I still remember the first day I saw the trailer for “Me Before You.” I was instantly obsessed and could not wait for the film to come out. I’ve had a soft spot for paraplegic romance stories ever since Annie and Riley from "90210."
I was overly excited for this movie to come out and I saw it within the first few days of its release.
The part I enjoyed most of “Me Before You” was the ending.
Don’t worry, I’m not going to spoil the ending for you. But I will say that the last few minutes of the movie has one of those great movie-ending speeches in it. You know, the ones that people quote on Tumblr with some blurry yet oddly aesthetically pleasing and inspiring picture behind it. And for this movie and this speech, I understand those Tumblr posts because the speech is definitely quote-worthy.
I unashamedly cried while listening to it. I tend to be someone who cries over lots of things, so maybe that isn’t saying much, but I think it was pretty great.
The simple message behind the movie and the speech itself is an urging to the viewers to live boldly and, in doing so, be thankful for what you have rather than focusing on what you do not.
In the film, Will Traynor (the lead male played by that hunky British actor, Sam Claflin) lived boldly once upon a time. He was attractive, adventurous, rich and successful. He loved his life and lived every minute to the fullest. Yet one day changed everything and he is now almost completely paralyzed. (He’s still attractive and rich though).
It was from Will’s tragic accident that he learned the hard way that things can change in the blink of an eye, and you need to take advantage of and be grateful for what you’ve been given in life.
Throughout the film, viewers get to see Will slowly trying to teach this to the charming and adorably awkward Louisa Clark (played by Emilia Clarke, i.e., Khaleesi from “Game of Thrones” sans dragons and blonde wig).
Too often in life, we listen to the voices of reason within us. Sometimes this is a good thing, but more often than not the voice of reason is really just voicing your fears, your insecurities, and is convincing you to take the easy way out.
“Me Before You” teaches you not to let your fears or insecurities that have been manufactured by other people hold you back in life.
Do what you want to do.
Be who you want to be.
Stop worrying what other people think and live unapologetically and boldly.
Judging by the end of the movie (again, no spoilers here), it seems like there is a lot to be gained from this—from changing your perspective and your mindset.
Life is meant to be a learning experience, so don’t be afraid of making mistakes.
Live boldly, make sure you push yourself, and don’t ever settle. In the words of Will Traynor: “You only get one life. It's actually your duty to live it as fully as possible.”
