Dec. 1, 2024

When I watched the movie Mona Lisa Smile (2003), directed by Mike Newell, I had the initial intention of dissecting it to give a proper review to those reading this article. Little did I know that I would be completely enthralled by the film’s cinematography and captivating story, as it completely changed my motives for watching the film. For those of you who have not seen the film, it is a drama set in 1953 at Wellesley College, a traditional women's institution. It follows Katherine Watson (Julia Roberts), a new art history professor, who challenges her students to question societal norms, especially regarding marriage and career expectations for women. Through her unconventional teaching and personal struggles, Katherine inspires her students to pursue independent paths, rather than following the lives they only know to follow, even as she confronts opposition from her peers and the students themselves. As I once said, I once had the idea of taking apart elements of this movie to persuade my audience to view this film. I believe there is something special about dissecting a film and understanding every individual piece of its composition. However, I now no longer have much of an in-depth analysis, primarily because as I was watching the film, I decided it was no longer important. This film, as I understand it, is not something that I believe one can just take apart and review to explain its cinematic greatness.  I believe that this film was made to allow the audience to experience a particular moment in time as if it were a memory they have experienced themselves. I could very well get into each character and explain the impact they have made on my personal life, as each character strikingly impacted me differently, however, I believe that their impact is very different for every viewer. Despite the simplicity of its storyline, this film was meant to reveal something different to each person who viewed it. What I can encourage, is that if you are a person who is passionate about the life stories of older women in our society, perhaps a grandma you love dearly or an elderly mentor you have learned much from, I would highly encourage you to watch this film, as it may give you insight into the lives those women once lived. I can not tell you what you might take away from this story, but I can tell you that my perspectives on the way things once were have been altered for the better. I believe that this is a film all of us should consider watching, and with it now being fall time, I think it is a perfect time to indulge in cozy movies that make you feel passionate about unexpected things. This movie is rated PG-13, so if you are not a high school student I would highly recommend that you watch this movie only with the guidance of an adult. As believers, it is important to decide carefully the content you take in, and although I believe this movie provides a beneficial perspective, it is important to discern the media you allow yourself to view.  Ultimately, this is a movie I am proud to recommend and had joy watching. If you have any further recommendations for upcoming movie reviews, please feel free to email or contact me during school hours and I will shout you out in the next article.