The Mountain Minor (2019) Drama
This movie seemed almost like a documentary. I read some other reviews that said nothing
happens in the movie. I see what they
mean, but also disagree. This film based
on a true story shares the lives of three generations in less than an hour and
a half. No small task. I was brought to tears several times. How it made me feel and made me think of my own
life. Any film that can initiate an emotional
response like that is good in my book.
The film centers around Charlie and his life as a young boy
to when he is older and returns to his roots. His own children are musically
inclined as he was as a boy and they want him to teach them his songs and be
sure to pass them on to their children.
It was 1932 when Charlie left for Ohio so his dad could find work. He
always remembered his mom saying someday they would come back. My parents grew up in the same time period
which also added to the interest for me personally. They had outhouses, no TV or video games and though
phones existed I don’t imagine they had one.
They had a stream where they did laundry and bathed weekly and hung the
laundry on a line. I can clearly see my
mother hanging clothes in my mind. I can
even smell it somehow.
The film brings out mocking folks who talk & dress
differently, but not to let it bother you and just work hard and make something
of yourself. That is great advice
because there will always be bullies and mockers. I loved the sense of family and at one point
as they are working in the field grandma delivers a letter to Charlie's dad and
he in turn hands it to his wife who reads if to him. I wondered initially why the grandma didn’t
just give the letter directly to his wife, but I quickly realized (being a man
myself) it was out of respect for the head of the household.
Of course, the music and dance are a fun part of the
film. As I watched I couldn’t shake the
feeling we have lost something along the way. Not that we can't have the same joys today, but I think we have to be intentional today to make sure we don't let the urgent keep us from the important things. I know we have so many modern conveniences making life so much easier
and saving so much time, but It makes me wonder if with all our progress we
haven’t also lost some simpler things of great value. Its hard to put into words. To get you into the timeframe radio had just
arrived on planet earth and million had no indoor bathrooms or
electricity. And many had to quit school
to work and couldn’t read or write like Charlie’s dad. Its been almost a century now and that type
of living is so foreign to us now and I know we can’t go back nor would we want
to, but I think its important to remember simpler times and how the simple
things in life are what make life worth living.
Play, falling in love, hard work, responsibilities, helping each other,
being a good neighbor, music, dancing, walks, God, meals together, anything you
enjoy. I hope you enjoy it as much as I
did.
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