Directed by: Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu
Written by: Guillermo Arriaga
Starring: Sean Penn, Naomi Watts, Danny Huston, Benicio Del Toro
Runtime: 124 minutes
A happenstance hit and run unites a critically ill mathematician, a grieving mother, and a born-again ex-con.
The story in 21 GRAMS evolves non-chronologically. Telling this story out of sequence is imperative because it plays with our idea of perception. There are moments where we as the audience; the observing spectators know things before the characters even realize they’re happening; and vice versa. Although I barley passed physics, I comprehend the laws that define time. In 21 Grams, the past, present and the future cease to co-exist in natural order, but works as measures unfurl and consequences are faced. 21 GRAMS gets away with altering time because it moves back and forth between these three stories whose common denominator lie in this horrific traffic accident.
21 GRAMS is tormenting and utterly depressing. I think that’s the reason why it ultimately allows me to escape. The acting is stellar, which allows for pure tragedy to take place. No matter what mood I am in, I am focused purely on the story. The actors embody the pain of the characters so when I watch them, I understand how they feel. 21 GRAMS is like piecing together the saddest puzzle in the world.
21 GRAMS also offers up this idea of unexpected connections. Relatable coincidences happen all of the time. Do you ever stop and say: what a small fucking world.Although these chances are far more dramatic than anything I’ve faced, it feels real.
I want to focus in on this idea of coming to peace with yourself or a situation.
Naomi Watts plays Christina Peck. Peck, a once drug addict has found recovery in her family. Her husband and two daughters bring her joy, happiness and stability. In one defining moment, her world is knocked upside down. Her husband and daughters are killed in a hit and run car accident. Not knowing what to clutch to, she relies on substances to make her feel numb.
Although the situation I currently find myself in is far less dramatic, I am in miserable at my job. The people bother me, the work bothers me and I find myself not challenged in the slightest. I am angry about it. Yesterday, I started crying at my desk due to frustration so I walked out. My energy feels unbalanced; it’s as if my body is rejecting this occupation, this lifestyle.
At the end of the movie (although it’s up for the audience to decide) Peck finds peace with the passing of her family.
I want to take charge of my yoga practice, take charge of this blog, take charge of my happiness. I am the only one who can control that. Although I can’t predict my future, I am coming to peace with making a change. Making an occupational change, making a life change. It’s kind of like my release. As I strive towards this change, my chakras become more aligned. I breath out all that anger and frustration.
Has anyone ever made a drastic change in their life?
Yoga Pose: Garudasana {Eagle Pose}. In Eagle Pose your body might feel awkward and constricted, but you can still ride the wind like an eagle. “Riding the wind” means riding the flow or energy of any situation or any challenging pose. Keep pushing through the discomfort to find the comfort.