WARNING -- SPOILER ALERT. IF YOU HAVE NOT SEEN THE MOVIE, STOP READING NOW.
On re-evaluating this movie, I think I've concluded that it is the most cynical movie ever. The entire story shows how paying it forward is changing peoples' lives. It's a positive, wonderful thing when people start doing good things for other people... and then the boy who started it dies??? I cry every time I see this movie, but now, thinking back on it, I wonder if the writer wasn't just being extremely cynical. What's your take?
2006-11-17 06:24:15 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Entertainment & Music ➔ Movies
Let me preface this by saying I am sure you are all going to hate me for saying this but....here I go...
I don't think the writer was cynical, I just think he was a bad writer. I thought it was one of those classic Hollywood "tear jerkers" and what better way to drag the tears out of someone than to kill a little kid??? I think there are much better ways to show the impact of people showing a little bit of kindness to someone, and how that inspires a person to show kindness to someone else.
2006-11-17 12:17:53 · answer #1 · answered by holligolitelee66 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Pay It Forward is a prime example of what films are supposed to do: make you laugh a little, cry a lot, and profoundly affect you in a way that keeps you thinking about the movie for weeks afterwards. I saw it at a special preview screening and was blown away. My friends and I sat through the entire credits because we were so taken by what we had seen. Kevin Spacey, Helen Hunt, and the phenomonal Haley Joel Osment once again give performances worthy of Oscars. I only hope there isn't some "retaliation" of sorts because of their previous wins and nominations because they deserve it again this year. But the big winner here is director Mimi Leder who has moved from action films into great cinema. She demonstrates the fine tuned skills she showed while directing ER. As I sat there, one eye kept a close watch of the story while the other marveled at the beautiful direction of every scene. They have my vote for Best Picture, Director, Actor, Actress, Supporting Actress, and Screenplay. Awe-inspiring!!!!
2006-11-17 08:21:43 · answer #2 · answered by yu3se6 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are exactly right! I loved it up until the end. I was shocked!
I mean, why kill off Hailey? That was retarted. I think it was very cynical. A mean trick. I can't remember exactly why he was shot, I just remember that's how he died in this. Some pointless way. Like a robbery or something. I just wish he could have lived. he was the most important part of the story. Having a minor character kill him off just shows how bad a job the director/writers did. Same thing in SAW 3. If you haven't seen it yet I won't give it away. It too, had a minor (at that point) character kill off some main characters.
2006-11-17 06:34:08 · answer #3 · answered by Jim F 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I do not think he was cynical. He was trying to say that no matter what the outcome, you should pay it forward. The boy changed so many peoples lives with his pay it forward. His mother found happiness. She also carries with her after her sons death what a good person he was.
I love this movie. I have watched it numerous times and cry every single flipping time!
2006-11-17 06:32:25 · answer #4 · answered by billiejoe4me 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you don't mind, I'll give you a couple thoughts from a writer/novelist perspective. Unfortunately, when you write any kind of story, there has got to be deep sadness to contrast the utter happiness. Readers and viewers need to feel the despair of life to really find the joy it it as well. So, to answer your question. Yes, the screenwriter was cynical.
2006-11-17 06:43:53 · answer #5 · answered by Big Dog03 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
its not cynical, I don't think. I loved the movie. Watched it a few times.
I did feel bad that the kid died, but it's true that death happens whether or not you pay it forward.
Its a very uplifting thought, and I think people, including me, should take more time out to do it. It may come back to them, too.
It's a good idea that been repeated in movies, commercials, songs, and TV shows numerous times.
2006-11-17 08:14:39 · answer #6 · answered by kid_rock 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I didn't find it cynical at all. It's a wonderful idea if it would work (note that a commercial is now showing the same type of idea).
His death was a misfortune, but his mother found happiness.
Death happens whether you pay it forward or not.
I used that technique in my classroom. It does work.
PS It makes me cry too!
2006-11-17 06:29:49 · answer #7 · answered by ~CountryGirl~ 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Im not sure if its cynical or not, but I will say this..I really liked it a lot..until the end, it killed me I cried my eyes out and just felt completely defeated. I think it was ruined by him dying in the end. The theory is super nice though, its a shame more people in this world dont live by this.
2006-11-17 06:34:01 · answer #8 · answered by pignapper1 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I really enjoyed this movie. That boy went out a hero for helping out so many people's lives. It did make the point that all the innocent people in this world die of something tragic. I also cried at the end of this movie.
2006-11-17 10:12:17 · answer #9 · answered by amleonard 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is a great movie and I dont know why they had to make the little boy die, he did show others how to make a change in the world, maybe his job was done and he had to go??
And yes I cried too
2006-11-17 06:34:06 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋