"Peter Rabbit"

As spring is right around the corner, many people are adding movies that capture the spirit of the season to their watchlist. “Peter Rabbit,” released in 2018, is a comedy movie for people of all ages. The movie is set in a neighborhood full of vibrant flowers and charming fields, which conveys the film’s main topics of joy and renewal. The film also has a heartwarming message with its portrayal of an unconventional family and the importance of respecting and understanding each other’s situation.

The main character, Peter, is adventurous, mischievous, and curious. His siblings Flopsy, Mopsy, and Cottontail are similarly playful, and can sometimes cause trouble. Throughout the film, an animal lover named Bea forms a special relationship with all the rabbits, her affection towards them making her a fan-favorite character. Despite their love for Bea, Peter and his siblings are always stepping into her neighbor Thomas’ garden to annoy him, creating a rivalry with Thomas, which becomes a big issue in Bea’s relationship with him and one of the primary conflicts in the story. Without any regard for how their actions are annoying for the humans, Peter Rabbit and his siblings relish in the humorous response they get from Thomas, and their energetic behavior brings a sense of life and excitement to the audience.

Not only is the movie full of humorous and clever characters, but the story also provides the audience with an important message of respecting those who are different from us. The rabbits’ and neighbor’s mindsets change throughout the story, as they realize the importance of respect, kindness, forgiveness, and the consequences of their actions. This sweet conclusion teaches people to treat others with empathy and compassion, while celebrating friendships and the significance of home.

"The Sound of Music"

Some may go on vacation over spring break, but for those like me, who find themselves bored over the week-long break from school, I recommend watching “The Sound of Music,” directed by Robert Wise, as it is a movie that will leave one mesmerized without a doubt. Released in 1965, “The Sound of Music” is a heartwarming movie based on the story of the Von Trapp family, a singing group originating in Salzburg, Austria during World War II. Maria, played by Julie Andrews, is sent away from her abbey to act as a governess to a family of seven children, so that she is disciplined prior to becoming a nun. The family she stays with are the children of a retired captain, George Von Trapp. The children are extremely well-mannered but sheltered, and Maria teaches them to enjoy their lives more. Though the captain initially disapproves, when he sees how close Maria has gotten to his children, he begins to appreciate her more, and the two fall for each other soon enough.

In addition to the touching storyline, the movie contains several catchy songs that intertwine beautifully with the story’s plot. These songs, such as “Do-Re-Mi,” “The Lonely Goatherd,” and “Sixteen Going on Seventeen,” narrate the characters’ lives as the plot thickens. One of my favorite songs is “Sixteen Going on Seventeen,” featuring the oldest daughter, named Liesl, who sings about entering womanhood. The musical dynamics disclosed in the song capture the nature of Liesl’s relationship with Rolf, a delivery boy who is in love with Liesl. The song starts off soft and mellow, but then the orchestra in the background undergoes a subtle crescendo. After the vocalists stop singing, the orchestra continues, slowly crescendoing and accelerating until the song comes to an awkward halt. This unique song ending perfectly describes one’s first love: it’s awkward, but also exhilerating and wonderful. Unlike many movies, in which songs are used only as background music, “The Sound of Music” incorporates music into the plot. The scenes are constantly entertaining as the singers are always dancing with the flow of the song. The director does a fantastic job showing the developing relationships between the characters by revealing all their true feelings through song, adding depth to the story. In addition to developing sentimental relationships, the film also includes songs that are humorous, such as “The Lonely Goatherd.” A common aspect shared between all of the songs in the movie is the emphasis on the songs’ buildup. This buildup allows the songs to have a stronger ending and feel more complete.

Further strengthening the story, the clothing aesthetics of the characters add insight into their personalities. The children in the movie wear matching clothes, demonstrating the strong bond that the family members have with one another. While Maria initially seems to be the odd one out with her dull, gray aprons and flashy dresses, her wedding gown when she marries the children’s father at the end of the movie depicts her fully becoming an official part of the family.

One of the best things about this movie is how relatable it is. Although it was released more than half a century ago, the songs manage to cover endearing interactions between family members, describe cheesy romance, and express happiness and freedom, all while carrying out a touching storyline. No doubt, “The Sound of Music” will leave you craving for more romance during the remainder of your spring break.