| Name of the movie | Gifted |
| Starring | Chris Evans, Mckenna Grace, Octavia Spencer, Jenny Slate, Lindsey Duncan |
| Director & Year of Release | Marc Webb, 2017 |
| Studio | Fox Searchlight Pictures |
CHECKLIST Rating: 4/5
Reviewer: Kekhrie Seyie
“…Hey! You know there’s something you could be overlooking. It’s going to work out.”
As a viewer I always enjoy movies that offers a realistically messy portrayal of life, because you can relate to it with ease, rather than adding a Hollywood spice to everything. That’s exactly what intrigued me about this movie. And to be honest, it’s fabulous and worth it. The movie has a lot of incredible shots, revealing some predictable moments, yet the film manages many twists. And Marc Webb (the Director) has done an incredible job in keeping the story utterly engaging. The film ‘Gifted’ introduces us to the story of a young seven-year-old first grade student, who happens to be a child prodigy. Mary (Mckenna Grace) showed her exceptional talent at mathematics on her first day at school. When this news gets out, it gets all the way to her maternal grandmother (Lindsey Duncan- as Evelyn), who tries all possible means to ensure Mary gets the best education to match her gifts, to which Frank (Mary’s Maternal Uncle played by Chris Evans) refuses. And what ensues is a legal custody battle for Mary between her Uncle and her Grandmother. So, that’s putting the plot in the simplest of terms. Now, then let me share how this astounding movie has left an enormous impact on me. Here are the seven lessons learned from it:-
- Stop pressurizing others to fit in your plan
The bar scene in the movie reveals the story of Mary’s Mother (Diane Adler), who was raised in a very strict environment after discovering that she was born a math genius. It won’t be wrong to say that the phenomenon of ‘Like begets like’ runs in the family. She was constantly kept in isolation from the rest of the world under the supervision of her strict mother. The purpose was to ensure total focus to succeed in mathematics. This, however, made her life tragic. So, I think it is very important for us all to know our limits and when it’s time to really back off.
- Standing up for others
Mary was not only a math genius but also a compassionate child. She acted the way one has to when someone needs your help to stand for them. She stood up to fight against bullies. This is an important lesson to learn if someone is being bullied or mistreated, it’s essential to have someone on their side to help defend them. We don’t really know what hardships someone could be going through in their personal lives.
- Always remember to embrace and cherish happy moments in life
There were some moments in the movie, worth cherishing that reminds us all to enjoy life, because it’s not every day that life gives us delights. So, when happy moments do come along our way, it’s important to embrace and enjoy them.
- Family comes first
The way Frank chose to step in as the guardian of his niece, leaving aside all that he could possibly have in life like a well-paid job, speaks volume about the fact that one rightful decision about what’s best for your family at the right time, matters. It reminds us that sometimes, you have to put others before yourself, and honestly, this movie manifested that beautifully.
- Intelligence is not everything
It’s not your intelligence that defines you, rather it’s your character, personality and the way you treat others, that does. So, be kind to others, and yeah, give them a reason to stick around you. The world needs more of a kind hearted people. So, be one.
- Never leave your loved ones behind
If you truly love someone, I believe it’s important to let them know, be there for them always and never leave them hanging. It shouldn’t matter what other people say. Your love should not be based on others’ opinions and definitely it should not be based on situation and reasons, but it should always be unconditional.
- Make your own decision
…‘I like her, but I don’t want to live with her’. Says Mary about her pushy grandmother. This reminds us all that at the end of the day it’s your decision to make that will matter, and not the other way round. So, its s important to have believe in yourself and make decision on what you believe in right. In short, don’t let others tell you what you can and cannot do.
Besides the mentioned lessons, the movie also highlights the important reality of ‘Mental health’ and ‘re-structuring of school pedagogy and equipment’, in dealing with students with exceptional qualities. So, all in all, ‘Gifted’ is a family-friendly movie. The cast knew exactly what is required of them, and that’s what made the film work. And I really enjoyed myself watching each of the characters unfolding with the flow. Nevertheless, this movie did make me see situations through a silver lining that not all can go well as plan in life. Yet, the uncertain turn and twists can also bring the best of happy moments and helps us get through difficulties with a smile on the face, and eventually, things do work out for the best, when you believe. Above all, it’s a simple yet an engaging option for others who enjoys stories kept real and minimal. So, I would highly recommend this movie, if you haven’t watched it yet.
Thanks!
CHECKLIST is a review column initiated by Tetso College that aims at giving students, reviewers and writers a platform to review and reflect upon books, movies, television shows, documentaries, magazines, restaurants and catering services, games, software, and product reviews. The reviews should be a reflective writing encompassing the writer’s opinions about the subject matter while avoiding unprecedented subjective bias. This is an unsponsored review column. The views expressed here do not reflect the opinion of the Institution. Type your review in a Google Docs or MS Word document and email it to dottalks@tetsocollege.org.