I once read a quote that the two greatest dreams of human
kind is flying and immortality. In the beginning of the repeating Groundhog
Day, Phil is thrilled by this immortality which allows him to indulge himself
and frees him from any consequences. However, as it turns out, indulging is not
without consequences. Phil is soon tired of trying out physical and material
pleasure, and finds out the desperate fact that he cannot escape this
repetition in any means of death. This reminds me that there is not absolute
freedom, as absolute freedom equals no freedom at all. The crucial turning
point for Phil, the incidence that broadens his point of view from himself to
other people, is the homeless old man. No matter how many times Phil tries to
save him, the man's life is gone beyond Phil's control. That is when Phil
understands that life is valuable, that living is a blessing, and he should
cherish it and find meaning in it.
Another message I received from this movie is to live every
day up to one's full potential. After
countless practices, Phil gets to every corner of the town and gives timely
help to strangers. His open helpfulness without hesitation earns him trust and
friendship from these strangers and makes it the best day for everyone
including himself. And after this "best version" of the repeating
Groundhog Day, Phil's time finally moves on to tomorrow. It seems like a quest
for Phil, a punishment for not living his life seriously. And Phil can be
anyone of us. It takes Phil innumerable repetitions to create the Best Day; I
wonder how long would it takes us to.
I am really interested in your idea that absolute freedom is really no freedom at all. This thought had never occurred to me, but I find that it rings true. You also brought up another point about how long it would take for someone to live up to their best potential if they were to relive the day over and over again, and I wondered the same thing because even though we as a people all agree on some things such as being kind, everybody will live their best version of a day differently.
ReplyDeleteLike Micha, I found your statement about absolute freedom not really allowing freedom is very thought provoking. I also believed that the repetition of Groundhog day served as a punishment for Phil because. I think that witnessing the homeless man die was a turning point because it did point out how meaningful life should be. He was trying to end his meanwhile that man's hardships had led him to die in such a way.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you about that the Groundhog day served as punishment for Phil in order to let him understand the meaning of his life. In the repetition of Groundhog day, he explore the value of his life and make the best version of his day.
DeleteI agree with you that absolute freedom is impossible. In my life, my ultimate goal of freedom is that I would have the ability to help others. I also agree with you that every day we should have a valuable life. However, nowadays, many people are living in a meaningless but "happy" life.
ReplyDeleteI like your idea that that there is not absolute freedom because absolute freedom means no freedom at all. When there's gain, there is loss. The Groundhog Day can be a punishment, but it can also be a chance. It depends on how we see it.
ReplyDelete