LIVE, LEARN, & LOVE
Do you take delight in watching films or
listening to pop music? For English learners, movies, songs, and books are one
of the most wonderful sources to explore the language! You can indulge in your
favorite pastime and still learn some expressions, words of wisdom, and
oftentimes good lessons while you’re at it.
#23. Blind (film, 2007)
The story is about a solitary and emotionally fragile young man named Ruben who lost his vision as a child. Ruben’s mother has been doing her best taking care of her son. She has hired book readers for Ruben multiple times, but they weren’t able to stand his uncontrollable behavior. Then, one day a book reader named Marie came. She has a lovely voice and deep appreciation for books and storytelling. One thing that makes Marie self-conscious, withdrawn, and insecure is her skin disease called Albinism. It is a rare inherited genetic disorder marked by a major reduction or complete lack of the pigment melanin in the skin, hair, and eyes. It results in extremely pale skin and hair, along with strong sensitivity to sunlight. As Ruben and Marie spend time together in the mansion, love begins to grow between the two lonely individuals—but if Ruben eventually regains his sight, Marie starts to feel insecure and worried about the possibility of losing her love from Ruben.
“Love
does not see with the eyes but with the mind, which is why Cupid, the symbol of
love, is often depicted as blind.”
ð This
line, which is a variation of a famous quote from William Shakespeare’s “A
Midsummer Night's Dream”, sums up the theme of this film that true love is
based on internal connection rather than outward appearance.
In
the context of the film, the meaning is deeply tied to the characters of Ruben,
a young man who has become blind and Marie with skin disease (albinism) and
physical scars.
“Catherine
(Ruben’s mother): "Who's going to tell him the truth?" (referring to
the fact that Marie is older and has severe scars, which Ruben cannot see)
Marie:
"He sees it... And he's the only one."
ð Marie
believes that even though Ruben cannot see physically, he understands her true
nature—her soul and beauty—through her voice, touch, and personality. In this
way, he is not truly blind to who she is; instead, he perceives her more deeply
than someone who relies only on sight.
She
feels that because Ruben cannot see her physical flaws—such as the scars and
features that make her feel insecure and cause her to withdraw from others—he
is the only person capable of loving her completely for who she is on the
inside.
** Jean’s Small Thoughts:
The film conveys the idea that beauty lies in the
perspective of the person who can truly recognize what exists beyond outward
appearance—the vulnerable and delicate soul within. Sometimes people ask me
whether it’s possible to love someone without ever meeting them face-to-face,
knowing them only through years of shared thoughts online or through letters. I
answer yes without hesitation. I believe love develops through trust and
respect for another person, rather than their physical looks. This film deeply
resonates with me.
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