LIVE, LEARN, & LOVE Series #22. Blind (film, 2007)

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.

 

#22. 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 One thing that makes Marie self-conscious, withdrawn, and insecure is her skin disease called Albinism.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.