Tuesday, July 24, 2007

   hercules reflection.... i find it really disturbing that i still use this site for my papers >>.
Peña, Paula Pia Perez
1-AB Communications
A
July 25, 2007
Ms. Rhoda Nicadao
Kathleen Go

Go the distance

“…And a voice keeps saying, this is where I’m meant to be
I’ll be there someday, I can go the distance
I will find my way, if I can be strong
I know ev’ry mile, will be worth my while
When I go the distance, I’ll be right where I belong…
…It might take a lifetime, but somehow I’ll see it through…
…But to look beyond the glory is the hardest part
For a hero’s strength is measured by his heart…
…I will search the world, I will face its’ harms
I don’t care how far, I can go the distance…”
– Go the distance by Michael Bolton, Official movie soundtrack of “Hercules”
Disney’s movie adaptation of the legend of the Grecian god presented the truth that the values of the ancient times still prevail. Animated characters showed divine beings with human emotions, thoughts and flaws.
Going beyond his god-like characteristics, Hercules was portrayed as a misfit child. He was struggling to be accepted but what he did not know was that he was made to stand out; he was made to be a hero.
The movie followed his process to prove that it is possible to become a hero from zero. He showed resilience and courage to face his true destiny and go the distance. He endured a lot to find his true niche in this world but it was all worth it for the recognition of ones true identity is priceless and truly precious.
I could relate to Hercules in the sense that I am still searching for my path. The present will provide me clues that will lead me to my path. It may seem like a terrible and agonizing search, but there will forever be hope. The promise of realizing what I am meant to be is the fuel of my search.
Aside from the inspiration I got from the hero, the trainer also inspired me. Philoctetes’ genius, forthrightness and nonchalant approach to troubles made me see the beauty of sarcasm and skepticism. He had a cynical heart; judging not by emotions but greatly from the present reality. Being a cynic made him think clear and focused. He believed in the hope of believing. He had to find even a small spark of hope to continue and pursue something.
He was a realist, though still a dreamer. He dreamed of something greater while simultaneously being contented of what is at present.
Training a zero to be hero was a very difficult task but he saw a spark of hope in Hercules and because of this he was inspired to become an inspiration.
Like Phil, I aspire to be inspired and inspire. I yearn for an opportunity where I could be able to touch a person’s life by just being me. The joy of knowing and realizing that I made a difference in the life of another is my greatest ambition.
Similar to Phil, I am a realist. I take life as what it is and look forward to whatever comes next. I “bask in the sun” and make the most of every minute I have.
It may seem puzzling but aside from my attitude of “living life by at the moment” I am also a proud OC (a person with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder). I feel a certain joy of putting order to objects. Although it may seem contradictory, being an OC made me relish reality. It made me see that life will never work out as what I want (or more likely organized) and intended it to be.
In life there will forever be pitfalls, conflicts sacrifices and decisions to be made. This was greatly exemplified in many scenes in the movie. One instance would be when Hercules started to journey to find his true self. He made a life decision. Putting truth to its nature of being a life decision, it has altered his life. He made a decision to leave his life with his adoptive parents to search for his identity. He faced a lot of trials but he must put up with it because it was his decision to do so. His actions and resilience gave justification to what Phil said about dreaming and giving up “[…dreams are for rookies]… no, kid, giving up [that] is for rookies…”
Another illustration of this was when he plunged to the whirlpool of death to save Meg. He sacrificed his mortality for the benefit of others (specifically the person he loves). He exhausted every effort to be truly selfless. Hercules had god-like strength but he aside from that he had a selfless heart and a giving love. “… a true hero isn’t measured by the size of his strength but by the strength of his heart…” and because of such an act (also partly because he lost his mortality) he regained his omniscience.
Songs similar to “Go the Distance” have been arranged to inspire many. The song “Win” by Brian McKnight shows the similar spirit of determination of the movie and the soundtrack. The chorus of the song summarized the essence of courage amidst all fears.
“…Never say die…
…I’ll never quit
I’ll never lay down
See I promised myself I would never let me down
So I’ll never give up
Never give in
Never let a ray of doubt slip in
And if I fall
I’ll never fade
I’ll just get up and try again
Never lose hope
Never lose faith
There’s much too much at stake
Upon myself I must depend
I’m not looking for a place ashore
I’m gonna win”
Courage is not merely measured by plunging into “war”. The dedication and responsibility of owing up to the tasks demanded of a person is the true measure of courage.
Never giving up, pushing all efforts to its limits and putting to heart all experiences, inspirations and learnings are the insights I got from the film. These will help me become not just a better student but also a better person.

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