Movie Still via a website called Just Jared. Cool.
I remember wanting to watch this film when it came out. It was during my YoTV-watching days and I wanted to see most of the films they promoted. Maybe it's fair that I add that I also have had a bit of a Jodie Foster thing. I, like, really like her and hope to see a lot her better films one day. One day. Anyway, thanks to the less than spectacular scheduling (among other things) that plagues the SABC I've gotten to see this film twice this year. The first time I got bored and changed the channel but wanted to write something about it, which would probably have just been "just because you find an island it doesn't mean it's yours" or whatever. The second time it played, which was a week or so ago I paid a bit more attention and these are the 7 'lessons" and things that annoyed me about Nim's Island.
1. Finders keepers isn't something I like very much.
The first time I watched the film I really gasped in disbelief when Nim was talking about "her island" in the opening montage. How exactly is that island hers? Moreover, I found myself trying to see how what Nim's dad did was different from what happened when Van Riebeeck docked in the Cape of Good Hope.
2. Fear will paralyse you.
Alex Rover, the writer, could be out in the world living and trying all the situations into which she writes Alex Rover -- the adventurer. She could be crossing the dessert on camel back or climbing a wall at the recreation club. I related to this aspect the most with my fear of the unknown and failing. I make plans but stay indoors. I have anxiety attacks about money and people. It made me think of the things I could be doing and writing -- if I wasn't too busy worrying about rent and that no one will ever love me for me.
3. Necessity as invention...
Alex Rover, the writer, is afraid of heights, open spaces, flying, germs and hasn't been outside her home in over a year when she receives Nim's one-word plea for help: "come." She packs up some canned soup and hand sanitiser, flies, gets onto a small plane, gets on a tiny boat and paddles out to 20 degrees south, 162 degrees west. Meanwhile back on the island Nim tries to keep the cruise ship people away from the island she even re-activates the volcano on the island.
4 Heroes Fall.A big part of growing up comes with realising that your heroes are just human. One day you come home and you see that your dragon-slaying, superwoman of a mother is just a woman with strong determination trying to put food on the table and keep a steady roof over your head. That's all. You learn that her scars are part of being in the trenches, that her only reward will be the day you succeed. Others learn that their favourite "misunderstood musical genius" is just a drunk with words and pain. For Nim it was the realisation that her hero, the adventurous Alex Rover with an accent is just the imagining of a woman who's afraid to step outside her front door, let alone pursue adventure.
5. I want a treadmill.There a scene where Alex Rover, the writer, is getting in some cardiovascular exercise while emailing Nim. This served to reinforce that having a treadmill would make getting and staying fit easy. I can see myself walking briskly while watching Survivor... You see it too, right?
6. Myth and belief make life richer.
I think if I came across a person or animal I thought to be mythical and they needed my help I would give it. The boy from the cruise ship momentarily believes Nim to be a mermaid and he's captivated by her beauty -- I suppose. He doesn't tell any of the cruise ship people about the girl he saw but later confirms to Alex Rover, the writer, that she isn't mad -- that there indeed is a girl alone on an island. Also, I've imagined what it would be like to one day meet a witch or wizard who needs my help. Wouldn't you have loved for your childhood to have been that park moment with young Severus and Lily Evans? I would have.
7. Tomboys are cool.
The amount of trees Nim climbs just made me so happy. It's beautiful.
