I saw the following movie today...


And it was an amazing piece of brilliance! Why? Keep reading for an explanation.

I could explain the plot via pictures and my own words but before you read further, check out the trailer...


Ok, now that you get the basic idea of the story, I can give you my take on it.  Like I said before, it was brilliant! Not only did I appreciate the representation of "steampunk" throughout the movie...oh, what's "steampunk" you might ask? I'll be honest, I'm not quite sure how to explain it.  The main component of anything "steampunk" though involves machines, and in particular early industrial machines.  Clocks and their works are almost always present in a "steampunk" theme.  My best advice for knowing more about "steampunk" is to Google it.

Alrighty, back to Hugo.  The film itself is beautiful.  I personally love movies that are set in eras ranging from the 1920's-50's.  They contain an old Hollywood glamour that is so often lost in most modern day movies.  Everything from the colors, costumes, sets, and props was just fantastic.



While the film itself was beautiful, even more so was the simplicity and joys of life displayed in the film.


Have you ever noticed that most childhood films have a depth that others do not?  The storyline, characters, events and even words said often catch our attention and make us stop and think..."Woah...I need to have that mindset more often."  Hugo did just that.  Here are two particular things that stood out to me.  

One, childhood innocence and faith is something you CHOOSE to lose.  Now days, a lot of people blame the world for our loss of innocence.  We can no longer think purely like a child because of the dark veil the world holds for us as we grow older.  


I believe that statement to be incorrect.  Yes, unfortunately, we will encounter things in this world that make us grow up.  But just because we will meet the face of unkindness does not mean it has to rule our lives.  


You can still believe in the good in this world because it exists within that dark veil.  It comes in the form of a smile, a hand to hold, an adventure to be had with a friend, an unexpected gift, belief in the unseen, hope for the future, and faith in a greater power that makes all things work together for good.  Hold onto the things that are simple, the things you loved as a child! Read your favorite storybook, laugh and giggle at nothing on a summer's day, go on an adventure!  Don't see the bad in everything, see the good. 


Hugo: Want to go on an adventure? 

Isabelle: Yes! *Later on* You know, we could get in a lot of trouble for this. 

Hugo: *Smiles as he picks a lock on a door* That's how you know it's an adventure! 


Two, Hugo addresses a question all of us ask ourselves: What is my purpose in life? 


The question of one's purpose is a very personal thing to address.  Everyone desires to be loved, praised, and acknowledge for something they accomplished in their life.  Authors want to be known for their written works, artists for their creations, kings for the leadership, soldiers for their heroic deeds, the list goes on.  


Nothing burdens the heart and soul more than feeling left behind in trying to find your purpose in life.  Watching others achieve and find their paths is of course wonderful, but there is a pang of grief that your heart feels when yet again, it's not you that has found that amazing sense of accomplishment.  You feel lost, unworthy and useless.  Eventually you can't help but wonder if you even have a purpose in life.  You ask "Am I good for something?  Or nothing at all?" 


The truth is, you ARE good for something! In fact, you are good for a lot of things, most of which you haven't even discovered yet.  I've often wondered about my purpose in life.  Sometimes I think I've found it, but then whatever it is I've found seems to fade into the background with all the OTHER things I think I'm meant to do in life.  I think we are called to do a lot of things with our lives.  


To strive only for that "one moment" that defines our very existence almost seems to be doing ourselves a disservice.  Do you really want to live for that "one big thing" that makes you feel accomplished? Or, would you rather achieve small consecutive goals/discoveries over an extended period of time that build your character?  Remember, it is often the smallest victories that have the biggest and most significant impact in your life.  


My favorite moment in the movie was when Hugo and his friend Isabelle are standing in the top clock tower overlooking the city of Paris.  Isabelle asks the question about people's purpose in life.  Hugo's response is something I will never forget.  It went something like this: 

"Did you know that when machines are made, they come with the exact number of parts they will need and ONLY those?  No extra parts are needed.  Sometimes I think life is like a machine.  If you are a part of the machine, then you must have some purpose in life.  I mean, you're here aren't you?" 


Hugo has been added to my list of favorites.  Please go see it, I know you'll love it! 

Keep it simple, keep it real.