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Rating: Q=8, P=7 / Obsession
Scale 1=4, Scale 2=4, Scale 3=4, Scale 4=3
Philosophical, Period (19th and early 20th century), Lumberjack, Complex Relationships
"There were once passageways to the old world; strange trails, hidden paths. You'd turn a corner and suddenly find yourself face-to-face with the great mystery, the foundation of all things. And even though that old world is gone now, even though it's been rolled up like a scroll and put somewhere, you can still feel the echo of it."
These opening words are perfect. Train Dreams is truly the story of the life cycle--birth, change, death, rebirth. It shines a light on one man's cycle and all the sorrow and joy and confusion in it. The film is a quiet and exceptionally beautiful reflection of the human experience. I cried more than once. I appreciated the simple and somber tone and emphasis on visuals. Few words speak volumes. I hope, like the narrator says, that this old world isn't completely gone. We need to hear and see the stories of regular folks in the past to appreciate and cherish what we have and what we, as human beings, always will be.
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