Stills from the movie Lady Bird. (screenshot)
Lady Bird talks about love, not because of the two boys Lady Bird fell in love with, but because of the strong and endearing relationship she had with her mother
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Greta Gerwig's directorial debut Lady Bird is one of the most iconic coming-of-age films of the 21st century.
Set in 2002 Sacramento, the show revolves around the life of 17-year-old Christine (Lady Bird), a rebellious and anxious teen who is figuring out her relationships and identity. Whether it's Lady Bird's tumultuous and affectionate relationship with her mother, her high school crush, or her funny moments with her best friend, Gerwig weaves a story that feels incredibly real.
With warm colors and relatable dialogue, this film provides as much comfort as a hot cup of coffee. As someone who, like Lady Bird, is also a high school student on the verge of adulthood, these scenes mark all the milestones and roller coaster of emotions that come with this age group. Anxiety and excitement, identification and disidentification with oneself, the need for resistance and submission, and the contradictory fluctuations of emotions are all perfectly depicted in the film.
Lady Bird, played by Saoirse Ronan, longs to escape her boring hometown and go to a place like New York that she considers “cultured.” She refuses to accept everything assigned to her—such as her real name and Christianity—and is like any teenager: eager to create her own identity.
Lady Bird is such a complex and flawed character that you both hate her and relate to her. She stole magazines, left real friends for popular girls, and lied about where she lived because she was embarrassed about her family's financial situation. Her flaws and mistakes make her character seem like more than just your average teen movie protagonist. The film is filled with all the familiar archetypal characters and plot, but is also full of serious discussion. The film shows issues that exist outside of Lady Bird's bubble, such as sex, depression, death and class, with a level of depth that makes it unique.
Perhaps the film's biggest departure from the typical coming-of-age movie is the relationships it explores. “Lady Bird” is a timeless love story, not because Lady Bird falls in love with two boys, but because of the strong and endearing relationship she has with her mother. The movie begins and ends with their relationship, which is really the key to the story.
In one of the scenes, Lady Bird's teacher asks her – “Don't you think they are the same thing? Love and attention? Love is really just attention, and to be loved is to be known and seen by someone. Despite a strong personality, There is conflict between Lady Bird and her mother, but they still pay attention to each other, and their every move is imbued with a deep and sometimes inappropriate care.
Lady Bird's mother carefully sewed her clothes or constantly corrected her because she wanted her to be the best version of herself. Meanwhile, when her mother is labeled “horrible,” Lady Bird defends her, saying she just has a big heart. Or she recognizes that her mother is harsh on her because she loves her.
Love is actually not about grand actions and grand declarations, but is found in the small, silent, subtle moments we share together. Perhaps the most profound expression of love is the attempt to understand and empathize with others. This movie urges you to do just that, whether you're a teenager or a parent watching it. You are able to sympathize with these characters and feel the need to better understand the people around you. It's a poignant reminder that this is everyone's first attempt at navigating this complex and confusing thing called life. Whether it's your mother or your daughter, everyone is doing their best.
Lady Bird is more than just a comedy. I sincerely recommend this film to anyone who wants to see a heartfelt reflection on self-discovery and transformation. It strikes a complex balance of emotion and sardonic dialogue in extraordinary performances. You can feel Gerwig's care for every line and every scene. With every new watch, I discover new details that interest me. Its honest portrayal of life and relationships will touch anyone of any age. It features so many different and fleshed-out characters that you can relate to all of them in some way.
In this overly complicated world, Lady Bird will assure you that you are not alone in this difficult journey. The film emphasizes that love exists around you in ordinary moments, you just need to pay attention to it!
Rishika Kumar is a class 11 student of Dhirubhai Ambani International School. She is an avid reader of books of all genres and has a passion for writing.
