The Long, Long Holiday

The Long, Long Holiday (Delphine Maury and Olivier Vinuesa, 2015)

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Rating: DSQ=10, SP=6 / Can't Get Enough

Scale A=4, Scale B=3, Scale C=3, Scale D=3, Scale E=3

WWII, Animated, Family, Coming of Age

I truly truly enjoyed this animated series about WWII from the perspective of children in rural France. It's beautifully illustrated and thoughtfully written, with many tense moments handled very well since it is intended for a young audience. Though the war is the main thread of the series, coming of age is a stronger theme and narrative (how could it not be!?). Each episode focuses on friendship, loyalty, bravery, and intelligence and shows consequences of decisions and choices.

Netflix didn't let me what it in the original French language (grrr) but I imagine that voice-acting was superior to the English version. Still, a really fun show with important messages.

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Lion

Lion (Garth Davis, 2016)

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Rating: Q=8, P=8 / Obsession

Scale 1=4, Scale 2=4, Scale 3=4, Scale 4=4

Reunions, Complex Relationships, Tearjerker, Based on Real Events, Adoption, Philosophical

This film. I can't even begin to describe how this film made me feel. This story boils down all the essential human emotions in one place and, if you let it take you in, it truly leaves you feeling grateful for life and relationships. Lion is a story about determination and willpower as much as it is about the fragility of existence. It is about fate and how in one moment your whole life can change. It is about humility and sacrifice. Most importantly, I think, it is about hope.

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