The Fault in Our Stars

The name itself showed that it is not gonna be “and they lived happily ever after” movies. From the beginning itself it was clear that one of the kids are gonna die at the end of the movie. It was almost clear that the main turning points of the movie within the first few minutes; a girl with cancer, meets a guy who 'shares the same journey', they'll fall in love with each other and one will die at the end. But the beauty of this movie is it was delivered in simply a much much more emotional way.

Today the movie review is on "The Fault in Our Stars" an American movie directed by Josh Boone and written by John Green. Key roles of Hazel was by Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort as Gus.

The key messages delivered in this movie are that the cancer victims also have a lovely life, they are brave, and fight for life. On the other hand their family members fight much much harder to make them happy and to be coped up with all the mental pressure and endless difficulties and yet wear an encouraging smile, throughout. They completely dedicate their lives to these sick kids and once the kids are gone, the parents are lost and they feel that their journey has come to an end. The author (Peter Van Houten) of the book “An Imperial Affliction” which Hazel used to read number of times apparently happened to be a parent of this kind. He has written the book and was living a lonely, tough life almost hidden from the society.

Death is a certain factor for every living being despite the fact that they are rich or poor or happy or sad or healthy or not. But the main roles of this movie, Hazel and Gus, they live each day walking one step closer to their death. But then what's the difference if every living being is walking one step towards the death each day? Think...

Hazel Grace is an intelligent girl in her teens whose companion is a tank of oxygen that helps her breath. Was identified as a cancer victim at the age of 13 and has undergone number of surgeries and health issues ever since. She meets Augustus Waters who shares the same journey (as the Dr. Maria says) at a “Support Group” a joyous person who has lost one leg to his illness. They soon fall for each other and the story flows on along with growing pains and love.

They both are brave and fighters. It was nicely highlighted in several situations. First is how Hazel explains her illness to an unknown little kid who she met at the Airport. Another instance is, once when Hazel was really sick, and she couldn't breath, the nurse has asked her about the pain. Hazel has raised 9 fingers to indicate that she can fight more. After she was recovered, the nurse has said “You call 10 a 9”. This is a uniqueness that she shares with Gus.

That was one side of the movie, another side that really fascinated me was how it shows the commitment of their parents. Hazel's mother, was a very pleasant lady with a smile on her face, always. No matter what the situation, she treated Hazel with lot of patience and with an encouraging smile and words. This nature was quite similar in Hazel's father and Gus's parents as well. However, Hazel's mother provides a great example for the parents in such situations. 

This movie is around set of cancer victims and their families. They live each day walking towards the death. In one point it struck me that, it's not just them, but all are.. only difference is that they are quite sure that they gonna die to a cancer. But others.. have no clue of how they gonna die. In Hazel's words “"But, in fact, depression is not a side effect of cancer. Depression is a side effect of dying. (Cancer is also a side effect of dying. Almost everything is, really.)" ”

This is a beautiful movie.. but like any other movie, reality is lot more tougher than this...

The Legend of Korra : The Calling (Season 4 Episode 4)

Let go of the fear

Toph was right. We tend to step back of the things we desire to do because of the fear within. We make our experience and suffering, an excuse to stay away from being hurt again. But actually, it was all over. We will not face an identical experience ever again. So Let go of the fear attached to the past experiences. Think anew! Whatever you come across, good or bad, will add new experience to your life. Failing to do so, you will not be able to live in the present, which will result in an empty past in few years time. Because today is tomorrow's past.

In this episode Korra meets Toph in a swamp where she was led by a cute spirit. Toph, swamp and finding a way when lost reminds the Avatar fans back to the first TV series, The Last Air Bender. Aang found Toph in a swamp as a cute little girl wearing long white dress when in search of a Earth bending master.

The history repeats in a new form when the blind Toph showed Korra the way out of her inner turmoil just as she showed Aang how to master earth bending. In today's case she enlightened Korra who was unknowingly fighting with her fears and enemies of the past. In one point Toph said, “you can't expect to deal with future enemies if you are still fighting the old ones.”. This is pretty impressive, if we live in the past there will be no space left for the future or present not only the enemies, but also for everything.

"It was a team effort"

Commenting on the humour which always plays a major role throughout the entire Avatar TV series; it was a hilarious to see how Toph the old lady fights with young and energetic Korra. And to make things more obvious, the blind Toph was not even fighting, she was just moving here and there to avoid Korra's aggressive shots.

The episode begins with the scene of Tenzin delegating the responsibility of finding Korra to his beloved young three children. This is the first time he lets go of his own kids and counted on them which turned out to be a good decision as in the end we see the notorious Meelo agreeing that finding Korra was a team effort.

So.. as the final note, what do you all think of this, “Let go of the fear” which is very well highlighted in this episode? Have you ever been held up by your past fears? Share your thoughts in comments.

For those who are new to Korra, check on Nick.  Or for a detailed reading visit Avatar Wiki.