While We're Young

Earlier this year, I made a mental note to check out the film "While We're Young" when it came to theaters. Then life happened. I got busy and never got around to seeing it. But thank god for Redbox, always saving the day! I was excited to see "While We're Young" in stock, and eagerly rented it. I didn't have high hopes for this movie, honestly. It is a cute quirky Noah Baumbach film about a forty-something couple who feel trapped in their orderly, routined lives. Then, they meet this wild and exciting young millennial couple who give a new light to their lives. 

This movie has the charm of Woody Allen, but goes beyond swishy romances and cliched storylines. Not only is Baumbach emphasizing the generational gap evident in the twenty first century, but overlays an entirely captivating plotline about filmmaking, ethics, and independence that will put you on the edge of your seat. The contrast between the middle-aged couple, Josh and Cornelia, and the in-your-face hipster couple, Jamie and Darby, highlights the differences between two generations. Every cliche imagined about the millennials and New York hipsters is brought to life on-screen. This sounds like it would be dreadfully annoying- think again. While this notion of throwing shade at our modern youth could have been done distastefully and without style, Baumbach allows young people to laugh at their own ways. 

As a 19 year old, I felt obligated to relate to the youthful couple. However, my traditional ways and love of order left me relating to Josh and Cornelia. I saw how the past generation views the current one- and ultimately realized that my viewpoints on my peers are not that different! I found myself rolling my eyes at the minor character wearing a T-shirt that spells "Some Crappy Band", because that's the reality of modern hipsterdom! 

While this film sometimes feels as if it's trying too hard to be different, ultimately it was a light and fun film that didn't leave you unsatisfied. It didn't seem to spell out messages obviously to the viewer, however you are left with the reminder to follow the beat of your own drum. When you're in the mood for a cute indie film, or are curious about the current generational gap, give "While We're Young" a shot. You will be pleasantly surprised! 

Maria Full of Grace

For years, I have had a sweet spot for foreign films. Sure, sometimes it's hard to get my friends to agree to watch a film that has -gasp- SUBTITLES, but sure enough some of my favorites fall under this category. Whether I'm watching Amelie or Y Tu Mama Tambien, I feel as if I am not only watching a fascinating plot unfold, but am nearly experiencing life abroad. One film that I've recently seen, Maria Full of Grace, resonated with me for weeks after the viewing. This is a film produced between Columbia and the US about a teenage Columbian girl forced to resort to employment as a drug mule in attempt to keep her life afloat.

Trying to refrain from any spoilers, I want to explain to my readers why this film needs to be immediately added to your to-watch list. There are some films that are fairly passive experiences- you watch a story develop, but never truly feel an impact on your own life in any way. There is a detectable barrier between your own life and the life of the characters portrayed before you. Maria Full of Grace is not one of these films. Before popping the DVD into my computer, I knew absolutely nothing about this film. I knew it was Columbian, and that it received positive feedback from audiences. I knew nothing of the plot, the acting, the script. As the scenes appeared before me I felt a connection between my self and the protagonist, Maria. Sure, she is a young girl dealing with hardships many young girls deal with. But the connection went far deeper than this. The main actor, Catalina Sandino Moreno, was able to convince me so deeply of her character that I felt as if I was going through her experiences with her, feeling what she felt.


Not only were the plot developments raw, emotional, and extremely intense, but the twists and turns completely capture the attention of the viewer. What truly sets this film apart from others of the same category are the heartfelt and powerful acting performances, as well as the sheer believability of the storyline. The main actor is clearly the most convincing and has the most developed character, however every character is vital to the intensity of the film. Although the experiences Maria goes through are unlike the average person, the way events occur on-screen make it evident that these situations are a reality for some people in the world. The film is very humbling, and will leave you with gratitude for your own life, and disbelief at the misfortune of others.