The Tuscan Sun. I remember going to see it with my daughter when it first came out. I saw Debbie mentioned Midnight In Paris. I also love that movie. Another movie featuring renewal (and coming of age) is Breaking Away, from 1979. Dave Stohler (Dennis Christopher) and his parents experience a renewal through Dave's bicycle racing. The movie is hilarious and heartwarming.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
I've only seen the last one. I had not heard of the 2nd one. It was probably a smaller release. It sounds like something I'd enjoy.
ReplyDeleteI've seen two of them. Renewal is a popular theme, but at the moment I am blanking on any other movies.
ReplyDelete