Joy Luck Club

Through almost the whole movie, I was trying to sort all of the characters into Hogwarts houses. It was incredibly difficult. Every one of these women had the bravery, nerve, and daring of a Gryffindor. They also all had the kindness, tolerance, and work ethic of a Hufflepuff. But there was also the fraternity (or in this case sorority), self-preservation, and ambition of Slytherins. And then there was the wisdom, individuality, and acceptance of a Ravenclaw. Talk about a hat stall. Even if they didn't start out with a certain trait, it sort of popped up somewhere in their story. I had notes on who would be in which house but it's covered with question marks and slashes.

I have to say though, I really identified with some of the things in the movie. The main example being Suyuan and Lindo's little mom war. It was most of my childhood to be honest. My cousin and I were born in the same year and we were in a constant battle with each other, fighting for our mother's affection. Our mothers were also in a constant battle, trying their best to stroke their egos. I don't know if you find it surprising but I almost always won. I was more well behaved and I got better grades in school. She had more friends than me but whatever, mine lasted longer (muahaha). Our moms don't really care as much now for whatever reason but my cousin and I are still fighting subconsciously, I think. Like June and Waverly during the dinner scene. Waverly casually jabbing at June's work and June mentioning how much extra work she's willing to do. I'm sure they didn't mean to start such a big argument but I don't think they wanted to stop it either. When we were kids, my cousin used to casually mention, "since I'm a few months older than you, I'll have my licence first and I'll be able to drive you places." Guess which one of us has our license. That's right, me. I don't even need it. I didn't even want it in the first place. I think it's just so ingrained in our minds that we need to be the best, that we can't not be in first place for something.

I understand June's story from personal experience but what about the mothers' stories? I was a mess in class (thank goodness it was dark the whole time). Suyuan's story about leaving the twins behind while she went and found somewhere to die had me bawling. No joke. Then she recovers in a hospital but can't find her kids. Oh my gosh. I'm tearing up a little just thinking about it. I blame PMS. I thought Lindo's story was the best though. It was also the most ridiculous. I was expecting her husband to be some creepy old man but I was a just little off. He was what, twelve? He obviously didn't know how it works. I know women can't have children until after their first period but is there an age requirement on men? I think we all need a little more sex ed in schools. My favorite part was how she got out of there. I love when people use other people's superstitions against them (when they deserve it). I love how she fit everything together. The mole, the tooth, the servant girl's pregnancy. It was a masterpiece, if I do say so myself.

Overall. I really enjoyed it. I wouldn't change a thing about this movie. I'm glad they cut out the last line of the voice over and saved it for later. I also like the scene at the end when June meets the twins. I think it's all perfect.

(Also, Mrs. Gillis, you obviously don't have to believe or accept my excuse. I was trying to finish this Wednesday afternoon but I only managed about the first two paragraphs before people started showing up. I'm not allowed to use my laptop when family is visiting for the holidays. If they didn't show up a day early, everything would've been posted on time. I apologize for that.)

Shame (Found Poem)

it's overwhelming, all of it.

it knocks you down,

makes you feel small,

makes your cheeks turn red.

just make it stop.

it's all in a moment, the worst moment.

some mistakes can't be taken back,

so you hide instead of face it,

but a feeling can't last forever.

or can it?

they'll laugh, they'll hate you, forever.

you fear your friends' and family's gaze,

you hide from your own reflection.

it's a constant fight, you're always losing.

you'll never be anything but nothing.