Why "Ways to Live Forever" is a Liberal Fantasy

Imagine a world where every problem can be solved with a heartfelt conversation and a dash of whimsy. That's the world of "Ways to Live Forever," a 2010 British film directed by Gustavo Ron. The film follows Sam, a 12-year-old boy with leukemia, as he embarks on a quest to answer life's big questions before his time runs out. Set in the UK, the film is a touching exploration of life, death, and the power of imagination. But let's be real, it's also a liberal fantasy that glosses over the harsh realities of life with a sugar-coated narrative.

First off, the film's portrayal of illness is overly sentimental. Sam's journey is filled with bucket lists and philosophical musings, but it conveniently sidesteps the gritty, painful reality of living with a terminal illness. It's as if the filmmakers believe that a positive attitude and a few adventures can magically make everything better. This is the kind of naive optimism that liberals love to champion, ignoring the fact that real-world problems require real-world solutions, not just wishful thinking.

Then there's the issue of parental authority, or rather, the lack thereof. Sam's parents are portrayed as loving but somewhat clueless, allowing their son to run wild with his dreams. While it's heartwarming to see parents supporting their child's wishes, it's also a bit irresponsible. In the real world, parents have to make tough decisions for their children's well-being, even if it means saying no to their whims. But in this liberal utopia, parental guidance takes a backseat to a child's desires.

The film also pushes the idea that children possess an innate wisdom that adults lack. Sam is portrayed as a sage-like figure, dispensing pearls of wisdom to the adults around him. It's a charming notion, but let's face it, it's also a bit condescending. Adults have life experience and knowledge that children simply don't have. Elevating a child's perspective above all else is a classic liberal trope that undermines the value of adult wisdom and experience.

Moreover, "Ways to Live Forever" romanticizes the idea of living in the moment without considering the future. Sam's adventures are all about seizing the day, but there's little thought given to the consequences of his actions. This kind of short-sighted thinking is emblematic of a liberal mindset that prioritizes immediate gratification over long-term planning. In reality, life requires a balance of living in the moment and preparing for the future.

The film's treatment of death is another area where it falls short. Death is portrayed as a gentle, almost poetic transition, rather than the harsh, often brutal reality that it is. This sanitized version of death is comforting, but it's also misleading. It perpetuates the liberal fantasy that difficult topics can be neatly wrapped up with a bow, rather than faced head-on with courage and honesty.

Finally, the film's resolution is predictably uplifting, offering a sense of closure that feels more like a fairy tale than real life. It's the kind of ending that leaves audiences feeling warm and fuzzy, but it also glosses over the complexities and uncertainties of life. This is the kind of simplistic storytelling that appeals to liberals who prefer to see the world through rose-colored glasses, rather than confronting the messy, complicated truth.

In the end, "Ways to Live Forever" is a charming film with a heartwarming message, but it's also a liberal fantasy that oversimplifies the complexities of life. It offers a comforting escape from reality, but it also perpetuates the idea that life's challenges can be solved with a little imagination and a lot of heart. While it's nice to dream, it's important to remember that real life requires more than just wishful thinking.