Jun 27, 2008 03:34 PM
2605 Views
(Updated Jun 27, 2008 03:36 PM)
Sometimes, and very rarely one gets to witness sheer magic on screen without the big grandeur of stars or graphic marvels that have become the order of the day for commercial values and BO collections. Juno is one such film that stands testimony to the fact that nothing is larger than a stirring story, a powerful script, and honest performances. Written by debutant screenwriter and ex-strip dancer, Diablo Cody, it wonderfully presents a slice of life in its most human form. The story revolves around a 16-year old girl Juno, who accidentally gets pregnant in an act of passion, and its resulting consequences.
Juno (Ellen Page) discovers that she is pregnant following her first act of passion with her boyfriend Paulie Bleeker (Michael Cera). Upon revealing the matter to Paulie, who is pleasantly stunned, Juno consoles him by telling that she too was responsible, and that it doesn’t really matter for her anyway. After giving it a serious thought, especially with a career ahead of her, Juno decides for abortion with support from her friend Leah (Olivia Thirlby).
But a sudden impulsive urge forces her to walk out from the clinic, and decides to keep the baby much to the astonishment of Leah. Sceptic about her parent’s reaction, she confesses with much deliberation only to be relieved when they accept it with a broad sense. Juno also tells them that she is going to give the baby to a couple who desperately seek a child instead of raising it. After finding a prospective couple willing to adopt her baby, Juno and her father visit them to go through the formalities. Vanessa and her husband, Mark are much delighted to see Juno’s spirited character and ensure her they will adopt the baby. All goes as planned until Mark’s unrealised dream of becoming a rock star begins to surface, demanding a divorce from Vanessa to pursues his desire. Caught between the marital conflict, Juno begins to understand people, and her long idealism about trust is changed forever. Shuttling between her teen instincts and motherhood, she discovers for the first time in her life that she is in love…
Ellen Page single-handedly carries the film with an exceptional performance that is filled with honesty, talent and character. Relying heavily on character building and relationships, the script emerges as the real hero, which flows like a river without the slightest of diversions. Elegantly structured with humour, drama, and human psychology, this film not only redefines teen-comedy, but also the way we look at life.
(For trivia lovers) Shot with a shoestring budget of $6.5 million in 31 days, the film went on to generate more than $200 million worldwide. Out of its four Oscar nominations, debutant writer, Diablo Cody walked away with the golden statue for best original screenplay.
“You can look at it as a film that celebrates life and celebrates childbirth, or you can look at it as a film about a liberated young girl who makes a choice to continue being liberated. Or you can look at it as some kind of twisted love story, you know, a meditation on maturity." – Diablo Cody
