Monday, January 23, 2017

Thoughts on Patriots Day {The Movie}

Last night the hubby and I went to see the movie 'Patriots Day'. Normally I am not a movie go-er (I find it hard to justify spending $25+ to watch a movie in the theater, not to mention I would prefer multi-tasking in my living room if I want to "watch" a flick), but I had a gift card from my birthday so we went to the theater after I ran the Pasadena Half {recap coming soon - I'm just waiting on the free race photos to come through so I can add them to the post).

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Anywho, I had a few folks ask my opinion on it so I thought I'd try to get my feelings down on paper on the InterWebs.

I walked into this movie knowing what to expect. I was told that they did a great job researching the facts, but obviously it was a little "Hollywood". I was also told that it didn't necessarily focus on the Boston Marathon itself or the runners, but more on the manhunt that ensued afterwards (which I can understand since it makes for more of an "action" film). With that said, I still wasn't really expecting what happened.

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During the previews the hubby and I did our normal "thing", where we give the movie a thumbs up or thumbs down as to whether we would want to see it (Really?! A Fast and the Furious 8?! EIGHT?!). And then it happened...

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As soon as the movie started I started getting panicky. I knew the story, I knew what happened, but it was like my heart couldn't take it. From the opening scene until the credits I think I was crying for 95% of the film. I had friends who were running that race. I had friends who crossed the finish line shortly before the bombs started blasting. I had friends who could have been among those injured or killed.

This wasn't just a movie or a story, this was REAL! And it hit real close to home.

For those of you who don't know, I qualified for the Boston Marathon this past October and hopefully will be able to register later in the year for the 2018 race. This race is not only one of the world's oldest continuously running marathons, but it is one of the most prestigious! Runners can work their entire "career" to qualify for this race and still never get in. This isn't just 'any old race', this is a pinnacle race. The best of the best run their booties off in hopes of claiming one of the coveted spots to toe the line in Hopkinton and make that final left onto Boylston Street.

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These men, these terrorists not only attacked Boston, not only attacked a race, they attacked a community...
MY COMMUNITY!

Ryan looked at me as we were walking out and asked if I liked it. With tears streaming down my face he quickly realized the answer.

It was too real, too close to home.

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Literally it took me half way through dinner to try and compose myself (the hubby joked and said that the folks at the restaurant probably thought he was a rude guy and was making his wife cry).

Don't get me wrong, I thought this was a very well done film, but I don't know that I was ready for it. Just as I don't think I am able to watch a movie about 9/11 (one of my cousins worked in the World Trade Center and I still remember the panicky feeling I had when none of us could reach him), I don't think I was ready for this one. It hurt my heart.

I love how Boston, the running community and the world at large rallied. I love that an action that attempted to instill fear and hatred in the hearts of many has actually been flipped on its head to cause strength and perseverance. There will always be "bad" people in the world, those who are willing to cause harm to others; we live in a fallen world and there is no way to get around that. But love can conquer all.

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PS I am not saying this is a bad movie or that people shouldn't see it, just that I was not expecting it to affect me the way it did... so if you're going to see it, think about if your heart can truly handle it before stepping into the theater.

Have you seen Patriots Day?

9 comments:

LaToya Lives Well said...

I also rarely go to the movies. It has to be something I'm really interested in to cough up 10 bucks a ticket. After reading your post, I am prompted to support this film, and the running community. I hope all runners do the same.

Unknown said...

I'm actually going to see it today. I think I might be feeling the same way you did. I will bring plenty of tissues with me!

Olivia S said...

I saw Patriots Day this past weekend with my running group. I know exactly how you feel. While I don't have BQ aspirations, I have many friends who have that goal. As someone who spent a summer as an intern at MIT, I ran along many of the same trails and running paths. Cambridge and Boston are my favorite places to visit and run.

I couldn't even talk about the movie afterwards. I knew it was going to be hard to watch, but you're right, it hit too close to home. I am changed after watching the movie, as I'm still trying to process my thoughts and feelings. It was a horrible act of violence on our community and I'm holding on the the message of peace and love that emerged in the aftermath. It's not that I don't recommend the movie, I just think it will reach everyone who watches it a little differently.
Hugs and ❤️!

Corine said...

I haven't... and I probably won't either. When I saw the preview, I was a little offended actually. My jaw dropped and I said, "Too soon!" to Dan. Too soon, and hits too close to home. I know what happened, so I don't need a movie to sensationalize it. I personally like to watch movies so I can be happier or entertained, not more stressed. There is enough stress and sadness in daily life. :( Thanks for sharing your take on it. Helps to reaffirm what I already suspected. <3

Mr. and Mrs. Marathon said...

I really don't think I could go see it. My hubby is a Boston marathoner, and we went last year and will again this year. This movie I feel like would just make me unnecessarily scared! I agree with you-- too close to home for some of us. 💛💙

Traci said...

My husband & I saw it this weekend too. I think it was the most intense movie I've ever seen. Cried the whole movie & I DIDN'T know anyone that ran Boston that year. When it was over everyone got up & walked out in complete silence.

ShanB said...

I was the next street over from the bombings, my friend was in the building next to where the MIT policeman was killed, needless to say I am not ready to see the movie. But I can say that I am stronger because of the events. I ran the 2014 Boston Marathon as my first marathon and haven't stopped since. I cried crossing the starting and finishing line so I'm sure I'd cry the entire movie.

This year I'm back running with my charity team from 2014 for reasons sadly far more relevant (ending sexual assault) but anytime I see a "Boston Strong" sign on the course I breakdown. I was so thankful for the way the Boston and running community came together after the events and I'll never forget that day. But watching a movie regarding it may not be how I want to remember it.

Paula said...

I haven't seen this movie. I am not much of a movie goer either. I imagine if I did I would be in tears too. I remember 9/11 & as someone born & raised in CT, I remember how my heart broke at that news. I remember how my grandmother loved those towers & how she loved the NY skyline. These tragic moments are difficult to bear, but I do have faith that these tragedies will not become part of American culture but rather peace & love will.

Unknown said...

I visited Boston in 2004 and left a part of my heart there. I knew this movie would affect me in ways other movies couldn't and when I saw it I was right...it had a profound affect on me. I will never qualify for the Boston Marathon but I am a runner and the events that happened that day changed me forever. #bostonstrong