The times that tried our souls.

Did you ever have that movie that made you sit still? Well, I just did.

"When the action is over and we look back, we understand both more and less. The times that tried our souls." -Evelyn

These lines definitely got me the act to write my thoughts down. I never thought I would be moved this much.

It was one of the boring nights at home. And just because I am a movie freak, I saw this beautiful movie made by Michael Bay. The only war picture I loved (and adored) was HURT LOCKER by Kathryn Bigelow.. not until today. I have discovered one of the Hollywood's treasures and that is PEARL HARBOR (2001).

I know I'm a little late to see this movie but it really was one of the most amazing movies I have ever seen! I learned so much about it and I believe I was moved and I was inspired.

I learned so much about America's history and how December 7 of 1941 brought the Great America to tears, defeat and the need to surge forward to seek Victory. America's history is rich with valor and enthusiasm. I should not be surprised because for all we know, IT IS THE LAND OF THE FREE, THE HOME OF THE BRAVE.

In this movie, I have learned so much about brotherhood and valor. The two courageous young (and extremely charming) pilots had sacrifice so much of their lives to their beloved country and countrymen. Just like any other person, Rafe and Danny went through all the hardships an Army Air Corps' pilots would have but their bond went beyond the oath... they treated each other like brothers- from the beginning up to the end.

Another thing that's amazing in this movie is that it was able to incorporate romance into action and suspense. I have seen lots of TV series and movies that could mix them all up- Dear John, Prison Break.. to mention a few. But this movie has given me a different perspective, a different twist to experience. Who would ever wonder that two different men who treated each other like brothers could love the same girl? At the same time and the same place..

RAFE and EV.

Their love was extraordinary. Rafe found love in the middle of the hospital filled with aspiring heroes-to-be. It started out with a simple conversation and they both fell for each other. Ev is a very charming nurse (Kate Beckinsale literally has the looks!) and Rafe is a hot pilot (Ben Affleck's eyes could say much!).. together, they are like winners to genetic lottery or in other words, CHEMISTRY (hahaha!). But who would ever thought that Rafe would be one of those missing men in the middle of the battle and Ev was left alone, crying her heart out? See, that's what I am talking about. This movie has lots of surprises!

and that's where the story about DANNY and EV started...

Danny is the bestfriend of Rafe and it pained him also to know that he lost his bestfriend in the battle. Danny saved Ev's drowning and breaking heart. He made him believe that just because someone dear to her passed away, her heart should not be filled with sadness because good things shall come her way. And it did.. they both fell in love during the process of letting go with the past. It was cloud nine for them not until Rafe, still alive, showed up.

Rafe and Danny's friendship was put to test. If I were to be asked, this part of the movie was unexpected. I did not see it coming, not even a bit. And so, it made me love the plot even more!

I would love to share few lines I remember from the movie.

If I had one more night to live... I'd wanna spend it with you.- Evelyn

Having the thought of living your life all over again- from the beginning up to the end- with the same person? At some point, I did. It was when I fell in love and literally did not think of anyone else but him. I could not even imagine myself having a relationship with someone else.. even to the hottest crush I have on the list! I guess it is because you are satisfied and happy with that person that nothing else and no one else can compare with.

Ma'am, please, don't take my wings.-Rafe

It sounds unusual but these lines moved my heart. It was when Rafe was having that slim chance of being a pilot in the Army. When he uttered those words, it brought me to realization that WE SHOULDN'T LET SOMEONE, OR SOMETHING TAKE AWAY OUR ASPIRATIONS. We should not give up, nor give in. If he wanted to do more than the flying, then Rafe must have his 'wings' and I'm glad Ev did not take it away from him.

...all I ever wanted was for us to have a home and grow old together, but life never asked me what I wanted.-Evelyn

This is all true. When life gives you lemon, you're supposed to make a lemonade right? But what if you DEMAND tequila and salt instead? Life is unexpected and life can get freaky sometimes. All we gotta do is hold on and learn each step we go through.

Now I'm going to give Danny my whole heart... but I don't think I'll ever look at another sunset without thinking of you... I'll love you my whole life.-Evelyn

This line brought me to tears actually. I do not know why. I haven't experienced it but I saw the sincerity and the hurt between them. It was true love for them but because of some inevitable circumstances, they had to give up their faith that one day they will be reunited and fall in love again. It hurts so much for Rafe because the thought of Evelyn waiting for her kept him alive in the battle and it brought him home but it was too late for the both of them. Evelyn had let go of the past and believed that Rafe is dead and so she had to move on. If only time stood still and Rafe did not go to Britain... if only.

And so, to end this writing, I have to impart to you some words to ponder on...

When the action is over and we look back, we understand both more and less.

Contemplations.

I write when I'm happy, I write when I'm sad. But today, I'm writing for a new reason: REALIZATIONS.

It is true that when you're quiet, you come into a haven of different realizations. Some are evil, some are good.. or sometimes, some are dirty. Hahaha! (I know you guys get a good laugh on this one!) But after those realizations and contemplations, you somehow get lost or get in the right track. Well, today, I am lucky because through 'these' relaizations, I was moved to be a better person.

Number 1, opportunities come and go but what counts the most is that you grab it when you want it (and it's for the common good) or let it pass you by if you're not really into it. Two simple things to do. ACCEPT and REJECT. No complexities.

Number 2, your partner cannot be with you all the time and you have to accept the things that he can do without you. You were born on different time, different places, different days...It wouldn't hurt that much if you do things differently. What's important is that you grow together and you, two, do not grow apart.

Number 3, learn not to sweat the small stuff. Small stuffs have the tendencies to grow big, if and only if you will let them. When it did not hurt your feelings, let it go.

Number 4, if you hate a person, never let him/her get into your system. The more you hate him/her, the more you make him/her powerful. So if your hatred hits 101%, let it go. Be kind to animals, remember? LOL!

Number 5, prayers are powerful. I learned today, from a random status in Facebook, that when praying, we must not beg.. we must BELIEVE. And that alone will make our prayer powerful.

And last but not the least, my passion is on fire. I believe that MAKING MOVIES do have a calling. If people do believe in your capability and creativity, it convinces you (so much) to push through with the project. I have realized that making my very own movie is a blessing. SOON. :)

So there.

I BELIEVE that my name will soon appear on the big silverscreen while you guys are eating popcorn of taking a sip of your favorite drink. Who knows, with 3D glasses too?

Always a believer,

JONAH :)