Individual Essay

Live and let live

“The unexamined life is not worth living”, Socrates said. His words reflect the importance of looking inside of us. His ideas were backed up by his disciple Plato, who has taught us that we must have the necessary courage to go out of the cavern of our own ideas and thoughts and from the comfortable zone we have created for us. “Yes, I am alive”, you may say. But are you brave enough to ask yourself and examine your lifestyle? What am I living for? Which are my goals in life? What helps me to do this is ‘Up’, the 3D computer-animated Walt Disney Pictures’ film, directed by Pete Docter in 2009. At this point, you may wonder how it is possible that a film for children can contribute to improve the quality of adults’ life.  Yes, definitely. ‘Up’ shows that life is worth living.

Having a goal in life is an anchor and a helm. Some elderly and middle-aged people just sit and wait for the inevitable end. But Carl Fredricksen, a 78-year-old widower, decides to go to South America on a last adventure. By attaching thousands of helium balloons to his house, he escapes from the possibility of being sent to a retirement house and tries to fulfill a promise he has made to his wife.

By caring about someone else, people can be happier. Carl has been mourning his wife. According to APA (American Psychological Association) to face the death of a beloved relative or friend is one of the most terrible pains you may suffer. Fortunately, there are several things that a person who is going through that stressful situation can do to relieve the pain. One of them is to help other people. In doing so, you will not only use your time but will help yourself to feel better. That is what Carl does, without noticing at first. Due to the fact that Russell, an eager boy scout, is trapped in his flying house, both, Carl and the boy himself, get profit from their company. They also help at least two animals during their journey: an exotic bird, which Russell calls Kevin, and Dug, an obedient dog, which has been mistreated by his former owner. At last, as an extra reward for caring about each other, Carl can visit Paradise falls in South America and Russell gets a medal for helping the elderly people.  

‘Life is an adventure’ is one of the messages that the film conveys.  A handwriting note that Ellie, Carl’s late wife, wrote in their book of photos states: “Thanks for the adventure. Go and get some more”. That encouraging advice helps Karl to realize that he has the possibility to carry on with his life and at the same to enjoy pursuing new goals.

As a conclusion, I can say that although Karl is a bit reluctant to grip life, he is able to improve it, not only by making new friends, but also by fulfilling the promise he has made to his supportive wife. Pay attention to Socrates’ and Plato’s pieces of advice. By watching ‘Up’, you can examine your life and get out of the cave. Perhaps you are not what you wanted to be. Go for it. You are not done yet.