Happiness - Blind Side

When I first came to America, I was shocked by watching a NFL football game. Such war-like sport was a new concept to me. I was even more shocked when I heard about the stardom life of each players in the league. It was so extraordinary to a point where I thought the players never went through hard conflicts. Movie, "The Blind Side" has changed my misunderstanding.

The Blind Side, starring Sandra Bullock, is a film that is based on true story of Michael Oher and All American football player and first round NFL draft pick. Compared to his current state, he went through tough past such as being homeless, abandoned by his own mother, and solitude. His agonizing past stopped when a caring woman, Leigh Anne Tuohy, found Oher on the streets and took him to her house. The movie informs audience about the value of family love by showing Tuohy's unconditional care and love to the lost black man.

The movie fits into category Happiness because viewers can experience happiness through watching Oher's transformation and his eventual success. In the beginning of the movie, Oher is seen as a big blunt man who refuses to talk to and recieve help from others. Through Tuohy's dedication, Oher was able to excel in football, find interest in studying, and become optimistic. Through the film's process, audience can feel the warmth growing inside their heart and become happy with Oher as well.

The movie also falls into category Love because of similar reason written on Home Alone. The movie shows the true value of family bonding. Such care, love, and dedication from all the family members were able to change Oher's personality and brighten his future.

Other than Love, the movie also relates to emotion Fear. In the film, viewers learn that Oher was abandoned by his mother due to her addiction to illegal substances. This part provoked my anger because I was shocked by the irresponsibility shown by Oher's parents. It was depressing to know that such incidents can really happen.

Happiness - Slumdog Millionaire

Where is the worst environment you camped or lived in? Whatever horrid place you describe, you would not be able to beat the environment that is shown in the movie, Slumdog Millionaire. The movie is a miraculous tale of an Indian boy who gets success and love after going through hardships. Set in the harsh Indian slum area, the movie portrays sad, yet exciting, life of two young boys trying to escape their miserable reality.

The movie is definately included in the category Happiness because of the finale. Throughout the movie, viewers only get to witness the sad truth in India such as slum environment, unfair KAST system, frustration, struggle, and losing hopes. However, when the protagonist is with his love and reach success, true happiness is shown in his weary face. Audience can also share their relief and happiness by looking at the sight.

In my opinion, Slumdog Millionaire can be related to all the categories except Fun. First, the movie is related to emotion Anger because it arouses the audience' emotion by having two innocent kids in a harsh environment. They get to indirectly experience the struggle the Indian children go through. Second, the film is related to Love because of the romance between the protagonist and his love. To me, the desperate efforts from both characters to find each other in the busy and drastic environment seemed like the most romantic approach compared to other movies. Lastly, Slumdog Millionaire is related to emotion Fear because of the un-predictable future. It seemed to me that whatever the characters did to improve their environment, they face another and bigger obstacle. If I was one of the characters, I would become paranoid because of the scared reality.

Happiness - Nella Fantasia

There are numerous voices in the world. They are used to express, share, and sometimes insult to one another. Sarah Brightman's voice is extremely unique in my opinion because it can bring comfort that could fill the emptiness of one's heart during depression. Composed by Ennio Morricone, lyrics written by Chiara Rerrau, and sang by Sarah Brightman, Listners cannot help but take a journey to a world full of peace and honesty.

The song can be categorized to Happiness for the two main following reasons. First reason can be found from the meaning of the lyric. When translated, one can truly see the vision and hope hiding in the lyrics.

In my imagination I see a fair world,
Everyone lives in peace and in honesty there.
I dream of souls that are always free,
Like the clouds that fly,
Full of humanity in the depths of the soul.

Above translation were just the first part of the lyrics. However, only throught the first sentences, readers can feel the lyricist's longing for fairness, peace, honesty, and respect.

Second reason can be found in the peaceful tone of the music. Nella Fantasia is famous for its calm and soothing voice of Sarah Brightman. In my opinion, her voice is one of the most notable ones because its strong and sweet at the same time. Listening to such vocal calms my mind and lets myself escape from the stressful world for a brief moment.

Happiness - Tom & Jerry

Cats and mice pairs are famous for their un-ending rivalry. No one knows who started the on-going conflict, but it gave birth to one of our beloved cartoons of all time: Tom & Jerry. There is no other skit, cartoon, or movie that best describe the inevitable feud between the two animals than the series. Although there are no words in the animation, continuous action keeps the audience interested with laughter.

Tom & Jerry represent happiness because they provide joy to their audience. When I was in middle school, a tv channel played numerous re-runs of this famous series. I was obsessed with the program where later, it became a must-to-do thing to catch every single episode. The show was able to make me happy after stressful day at school. Like it did for me, the show brought laughter to almost every house in America in the past.

The show can be categorized in Fun activities Tom and Jerry does. They disguise, plan, create devices, and use their environment to put funny jokes on each other. Every move they make, audience can enjoy the hilarious actions from the animals.

Happiness - Home Series

Christmas comes every year. However, Christmas does not come alone. Every year, Kevin Mcallister makes a visit to our TV with two burglers. Starring Macaulay Culkin, Home Alone has brought laughter and family bonding to families all around the world. Brilliant kid punishing two burglars with traps around the house has got me holding my stomach, dying with laugter, continuously.

The movie falls to category Happiness because the movie shows the true meaning of family love. Joy can be shown from numerous sources. One of the ways which show joy is comfort. There is not a better provider of comfort than family bonding. Therefore family love is definately one of the components which provides happiness.

As mentioned on the earlier context, Home Alone can be included in the category love. There is not a better type of love than love from parents and relatives. It will always be there whether you are sad, broke, or lost in your journey.

Whenever you are down, get some laughter from Home Alone, and remind yourself how much your family loves and cares for you.

Happiness - What a Wonderful World

Louis Armstrong, one of the most loved jazz singer in history, has done a huge favor to the world. He has truly reminded us how wonderful the world is. Having a father who is obsessed with jazz music, I have heard this song numerous times ever since I was young. With a distinguishing voice and his own style of singing, Louis Armstrong has touched numerous hearts including mine.

With no explanations needed, the song perfectly fits the emotion Happiness. The song lets us imagine the most beautiful sight we can imagine.

I see trees of green, red roses too
I see them bloom, for me and for you
and I think to myself, WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD

I see skies of blue, clouds of white
Bright blessed days, dark sacred nights
and I think to myself, WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD

The colors of the rainbow, so pretty in the sky
are also on the faces of people going by,
I see friends shaking hands, saying "how do you do"
They're really sayin, "I love you".

I hear babies cry, I watch them grow
They'll learn much more, than I'll never know,
and I think to myself, WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD

The lyrics are mixture of hope, joy, beauty, and love. The constant smile on Louis Armstrong's face brings relief and joy to the listeners. It even provides mental comfort to those who hear and read the lyrics. Who would not be happy after imagining such sight?

The song can be related to other category, Love. The chorus of the song is a confession of love to others. It shows care and support for those who feel neglected and lost.

Listening to such sweet lyrics, you cannot help but say,

"WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD"

Happiness - O Happy Day

Above video is from a famous movie Sister Act 2 starring Whoopi Goldberg as a nun who forms a student choir. The song is popular mainly for the popularity of the music. To me, the song is popular for different reason. When I first watched this movie as a child, I was masmerized by the voice and the lyrics of the music. Having the phrase, "O Happy Day" 21 times in a short three minute song, it truly lets the audience feel how happy the day is. The bright tone of the music and joyful lyrics, listeners can be happy. The smiles shown in faces of the singers also let the viewers smile as well.

This song may be related to the latter category of fun. When I listen to the music, I have the sudden rush to clap and dance along with the choir. The rapid rhytem and the ear-pleasuring flow of music controls my body to start moving. "Lets party!", a phrase said by Whoopi Goldberg also gives a sense of having fun. The choir did have fun and gave the audience from the movie to enjoy and feel joyful flow with the chorus.

Happiness

Happiness, in author's opinion, is an expression which the face looks the most comfortable to make. Also, it is a feeling which affects one's day the most. With positive attitude and a wide smile, even the most depressed people can be changed. Of the numerous sources, I believe that the following are ones which show and make the readers smile. They are:

Song: O Happy Day
Song: What a Wonderful World
Movie: Home Alone
Cartoon: Tom & Jerry Series
Song: Nella Fantasia
Movie: Slumdog Millionaire
Movie: Blind Side
Movie: Toy Story 3

The above listings lets the audience feel happy by giving hope, success, and joy.
For example, the song O happy Day makes the listener feel happy by the hopeful messages and bright rhythem. Other example, Tom & Jerry Series gives joy to the viewers with playful action between can and mouse.

Through reading and listening to the posts, I wish that your day may be full of joy and elations!

Enjoy and be happy!