Sunday, March 25, 2007

Defiance

Saw a beautiful movie today that tells a story of how a housewife overcomes adversity in Defiance.

The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio

When life treats us an unfair deal, our response to it is typical - anger, despair, finger-pointing, lying, cheating. Based on a real life, the story is about Evelyn Ryan, who displays defiance in place of the above, makes the most of every situation and refuses to give in. She is a mother of 10 kids, and a wife of a man who has plenty of despair and excuses that make matters worse. She chooses to enter different jingle writing contests and use her creativity to win small and big prizes from time to time to make ends meet.

Towards the end of the movie, the Ryans realize they have to vacate their home. Kelly, her husband, takes out a second mortgage without telling her, and it's due. They can't pay.

Evelyn: Just put it all on the front porch. Thank you, girls.
Kelly: Davey, go outside with that.
(The phone rings)
Evelyn: Hello?
Dr. Pepper spokesperson: Hello. Is this Mrs Evelyn L Ryan?
Evelyn: This is she
Spokesperson: Mrs. Ryan, it's my pleasure to inform you that you are our first-prize winner in the Dr. Pepper "Time of Your Life" contest.
Evelyn: Oh, my word.
Spokesperson: You've won a trip for two to Switzerland, a Ford Mustang, his and hers Longines watches and cash in the amount of $3,440.64.
Evelyn: Goodness, well ... these prizes couldn't come at a better time for my large family.
Kelly: Kids, get in here!
Spokesperson: I'm glad to hear that Mrs. Ryan.
Kelly: Come here.
Spokesperson: You have every reason to be proud because your entry beat out 250,000 others.
Evelyn: Thank you, thank you for telling me that. You've brightened my day considerably.
Spokesperson: Thank you, Mrs. Ryan. Good day.
(Evelyn puts the phone down)
Evelyn: We won!
(Everyone shrieks with joy)
Kids: Mom, can we go tell the neighbors?
Evelyn: You can tell whoever you want.
(Tuff, their teenage daughter, sits down crying)
Kelly: Tuffy, it's OK. Everything's going to be OK. We're all going to be OK.
Tuff: No, we aren't.
Kelly: For cripe's sake.
Evelyn: You go on outside, I'll take care of her.
Kelly: Come on, let's go tell everybody. Come on.

(Cut to Tuff's room)
Tuff: He's never gonna change.
Evelyn: You're absolutely right. He's not... Do you know what that man said to me on the phone just now?
Tuff: No.
Evelyn: He said that I beat 250,00 other entries. And do you know what else? It wasn't even my best one. Honey... Honey, you have your whole life in front of you, and you can make of it whatever you want. You have a marvelous mind. And a beautiful heart. And you can accomplish anything. Everything is possible. Do you know that? ... Forgive him, Tuff. Forgive him so that you can embrace this truly remarkable day.
Tuff: I love you, Mom.
Evelyn: I love you.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

I found this by googling the "Forgive him, Tuff" quote. Watched it yesterday and it made such an impact on my soul. Thank you for posting the entire exchange. Just beautiful!! Stay defiant, strong and full of hope!

Anonymous said...

Oh, I blogged about the movie yesterday, too, at myspace....

www.myspace.com/lilorphan67 if you'd like to read it.