I recently watched a movie called The Irishman and I found it to be kinda underwhelming. This movie is being praised online right now for being an excellent mob movie, however I felt as though something was missing from it. It was technically an incredibly put together movie, yet I desired something a little bit more than a competent film. I thought about this film for a bit and why I didn't connect with it like a lot of people are. Then, I remembered a word I recently discovered that described exactly what I was looking for in The Irishman. It is the Danish word "hygee" or translated to the English language as "hooga". The Urban Dictionary describes the word as, "feeling of belonging to the moment and to each other; celebrating the everyday- the feeling of a good social atmosphere." I continued to think of this word hooga and realized that about all of my favorite movies of all time have a scene in it that can be described by hooga. Even ones that are otherwise dark and twisted have scenes of bliss. Today, we will be looking at some of my favorite scenes in movies that create the sense of hooga.
Lost in Translation- Alone in Tokyo
Lost in Translation is a very special film to me. It's been one of my favorite films since I first watched it in High School. One of the best things about the film is that it isn't confined to a single narrative. It is just a film following two peoples paths on their trip to Tokyo and the connection they make while they are there. The Alone in Tokyo sequence always makes me want to get my passport and fly down to Tokyo everytime I watch it. With it's excellent music and dreamy visuals, it is a scene that will leave you in a sense of hooga every time.
Home Alone is a classic. You've probably seen this movie before twice. Home Alone starts off as a fun and light movie about a kid being home alone. However, this sequence gives the film actual purpose for existing. This scene gives you what the movie is actually about. Being able to admit you were wrong and forgiveness. This is illustrated so well for the fact that they are in a Church of all places. With the nice conversation Kevin has with his neighbor listening to the Christmas Choir, it'll make even the biggest sourpusses feel warm and fuzzy.
E.T. is the ultimate hooga movie. I could post the whole movie here and it would work for this list. The sense of melancholy, nostalgia and longing for a personal connection juxtaposed with a cute little alien and John Williams majestic score. I can't think of a better example of hooga. While I almost put the iconic moon sequence here, we have to talk about the ending. Not only will it tear your heart out but it leaves its audience with a sense of hope. "I'll be right here" is a line that instills a feeling in its audience that yes everything will work out for the best.
The Muppet Movie- I'm Going to Go Back There Someday
Gonzo is an outsider. He doesn't belong in a single category and in The Muppet movie, they continually poke fun at this fact. However, it isn't until this excellent moment in The Muppet Movie when you understand the heart of Gonzo and his character. He might be the most complex character in The Muppets. His heart longs to be somewhere where he is accepted and belongs. I'm sure several minority groups can understand Gonzo's sense of wanting to feel like he is loved and this song is his deep soul searching. It sounds sad but there is something hopeful and warm about it. It isn't a 'I'm never going to belong' but a 'someday I'll be content with who I am' and I think that's a powerful thing. Him singing this by the campfire just adds to the sense of hooga.
Mary Poppins- Mr. Banks is Discharged
The most heartwarming moment in Mary Poppins is when Mr. Banks loses his job and that's an incredibly weird thing to write. His walk to be discharged is my favorite moment of the film and the one to make me tear up no matter how many times I watch it. We all know by now that Mary Poppins didn't come to save the children but their father for realizing capitalist greed is less important than his family. This sequence of Mr. Banks willing to let go of a company he put so much energy in is a reminder to us all what we should find important as well. Hooga at its finest.
If you haven't watched this movie, just watch it. Please. This is one of my absolute favorite movies of all time. Like E.T. the whole movie could be considered hooga. It's weird because it does go over all the sex, drugs and rock n roll that are involved in a rock bands life but to see it all through our protagonist mind makes the whole thing feel like a nostalgic haze. Like there is a sense of belonging here we all search for ourselves. This is sold the best in the "Tiny Dancer" sequence when he is told by groupie Penny Lane, "you are home". That moment is something we experience a few times in our lives and is captured in its finest by this sequence.
Spoilers for the film Her if you haven't seen it. I know the concept of falling in love with a Siri like entity sounds like a creepy concept but in execution Her is one of the prettiest and warmest films I've ever seen. The ending of this film is devastating but also show that we learn from even our most complicated relationships. The ending shot of him on top of a building looking out into the streets with his closest friend is the definition of hooga.
Please watch this movie. I've told so many people to watch the Paddington movies. I know the trailers make them look like those dreadful Alvin and the Chipmunks movies but I promise you they are just delightful. When I first watched Paddington 2 I was honestly just blown away by it. It's funny, thoughtful and expertly crafted by director Paul King. The ending had me in tears. Spoilers if you haven't seen Paddington 2 but you should be able to predict this ending regardless. However, it is one of the most sweet, sincere and uncynical movies I've ever seen. Paddington is a lot like Mr. Rogers, he's good and kind just because he wants to do the right thing and that is such a powerful thing.
If my sister is reading this, you're welcome. The whole Frozen vs Tangled debate is dumb because Tangled is just about in every aspect a better movie in my opinion. Tangled has made one movie with more compelling characters and drama than Frozen has with two. I digress though, the I See the Light sequence is one of the most romantic, gorgeous and lush sequences of film I've ever seen. This is essential hooga.
Toy Story 3 is my all time favorite movie so it felt weird to leave this off the list. It is incredibly sad but also so heartwarming. An ode to having to grow up and leave into the adulting world but still leaving that piece of childhood innocence in you that keeps you sane. A perfect wrap up for people like me who grew up with the Toy Story films (even though the 4th one was surprisingly great as well).
I have more hooga moments I could have chosen and I might have to look at ten more choices sometime down the road. Hope you enjoyed the list and reevaluate some of these scenes and movies again!
