Mary and Max

People have their preference in television shows or films they like to watch, for many varying reasons. Some like the news, reality television or soap-operas, and others like animated. Animated films have evolved from entertainment for children only, and is enjoyed by an enormous amount of adults now too; most are made to make us laugh, and others like Mary and Max could do quite the opposite.

The official trailer doesn't give the true essence of what the film is like. Sure there are several moments of giggles and chuckles, but this movie is most definitely somber and suitable for adults. It is a marvel and a masterpiece; it is unique and quite thought provoking indeed. It takes place over the period of ten years from 1978 to 1998 and is based on a true story. I've attached a clip more likely showcasing the true essence of the bit of comedy but true flavour of the film.

It reminds us that we are born into family and have relatives we 'have' to live with; but that we undeniably have to choose our friends. For they also are a substantial part of our lives; for they can lift you up or pull you down and therefore you must choose wisely. True friends will let you know who they are; for they are with you through thick and thin, always support you, and never challenge your worth or integrity. True friends is true love; something that lasts forever.

Our clay characters for this film were Mary, an 8 year old Australian girl voiced by Toni Collette and Max, a 44 year old Asperger American man voiced by Philip Seymour Hoffman; both of whom are lonely and become pen-pals. Writer/Director Adam Elliot did a marvelous job at zoning in on the symptoms and idiosyncrasies of both characters and truly brought them to life. I love how the director used colour to distinguish different aspects of their lives and feelings. For Mary, it was very colourful and for Max, his world was mostly grey, except for his hat and the lady he didn't fancy, red lips.

Despite this 2010 film being visually delightful, it was rather melancholic and heart-wrenching. What can be taken away from this film though is a greater message of how we should treat one another and that we should be more accepting, loving and appreciative to one another despite what may be dished out to you in life; for no-one is perfect and everyone deserves a friend till the end they can confide in and relate to.

Beautiful quotes and phrases I can share with you throughout the film are as follows:

"He felt love, but couldn't articulate it…"

"Humans were endlessly illogical. Why did they throw out food when there were children starving in India? Why did they clear the rainforests when they needed oxygen? And why did they create bus time-tables when they never ran on time…"

"Her eyes were the colour of muddy puddles…"

"True friendship is seen through the heart not through the eyes…"

"All humans are imperfect…"

"I find humans interesting, but I cannot understand them…"

"People often confuse me, but I try not to let them worry me…"

"Everyone's lives are like a very long sidewalk. Some are well paved, others have cracks, banana peels and cigarette butts."

A true cinematic gem; and attractive actors were not even needed! J