crazy/beautiful

The Herald of Christian Science

Within the genre of teen movies, it's difficult to find a film with any depth, or that explores the relationships and emotions of young people in a realistic way. Crazy/beautiful, however, is a welcome relief from the usual formulaic style of most teen films. Yes, it's about an unlikely romance between two teenagers. But it's also the convincing story of a rebellious young woman who finds her way out of depression through the transforming power of unconditional love.

The film centers on the interracial relationship of Nicole (Kirsten Dunst) and Carlos (Jay Hernandez). Carlos is a Mexican-American from a poor neighborhood, whose dream is to be accepted at a prestigious university. Nicole is the wealthy Anglo daughter of a Congressman, whose mother's suicide has broken her trust in people. They begin dating, and despite class lines and disapproval from family, they fall in love. After suffering several trials of their love, Carlos helps Nicole realize she needs to change her life, and correct past mistakes.

Interwoven in this romance is another story — that of Nicole's relationship with her father. She has grown distant from her dad, who has remarried and had another child. Because of his job, he's never around. But he's deeply sorrowful over their estrangement.

As time goes on, Nicole's father becomes more and more desperate to help her, and even considers sending her away to a reform school. Nicole believes that her father doesn't love her, or even deem her worthy of love, but Carlos shows her otherwise. With this change of heart, Nicole has the strength to move forward and reconcile with her dad.

Crazy/beautiful may make one wonder, "What is this love that can inspire someone to completely lift him or herself out of a dead-end lifestyle?" In essence, "What is love?"

According to popular culture, love is something elusive that may or may not touch your life. It is often difficult to find, and even harder to keep. Love can cause endless joy, or endless sorrow. However, this kind of love is an arbitrary feeling that doesn't have the power to change a life.

Crazy/beautiful comes closer to defining what true love really is: loving unconditionally, unvaryingly, and seeing past the "flaws" or mistakes of others to their innate goodness.

When you love, and are loved in this way, it is a life-changing experience. In Nicole's case, it was her genuine love for Carlos that made her want to be a better person and, ultimately, helped her put her life back together.

It's true that not everyone feels capable of loving. But the ability to love is natural to every person because it is from God. And figuring that out can transform a life.

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