Monday, September 5, 2016

Didn't See That Coming

Last night I watched a movie I've wanted to see for a long time. It is a fairy tale from the villain's point of view. At least that is what I assumed the movie to be about. My goodness, was I surprised!

It is a great movie! I like that it didn't follow traditional expectations for the plot and outcome. My preconceived notions about it were shattered early on -- and I like that. Maleficent is not evil. She is not innocent. She is a complex being who is filled with a mixture of emotions -- some of which she is conflicted about.

Maleficent is me.
Maleficent is all of us -- if we are truly honest with ourselves.

I was surprised to read the number of negative reviews when the movie first came out in 2015. The critics did not like this particular version of the fairy-tale.

I have to wonder if it is because too many lines were crossed for their comfort? Apparently they need to have a clear villain and a distinctly separate sweet maiden. Aurora is, without a doubt, the obvious fair maiden.

I cannot relate to Aurora.
I don't go about smiling and trusting everyone whose path I cross.
When the sting of life pains me I want to go out and sting someone else.
That is an ugly truth but it is my truth nonetheless.
I am not proud of it but I claim it as I try to learn and grow from it.
I am Maleficent. I realize the complexities of life, of life experience, of people in my life all continue to build on the foundation that is me.
And out of that grows a beautiful being, empowered to make my own choices.

The same is true for Maleficent. She allows past experiences and people to take her to the darkest places of her soul. Her ugliness comes out and that is how others view her. And she is just fine with that.

Time for another plot twist.
Aurora does not see the ugly in Maleficent.
She calls her "Fairy Godmother" -- she sees this person as the one who watches over her all her life. She loves her and her great joy is in being with her.

Maleficent surprises herself when she has to admit that Aurora has stolen her heart but it doesn't stop at that. She realizes the horrible spell she placed on Aurora as a baby must be lifted. She wishes nothing but love and all the best life has to offer the child.

I love that plot twist! I just knew the horrible curse would be lifted and they would all live "happily ever after".

Nope. Didn't turn out that way. It goes deeper than that. It suggests the idea of redemption.
Yep, I said it. A beautiful theological concept sneaks in to a fairy-tale.

Maleficent realizes even she cannot release the child from the horrible curse placed on her as a baby. The curse hangs ominously over her head while a helpless Maleficent is forced to watch.

I think we can all relate to that agony. We've all made bad decisions. We've felt bad about it -- but we still have had to live through them.

Maleficent realizes she has to suffer through the agony of watching Aurora live out her days in the cursed sleep. It is almost too much to bear. In a single action that reveals her deep love for the child, Maleficent kisses Aurora on the forehead.

Another plot twist -- and perhaps my favorite! It is THAT kiss that awakens Aurora.

And we are reminded that "true love's kiss" reveals itself in ways we cannot all comprehend.
While Aurora wakes and immediately knows it was her Fairy Godmother who brought her back, Maleficent is very aware of the many emotions that have awakened in her -- and she likes it.

I don't know how this version of the fairy-tale ends. We are invited, perhaps, to insert our own endings. But I like that the door remains open -- come what may.



Enjoying the journey,
Debra
bebprov356.blogspot.com

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your path straight.
-- Proverbs 3:5-6 --

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