& re: the proposal—I think it works if you're able to view it from within the middle-school perspective. To an adult viewer, it might seem either stupid (if we assume it can't lead to a real marriage) or horrifying (if we assume it dooms them to be together forever despite any changes that will arise before they're adults). But to kids that age, I think it just reads as, "Yes, this is what I want. I want to be with you forever." I think it's true to who they are & what they want & believe in that moment. I believe a certain kind of teen (though not all) would absolutely make that kind of promise, & the movie isn't really about how either of them feels about it seven years later, but just how it's true to them in that season. I buy it.
Enjoyed reading your thoughts on one of my favourite movies! The proposal at the end shocked me at first too, wondering if it was supposed to be a joke. I think of it now as extreme youthful exuberance as opposed to an actual promise.
I love it so much!
& re: the proposal—I think it works if you're able to view it from within the middle-school perspective. To an adult viewer, it might seem either stupid (if we assume it can't lead to a real marriage) or horrifying (if we assume it dooms them to be together forever despite any changes that will arise before they're adults). But to kids that age, I think it just reads as, "Yes, this is what I want. I want to be with you forever." I think it's true to who they are & what they want & believe in that moment. I believe a certain kind of teen (though not all) would absolutely make that kind of promise, & the movie isn't really about how either of them feels about it seven years later, but just how it's true to them in that season. I buy it.
this was beautiful. i love this movie so much
Enjoyed reading your thoughts on one of my favourite movies! The proposal at the end shocked me at first too, wondering if it was supposed to be a joke. I think of it now as extreme youthful exuberance as opposed to an actual promise.