Ascending: rising or increasing to higher levels, values, or degrees
Butterflies: The change from caterpillar though to the chrysalis and emergence as a butterfly is the greatest change in the animal world. It symbolises significant change in the course of one’s life, personality or way of thinking.
Putting them together brings us on an upwards journey of change and transformation, isn't that what we all strive for?
With the holiday shopping season in full swing, the few times I have found myself last minute shopping or a last minute addition to my gift list to shop for, I have always made it a point to catch a movie as a way to unwind after shopping.
If you find yourself needing a break from the holiday shopping madness and find yourself by a theater playing The Danish Girl, I definitely recommend you go see it!
ABOUT:
The remarkable love story inspired by the lives of artists Lili Elbe and Gerda Wegener (portrayed by Academy Award Winner, Eddi Redmayne ["The Theory of Everything" - which I reviewed HERE] and Alicia Vikander ["Ex Machina"], directed by Academy Award Winner Tom Hooper ("The King's Speech," "Les Miserables"). Lili and Gerda's marriage and work evolve as they navigate Lili's groundbreaking journey as a transgender pioneer.
I had the opportunity to attend an Advanced Screening with Actor Talkback with co-star Alicia Vikander who portrays Gerda in the movie. The Advanced Screening was hosted by the dynamic duo - Denise Albert and Melissa Musen Gerstein - we call "The Moms" in the Dolby 88 Screening Room in New York City!
On my way to the theater, this was my view:
Holidays in New York City takes on a magical quality and so many buildings and business go all out and put up such beautiful holiday trees!
The building where the screening took place also had a beautiful holiday tree indoors (and a coat clothing drive bin!):
We arrived to Coffee and Danishes of course! And we got to leave with a copy of the book - which I can't wait to dive into!
If you want to pick up the book too, check out our friends over at Amazon for a copy!
The movie is both powerful and moving and holds nothing back, for me seeing Eddie Redmayne dive into another equally intense role was fascinating to watch. He has a way of immersing himself in his roles and portrays the nuances of each of his characters perfectly. As convincing as he was as Stephen Hawking, he is as powerful and emotionally giving as Lili Elbe. There is actually no weak performance in the bunch, and Alicia Vikander who plays Gerda, gives the role the strength that is needed while never losing track of the vulnerability.
What stays with me after seeing it is how Gerda an independent spirit and tough girl in her own right, so easily not just accepts what is happening so much as becomes his immediate advocate and champion. I don't think most women could handle the situation the way Gerda does. With a love and friendship for her partner that is so strong she puts her own pain aside to be the friend that he needs during a journey of discovery and unknown.
Matthias Schoenaerts who plays Lili's old friend Hans Axgil also gives a very strong performance. (And of course much like anything with children and animals - the pet dog is a little scene stealer in his own right!)
After the film there was a talk back with Actress Alicia Vikander who portrays Gerda.
Much like Gerda, Alicia is very grounded and centered - just slightly more 'soft-spoken'. It was interesting getting her thoughts and insights into Gerda, and of course behind the scenes about the movie you don't see on film.
I am going to include the video of the Q&A, but there was a moment during the Questions and Answers where someone in the audience shared how much she related to the story and to Gerda, Alicia was very moved, and after the Talk-Back I was touched to see that Alicia made it a point to connect with the person who made the comment. I managed to capture that moment and couldn't resist sharing it here:
I hope neither of them mind, but this was such a poignant moment and one you don't always experience during press junkets and actor talk-back experiences. Just a real, raw moment and a genuine 'non-posed' connection.
One of the pro photogs in attendance managed to nab her for this shot and since I was close enough and thankfully my DSLR didn't take forever to warm up I managed to nab it too! I can see why the camera loves her, there is something just naturally 'soulful' and expressive about her.
Here is the Video of the Talk Back:
MY TAKE:
I think it's good for millenials to know that Bruce aka 'Caitlyn Jenner' is not a 'pioneer' in the world of Transgender, and seeing someone live through one of the first gender change surgeries and getting a such a raw and honest glimpse into that process was fascinating! This story is moving and powerful, but it's the way the subtle moments - like watching Lili learn to emulate the things women do naturally - a flirtatious gaze, smile or glance - and then the ramifications of doing so, her ease with managing the perfect cat eye, how lucky she was to have such a fierce partner and warrior in her Gerda.
This is definitely a bring your Kleenex type of movie but it's a good one!
Will you be catching any movies this Holiday Season in the Theater? Which ones? ˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙ FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a compensated/sponsored Post, All opinions are 100% my own! Tickets were provided for Editorial Consideration. This post also contains affiliate links. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.
This is going to be such a powerful story. You know, everyone thinks that homosexuality or transgender issues are a new thing because of our technological information super highway world. The truth is, people have been trying to find their way in this world since the beginning.
I so agree. When Caitlin Jenner started to really come forward so many tongues were lashing like it was something new. No. She had been dealing with this since she was very young and it took all this time for her to find the courage to really do something about it. I applaud that and really admire people who are living the life they feel they were meant to live , despite what everyone else thinks.
I have never heard of this movie before, but I love how it doesn't glamify transgender the way I feel Caitlin did. I don't believe it is easy and its nice to see media reflect the true struggles
I have been really interested in seeing this since I first heard about it a few weeks back. It sounds like it's going to be a very powerful film. I like that Eddi Redmayne is in it. He seems to be in a lot of great films lately!
This seems to have been a great way to not only see the film but to be able to pick Alicia Vikander mind about her part in the movies and her feeling about the film 's treatment of this topic and the difficulties then and now . ( Has society views changed that much ( I think not ) I think I'm going to read the book first then catch the film .Thanks for your review I'm really looking forward to both .
This sounds like an intersting movie. Not sure if I will make it to any theater any time soon. If I don't catch it in the theater I will watch it for a movie night at home later.
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This is going to be such a powerful story. You know, everyone thinks that homosexuality or transgender issues are a new thing because of our technological information super highway world. The truth is, people have been trying to find their way in this world since the beginning.
ReplyDeleteI so agree. When Caitlin Jenner started to really come forward so many tongues were lashing like it was something new. No. She had been dealing with this since she was very young and it took all this time for her to find the courage to really do something about it. I applaud that and really admire people who are living the life they feel they were meant to live , despite what everyone else thinks.
DeleteThis sounds like a fun event to attend. This sounds like a good book and movie. Catherine S
ReplyDeleteSounds like an interesting book and movie. I really like Eddie Redmayne.
ReplyDeleteI would love to attend an event like this. It's such a great chance to get an inside look at the people who are behind such rich characters!
ReplyDeleteSeems like a very powerful storyline. I'm sure it must be a wonderful movie AND book!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great event! I would love to see the movie.
ReplyDeleteI have never heard of this movie before, but I love how it doesn't glamify transgender the way I feel Caitlin did. I don't believe it is easy and its nice to see media reflect the true struggles
ReplyDeleteOh! This is the first time I am hearing about this. I must take the time to find out where it is playing and go see it.
ReplyDeleteI just saw a commercial for this movie yesterday. I had no idea what it's about. It looks like it could be a very good movie.
ReplyDeleteLooks like a great event, I love Christmas time in NYC. I hadn't heard of this movie before.
ReplyDeleteI have been really interested in seeing this since I first heard about it a few weeks back. It sounds like it's going to be a very powerful film. I like that Eddi Redmayne is in it. He seems to be in a lot of great films lately!
ReplyDeleteI think his performance is going to be incredible in this. What a wonderful film and story to tell.
ReplyDeleteThis seems to have been a great way to not only see the film but to be able to pick Alicia Vikander mind about her part in the movies and her feeling about the film 's treatment of this topic and the difficulties then and now . ( Has society views changed that much ( I think not ) I think I'm going to read the book first then catch the film .Thanks for your review I'm really looking forward to both .
ReplyDeleteThis looks an interesting movie. I am glad you had the opportunity to join the advance screening.
ReplyDeleteI have not even heard of The Danish Girl yet, I must catch up because your write up is amazing!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a very important film for today's social climate. I will definitely check out the book.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like an interesting movie. I would love to see this.
ReplyDeleteI haven't heard of the movie until now. I would love, love, love to visit NYC right now. So much to see and do, it'd be great this time of year.
ReplyDeleteI have heard some really good reviews for this movie. I am excited to see it during the Holidays.
ReplyDeleteI haven't heard of this movie before. Thanks for telling me about this, can't wait to see it
ReplyDeleteI haven't read the book yet, but I would really like to before seeing the movie. It sounds like a compelling story.
ReplyDeleteYup, we certainly are and we're going to see Star Wars. My boys are super duper excited! Me too actually! :)
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to see this movie...I think he is such an amazing actor!
ReplyDeleteI've never been to NYC for Christmas before. Sounds like it would be really fun.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a very interesting book! I need to read it before I see the movie.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a great movie!! I would love to see it when it comes out, also how awesome is it that you got to meet Alicia!!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like an intersting movie. Not sure if I will make it to any theater any time soon. If I don't catch it in the theater I will watch it for a movie night at home later.
ReplyDeleteI haven't heard of this movie prior to this, but it sounds intriguing. It sounds like a movie that I'd watch.
ReplyDeleteOmg what a powerful story to tell! I'm going to find out where I can watch this. Sounds like it's going to be pretty interesting!
ReplyDeleteI have heard such amazing things about the story line of this movie. Just a true and powerful test to love.
ReplyDeleteLove that tree! I think that this looks like a movie we'll go see too!
ReplyDeleteHmmm, I haven't quite heard of this movie but can't resist a good romance. I think I'll be spending holidays with the family when I'm not working.
ReplyDelete