Relationship 101: The Rules about Movie Selection

Husband and I have these rules about what movies to watch during weekends:

(1)  If either of us does not like a certain movie or is not so sure whether he likes it or not, it should be parked for the meantime and decide on another movie.  Or for the other person who expressed likeness over movie to watch it alone when the other is not staying over the weekend.

(2)  If it is too late in the evening but we are still up to watching a movie, watch DVD-compiled/Torrent-downloaded TV episodes (e.g. House, CSI, The Closer, Glee, Cougar Town, Flash Forward, How I Met Your Mother). That way, if we get sleepy, at least we are watching something shorter than a film and we won’t end up leaving a movie in the middle.

(3)  For H, “serious” films are a no-no in the afternoon or in the evening.  So, to watch “Blindness” by Fernando Mereilles and “Out of Africa” by Sydney Pollack in the afternoon or in the evening is like convening the UN Tribunal to handle cases involving crimes against humanity. :-p

Today, I followed Rule No. 1.  As you may know, I just got home and after super chika with Mom, I decided to watch “Eat. Pray. Love.”  This time, Rule No. 1 has deprived husband of the privilege of watching a very simple yet breath-takingly beautiful film. (cue flashback music while screen dissolves and cross-fades to last Sunday)

EXT. DVD STALL. DAY.

BRIDGET  and JHER were rummaging through stacks of DVD’s to buy and watch. BRIDGET excitedly points to something he likes

BRIDGET:  Eat. Pray. Love.?

JHER:  Hindi daw maganda review. Saka flop daw yan.

BRIDGET and JHER ended up buying PIRANHA 3D and MAMARAZZI.

(cross-fades back to present)

Hahahahaha! But don’t get me wrong. Husband has great taste in films and we share that. He was the one who actually convinced me to buy a compilation of Akira Kurosawa films and that was the first time I really watched his work.

I guess over time, I have looked at the rules as a way for us to maximize our day by enjoying each other while watching something that we both love.

But going back, this is one time that husband missed the opportunity to enjoy watching something with me. I know he will enjoy watching me cry at almost everything..which I did.  I just loved the many touching moments in the film that really made me sob in between munching popcorn, puffing on my cigarette and taking a swig of San Mig premium draft. It was that good…for me.

I think that’s why the film tanked or got lambasted by some critics. It is a film that banks on relatability. If you choose to watch this movie and just “watch” it, you will get bored. This movie will work if you immerse yourself and be the main character’s best friend–that at same level, you can relate to her.  I may have not experienced all of what she experienced, but I rooted for her. And not to mention that I loved the places that she went to to eat, pray, and love which finally led her to find what she is looking for.

The movie talks about finding balance and I have a favorite quote: “Balance is not letting anybody love you less than how you love yourself.”  (cries)  And it has an abundance of quotes, both wise and bumper-sticker types. (sighs)

I love the characters and the actors breathed life to this true story. There’s a moment with Javier Bardem that I cried the most! (remembering the scene just made me cry again…and now I see my friends, Ruby, Weng, and H rolling their eyes *hahahaha*) Oh, I just love all the characters that Elizabeth met along her truth-seeking journey.

Kaya, H. I’ll watch this again with you if you want. :-p