Reflections on The Judge...

Hello Friends! I hope you are having a wonderful weekend.  Recently I saw the movie The Judge.  I'll do my best not to give away any spoilers but I will tell you I haven't been able to stop thinking about it.  Maybe it's because despite my attempts, I didn't have a close relationship with my own father when he passed away nearly six years ago...

Reflections on the Judge


As many times as I have seen this photo of my dad holding a six month old me, I am always struck by just how young he is!  At twenty-one, he is more than a year younger than I was when my first child was born.  To be clear, I am not comparing my dad to Robert Duvall's harsh character. I believe he did the best he could and have long suspected his woundings affected our relationship. Though his actions toward me were at times hurtful, I chose to forgive him. However, more than once my emotions were triggered as I related to the frustration experienced by Robert Downey Jr., who portrayed the son. The movie is not a light hearted feel good sort--it centers on a dysfunctional relationship and there is a lot of profanity. Still, I found it simultaneously poignant and redemptive.  Especially meaningful was the insight the viewer is given as to why the father was so hard on his son.  Unfortunately, real life isn't always wrapped up like a two hour movie. Even so, I came away with a different perspective not only in regard to my father but with my grown children as well. What perceptions of my own failings might I pass on to my beloved offspring?  Incidentally, I saw the movie with my friend Carly, who happens to enjoy a close relationship with her father but was also stirred by its message.  As I pondered all of  this throughout the week, I wondered if others might have been similarly moved by the story and was inspired to hear your thoughts. For those of you who have seen it, what do you think? 

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  1. I haven't seen it but you made me want to. Good review!

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  2. I want to see it too. I have so much I could say... but not on the internet ;-)

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  3. Adding it to my list...and that is such a sweet photo of you and your dad!

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  4. I haven't seen it either...heard it was good. It helps to get a different perspective, doesn't it?
    hugs,
    Cecilia

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  5. Everyone has a hole in their canoe somewhere. I am glad you chose not to let it define you.

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  6. I saw The Judge a few weeks ago, and I also had a varied relationship with my father. I loved the movie and agree with you that we carry small scars that might be passed on in our relationships with our children. It was an "ah ha" moment for me at the end. Wish I could say my father's attitude stemmed from such a lofty reason, but sadly, he came from a turbulent family life and married and had children before he "grew up". I highly recommend the movie. I heard it didn't do well box office-wise, but I thought it was the best Robert Downey Jr. had ever done.

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  7. Cecilia, thank you for sharing! You are one of the fan favorites at the Sunday Showcase from the Make it Pretty Monday party at The Dedicated House. Here is the link so you can check out your feature. http://www.thededicatedhouse.com/2014/11/sunday-showcase-from-make-it-pretty.html Hope to see you again tomorrow at the bash! Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse

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  8. I thought that this movie looked like it would be heart wrenching! Haven't seen it yet, but I love Robert Duvall. My father passed away when I was only 9 months old, but I did have a very good relationship with my stepfather. Thanks for sharing with SYC.
    hugs,
    Jann

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  9. I haven't seen it, but thanks for sharing and linking up to Scraptastic Saturdays. This post will be shared via FB, Twitter and Pintest. Have a wonderful week.

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I absolutely love to read your thoughtful comments and enjoy responding to each one! I will respond to your comments here. You may check back to see my response or check the "notify me" box. Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts!