The Netflix reality dating show “Love on the Spectrum” captures the pratfalls of finding companionship, compounded with social anxieties associated with autism. It’s impossible not to feel a kinship with these 20 something adults struggling with a spectrum of disabilities that make social interactions difficult but in no way diminishes the desire to date and find romance. These adults have no filters in expressing how they feel they are perceived nor their hopes for finding love. These individuals are irrepressible in their determination to meet the right person. Everything about this remarkably binge worthy series will tug at your heart strings and have you rooting for them in their love quest. There are 2 couples who have found their partners and are living together in their own homes. Spoiler alert, there is a proposal coming in the series that will not leave a dry eye in the house. There is an exuberance in all these individuals that is infectious. The families are all loving and supportive. There are networks of support and professionals that provide guidance and opportunities for interacting and developing social skills. Kindness is the overriding attribute that is expressed. Humans are hard wired to be social. It’s poignant to see how considerate everyone is to each other. I loved getting to know these individuals and hope they all succeed in meeting someone to share their lives. It’s eye opening how much so many of us have to be grateful for that we take for granted. All of us are hay wired one way or another but we're all hard wired to desire companionship. SPECTRUM is a rainbow of hope, kindness & love that connects us all to each other. I would love another season.
Tuesday, August 11, 2020
Thursday, August 6, 2020
S Korean Film HOUSE of HUMMINGBIRD Hums with Life's Journeys for Joy
The enchanting and touching film, "House of Hummingbird" is by acclaimed actress Kim Bora (b S Korea 1994) marking an auspicious debut as writer/director. The film is set in S Korea, 1994, and follows the life of a 14 year old school girl, Eun-hee in a stirring performance by S. Korean actress Park Ji-hoo. This lengthy film (almost 3 hours) takes its time unfolding. The movie is about one girl's search for friendship, kinship and inner strength. At times this is very painful, making the smaller moments of tenderness & self-assuredness very poignant. This beautifully shot film feels candid & credible. It crawls along at a snail's pace. Eun-hee's family life is troubled by a brutal older brother, and seemingly uncaring parents & sister. This is a coming of age story wherein Eun-hee is seeking friendship with her classmates, a boyfriend and contending with offering & rebuff. Eun-hee is searching for a port in any storm. She locates beacons of affection that wash away. Eun-hee's emotions are illuminated in her eyes with happiness and flickers with disillusion on her face. She finds an enlarging tumor alongside her face that requires surgery. Eun-hee's hospital stay is without any family in attendance. Her only visitor is from one of her teacher's who has befriended Eun-hee. There's a major catastrophe that occurs in Seoul that exacts a personal toll on Eun-hee and her family. The film flows and meanders with the currents of daily life, trickling in parts & rushing with power elsewhere. "House of Hummingbird" is a harbinger of Park Ji-hoo's asured future as an exceptional film making. The film is one of loneliness & resilience. Carl Sandburg's poem Offering & Rebuff reflects the essence & beauty of the film. "I could love you as dry roots love rain. I could hold you as branches in the wind brandish petals. Forgive me for speaking so soon. Let your heart look on white spray and be lonely. Love is a fool star. You and a rising of stars may mention my name and then forget me. Love is a fool star."
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