I feel awkwardly free. That’s how I would describe the recently concluded weekend. It was unlike the last ones when wifey and I were pretty occupied due to her online contract that needs extra hands to finish. Eventually, we were able to get it done—pat on the back to us—and the lull after two weeks of being in front of the computer majority of our time made me feel as if I am missing something big. Good thing the DVDs filled the gap in no time.
One of the DVDs we watched together is The Road. Released in 2009, the film is about a post-apocalyptic story featuring the dark adventure of a man (Viggo Mortensen) and his son (Kodi Smith-McPhee) as they try to make their way out of their place, so torn that even nature and wildlife have ceased to exist, to find safer haven assuming there is one somewhere.
Both father and son had to survive not just biting cold but several other threatening factors. The diminishing availability of fuel and of food—thus the rampant cannibalism—left them no choice but to stray away until they have found one. From time to time they had to face off with different people but who have the same thing in mind—survive at all cost.
The Road is a depressing movie that I regret watching it on a sunny Sunday morning. I wouldn’t call it entertaining at all. But if there is one good thing about it, it is the chance to reflect which is so apt for a Palm Sunday.
Though fiction by nature, the plot of the movie is definitely not. Anyone does not need to look farther into the future to see the struggles of millions of real fathers and sons—mothers and daughters included—who roam around the streets daily to find their next temporary shelter and scavenge for leftovers and up the extent of having to defend—kill if and when needed—whatever little possessions they have.
The Road is an eye opener. It delivers a strong message that should make everyone understand and empathize with our homeless brothers. What would you do if your child craves for warmth? What if he begs for food? How would you answer if he asks, “Are we still the good guys?” Yes, think about it real good because as of this very moment while you are reading this in the comforts of your own home many out there are making their way once more to the most travelled lonely roads.
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Mood: 2/10 Honks! (We are getting new tires, thanks to that online contract.)
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