A friend once told me that in many situations, “No one wins in a divorce when kids are involved. The husband loses; the wife loses, and the children especially lose out.”
I have seen first-hand the truth of that statement. As a child, I had two parents who loved me beyond measure (they still do), yet their lives as husband and wife were pulled into different directions, and the reasons that brought them together in the first place, were no longer strong enough to unify them. Happiness became illusive in their marriage; joy was a distant memory that was getting more faint by the day. In the midst of the divorce and the aftermath – pain, fear and uncertainty ruled. But, through it all, I never once doubted I was loved by my parents.
Noah Baumbach’s Marriage Story may be a difficult film to view if you have suffered from the wounds of a broken family. This film shines a light on the love of husband, wife, father, mother and son, but it also explores the many ways a relationship (and family) can be torn apart. And sometimes, the things we say or do in the midst of the anger and anguish may remain with us for decades. We may never fully forget (or in some cases be able to forgive) actions or inactions that take place on the battlefield of fractured families. We are only human, and alone, we are limited.
God is without limits, and through His son, Jesus, our pasts are wiped clean; our transgressions no longer exist; our very lives and relationships can become compete in Him. Forgiveness can happen in the blink of an eye.
We will make mistakes in our lives and bad choices can cause damage that seems irreparable. But the healing power of God’s grace can restore any life that has been shattered. His love never fails; it endures all things.
– Noel T. Manning II
- Directed by: Noah Baumbach
- Produced by:
- Written by: Noah Baumbach
- Music by: Randy Newman
- Cinematography by: Robbie Ryan
- Editing by: Jennifer Lame
- Release Date: 2019
- Running Time: 137
- Language: English
Arts & Faith Lists:
2019 Top 10 — #7