I can't get through the first five minutes of Pixar's movie UP without crying. Then, without knowing the storyline, I watched A Man Called Otto on a plane this week. These storylines are too close to reality for my life. I see my parents in both of these. The only difference is that my parents were able to adopt. But the bonds they shared and how the loss of my mom impacted my dad are incredibly close to reality. And to make it worse, if you knew my dad, not only does Carl look and act like my dad, he shared some of the characteristics of Otto as well.
As I think about this latest movie I watched and process the emotions it evokes, I try to find the lessons life teaches me. Life is full of ups and downs, and we are constantly reminded of this fact through various mediums, including movies. UP and A Man Called Otto are two such movies that explore the highs and lows of life and the bond that two people build going through those times together. Both films have sadness woven throughout them, but they also offer important lessons about life and love.
UP tells the story of a man named Carl, who, after the death of his wife, sets out on an adventure to fulfill a lifelong dream. Along the way, he meets a young boy named Russell, and the two form an unlikely bond as they navigate through various obstacles together. Despite Carl's heartache and challenges, he learns to embrace life's beauty and cherish his wife's memories. As in the movie, I watched my dad shed some of the aggravations he felt and allow himself to enjoy things that would have previously annoyed him.
Similarly, A Man Called Otto follows the story of an older man named Otto, who, after the death of his wife, struggles to find meaning and happiness in his life. Through interactions with his neighbors, he learns to let go of his past and open up to new experiences and relationships. The movie teaches us that it's never too late to make meaningful connections with others and that love can come in unexpected forms. I watched this exact thing happen to my dad. His neighbors rallied around him, and soon my dad became a regular part of their lives.
Both movies highlight the importance of companionship and its role in our lives. The bond that Carl and Russell form in UP, and the relationships that Otto builds with his neighbors in A Man Called Otto, show us that we are not meant to go through life alone. Having someone to share our joys and sorrows with can make all the difference in the world. My dad had me on a daily phone call, but it differed from regular interaction. His neighbors provided him with that.
Moreover, both movies teach us the importance of human connection among strangers. It's so powerful. Russell pushed his way into Carl's life with persistence and ultimately forced connection. Marisol in A Man Called Otto was also persistent. With her outgoing personality, she unknowingly impacted Otto's life, ultimately saving it and, at the same time, enriching it. It makes me think about myself and wonder what I could do to help others facing the same sadness and profound loss that Carl and Otto dealt with.
These movies capture the highs and lows of life. But more importantly, the bond two people create when they experience them together. Through the powerful act of storytelling, they help us explore our own lives and the relationships we create. They remind us that we are not meant to go through life alone and that the bond we build with others can help us navigate life's journey.
There is much to learn when we take the time to consider such stories of love and loss. It's never too late to make meaningful connections with others. I am so thankful for those who took the time to do so with my dad.
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