Pay It Forward (2000)

Saw this on TV again. You know, there are just some great things about this movie.

I love the entire opening dialog of the teacher, Mr Eugene Simonet. The way he introduced the subject of Social Studies, by drawing out the place that 11 year olds have in the world was delightful.

The way the movie dealt with the mom Arlene's addiction to alcohol is really interesting. The details of where she hid her bottles and her reactions as she felt an overwhelming need to drink were just exquisite. But I loved the way she managed to stop herself the one time after she hit Trever, even when the liqueur was in her mouth.

The mistakes that the people make in this movie are enlightening. The mistakes they make, and the consequences of them, and the opportunities they get to correct the mistakes.

I love the conflict and dialog between Arlene and Eugene, and the way their relationship develops. From the initial angry conflict to understanding and respect, to compassion and love.

I think it is funny that Trever's dad is Jon Bon Jovi.

But most of all, I think it is fantastic that this movie is about doing things for other people. Big, hard things. Things they can't do for themselves. And I love that one of the most important things that is done is a daughter forgiving her mother for really bad stuff that happened when she was little. We often don't understand how important a thing like forgiveness is. And it is something only we can do. It is not something that can be done by those that have wronged us, we have to do it for them.

I love that this movie says that we have to take care of each other, and by doing so one person can affect many, many people. Even one person can change the world.