On October 12, 2000, one of my all time favorite movies was released. "Pay it Forward." is a PG-13, 2-hour long drama that leaves you feeling emotional beyond belief. When you finally get your emotions into check, you ever so slightly feel like you can make a difference in this crazy, big world.
... and that is why I love it.
I won't tell you everything. Go watch the movie! But hopefully, after reading this, I won't have to convince you to watch for yourself this heart-warming, inspirational tale.
The story surrounds a seventh grader, Trevor, who's given the assignment to change the world. The assignment isn't given with the expectations for the world to actually be changed, but rather inspires more recycling, children picking up garbage of the playground...the simple things.
However, Trevor comes up with a brilliant plan, that makes you wonder why you hadn't ever thought of it yourself. He starts a movement, called Pay it Forward (hence the title of the movie). His plan was to help three people in a significant way. In return, he asked for them to pay it forward to three more people, who then pay it forward to three more, making the number grow from 3, to 9, to 21, and so forth. When you realize what he's doing, you're dumbfounded at how simple but amazing the plan is.
You follow a reporter who traces the deeds backward, eventually finding him, letting you see just how far his idea made it. It literally became a nationwide movement and landed him a spot on the national news.
You even watch as his movement helps people find love in the most unlikely places with the most unlikely people.
It's a movie that makes you think. What can you do to change the world? Trevor was just a seventh grader with a history assignment, that ended up making a difference in numerous lives. This movie inspires you to do for others, empathize with those around you, and to try and make the world a better place. So, please, if you haven't seen it, it's on Netflix. Go, find it, watch it! I will warn you, though, there will be incredibly sad moments, so bring your tissues!
