Yesterday, Paul and I took advantage of the $5.00 movie deal and went to see a movie I was anxious to view. My friend, Julie, is a big fan of Winston Churchill, and I wanted to see for myself why. The fact that the movie was about WWII, was a plus, because I knew Paul would enjoy it too.
As we usually do, when the movie was over, we discussed our thoughts on the way home. Paul felt he could identify with the blustery Prime Minister and I felt a connection to his wife, Clementine. Winston Churchill was anything but popular with his associates. Even the King admitted he was afraid of him. During the course of time, this opinion changed and he went down in history as he demonstrated insurmountable courage during the most perilous point in the war.
He came across as stubborn, immovable, grouchy, even a drunk by some. That fact seemed to be a thread in the movie, as Gary Oldman (who did an amazing portrayal of the man) swilled his brandy and puffed on cigars throughout. His wife was gentile and certainly had great love for her husband. She wanted the world to know Winston as the kind and compassionate man she did. This is probably where we connected with these characters.
Paul, in his zeal and excitement to carry out a project, spends countless hours thinking about it, taking notes, creating solutions behind the scenes. He puts his whole heart into just about anything he does. I love him for his enthusiasm and ability to take charge. Others often see him as coming on too strong, but has a sentimental, compassionate side as well. I’m getting off track here, but it was cool to make that connection and see how someone else deals with similar situations.
Churchill came into his job, just as Hitler was gaining more and more strength. His army was strong as well as the navy and air forces. The future for Britain was bleak as the forces raged across the country, dotting the landscape with countless craters left by bombs. Winston would not back down. Peace negotiations were not an option when dealing with a maniac. His courage didn’t falter. He actually got on the train and talked to the common man about what they were thinking. He spoke to the king as well. It was clear that he was not alone in his opinion. His efforts to enlist the United States fell on deaf ears, so Churchill ordered that any sailing vessel available, personal crafts, fishing boats, etc. partake in a rescue of British troops that were stranded at Dunkirk. In strong British style, they responded willingly, savingthe lives of over 300,000 British and French troops.
This courageous man wouldn’t give in to the threats of the German army and their desire to conquer the world. It occurs to me that we face this battle today as well. When we look at the dictators blasting us with threats of elimination, we need someone with courage to take a stand. We need someone that will get the job done without popular opinion affecting his thinking. We need someone who will never give up or give in to the world’s tyrants.
This movie, if not yet seen by our president, should be. He is facing similar odds against him. He doesn’t hold the same popularity ratings that his predecessor did. He’s often brash and surly. He says things that get him in trouble with an insane media, that hopes to create havoc for him. What he does possess is courage. He isn’t afraid to tell it like it is. He loves America and has already proven that by bringing jobs back to this country and building a strong stock market. As we face the enemies of this world, we need strong, stubborn and steadfast leaders, with elevated self-confidence, to overcome them.
Well, my movie review turned into a rant, but that happens sometimes. I loved the movie. Thanks for recommending it, Julie. I also have a new admiration for Winston Churchill.
“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.”
Winston Churchill
His love is like none we have ever experienced here on earth.
ORIGINAL ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©
