In this spiritual season, I followed the internet’s advice and watched perhaps the most philosophical Disney movie so far, Soul. Extra credit goes to the team for making it happening in New York City. I missed all the buzz in the pre-Covid era. Something we all took for granted for such a long time.
The main character Joe Gardner lives a humble life, but he let his real passion lives on the side. Secretly, he wants to be a jazz player. He died on the day when he got a gig that he has been waiting for his entire life. He fought hard to escape death as he couldn’t die on the day “he made it”. He fell into the pre-birth world accidentally. There, he met the most cynical soul, soul 22 who refused to live an “earthy” life as it doesn’t see a point in doing so. They soon formed an ally as what 22 disdains is what Joe can die for. Both of them fell back onto the earth due to an execution error and that is when Soul 22 had its first take of life. The crowds on the street, the taste of pepperoni pizza, the falling leaf, the chatters with friends and loved ones. Failed thousands times before, strangely 22 found the “spark” on the earth. And it is not one particular thing, but lots of small things collectively called living.
Joe also got his happy ending. He made it to this once-in-a-life-time opportunity and proved his worth. He became a Jazz player eventually. Strangely though, he didn’t feel the thrill as expected. With disappointment, he walked home slowly and quietly. Sitting in front of the piano again, his earlier adventure with Soul 22 flashed through his mind. All the trivial things in life which he hardly notice but brought 22 immense joy. At that very moment, Joe suddenly realise the truly important things in life.
It is not the destination but rather the journey that is exciting. Don’t ignore it while you are working towards your goals. Embrace all the pains, struggles, and every seemingly ordinary thing on the way. For the thrill at the pinnacle is a fleeting feeling. It is the journey itself that is worth living for.
Soul 22 had this witty question early on in the movie: Is all this living really worth dying for? Its decision to finally fly earth-bound is a resounding yes.
Dreamerella 