Regret, temptation, misery, joy, pride, and peace. These were the emotions I felt while watching the epic journey of “The Odyssey”. I’m not the person who’s into Greek literature (although I’m a bit interested in Greek history). Yet, I was pulled not only by the idea of watching it on IMAX but also by how Nolan can capture a story so vast and complex in a 2-hour and 45-minute film. And for me, it worked.
I was engaged with every scene, pondering what will happen to Odysseus and the rest of the characters. I felt pity for both his men and his wife. The former longed to go home in victory, and the latter waited for her loved one to come home. The idea of waiting for something to happen is difficult. You are constantly pulled between convincing yourself to stay and letting it go.
While the story highlights perseverance, it also makes me think of the value of letting go. Letting go when the cost is too high, even if you’re tempted to take it. Letting go when that person isn’t interested in you anymore. Letting go of the idea that you should race against the world. And instead accept that you can make your own race and set how long the terms and conditions should be.