Photo: A scene from the movie “Here” originally published by IMDB.com.
I thoroughly enjoyed Tom Hanks’ latest film, “Here,” which ensures he retains his position at the top of my list of all-time favorite actors.
The premise of “Here” is very touching as it relays stories surrounding a small piece of land somewhere in Pennsylvania. Countless people lived on that land, as well as in the home which was eventually built on it.
Much of the movie is filmed from the same vantage point facing the ever-changing living room with a neighboring Colonial home visible out the window.
I enjoyed “Here” because it ties in greatly with my mission for Life Story School. The movie shows that everyone has a story, and it is those stories that connect us to the past as well as the future. Yet, “Here” has a strong message for people over 50, too.
“Here” follows the lives of Richard and Margaret Young, two main characters played by Tom Hanks and Robin Wright, who starred together in the 1994 blockbuster “Forest Gump.” However, interspersed between their scenes, we witness interactions between people who lived in the home before the Young family and immediately afterward.
Scenes feature joyous occasions, such as the end of war, births of children, a wedding and warm holiday scenes. Yet, the joy is also interrupted by life upon occasion, as people die, lose jobs, get divorced and succumb to a stroke or other illnesses.
One of the more poignant reoccurring themes involved Richard’s character, who was always paralyzed by fear or needing conditions to be perfect before he could live the life he desired. There were always excuses and the need to pay taxes that seemed to keep him trapped in a life he really didn’t want.
Throughout the movie, it was well established that Richard was an exceptional artist from early childhood. Later, he surprised his wife by designing a breathtaking dream home for the two of them to enjoy “someday.” But, on the day he accepted a practical job selling insurance, he took down his easel and, thus, put an end to his gifted hobby.
It was only later in life, well after turning 50 and on the verge of divorce that Richard opts to return to his natural talent. But, as is often the case, it was too little, too late. By giving up his dream, he destroyed his soul – an example set by his own father.
As the movie nears its conclusion, we are introduced to troubling early warning signs signaling Margaret may have dementia which causes memory problems for her. Eventually, after the Youngs are divorced, it is implied Margaret winds up institutionalized, but Richard brings her back to visit the empty house.
He tells stories of good times they enjoyed in the home, which sparks her memory enough to proclaim how much she loved it “here.”
Everyone one of the people depicted in the film contributed to the story about the home with stories of their own. The movie is a reminder of the fragility of life, and the need to embrace it now rather than “someday.” It’s about the dangers of putting your dreams on hold or killing them with alcohol.
More importantly, it shows why it is so important to capture and retain your life story. It’s that story that sustains you through tough times, and gives you hope for a brighter tomorrow.
After closing his business and enduring several painful years of uncertainty regarding what to do with his life, Greg founded Forward From 50 to help men and women over 50 to live more purposeful lives by pursuing things they are passionate about. A Wisconsin native, Greg currently lives in Arizona.