Film: Wit

Just watched Wit (2001) with Emma Thomson. Directed by Mike Nichols.
This was one of the most emotionally moving movies I've seen since I watched The Passion but in a much different way. The Passion was just a ravaging of my emotions, but this was very gradual till the end. As the movie made it's final crescendo at the end, the whole reality and message of the movie became clear and simply slaps you in the face (at least me). I left with so many different messages that the movie revealed. Very well done, very profound. This movie is a must see.

I want so badly to talk about the messages of the movie, but I wouldn't want to lessen the impact of the movie for you. Here's a basic abstract though: the movie follows the experience of a highly educated doctor of 17th Century literature, specialized in the writings of John Donne, who is diagnosed with terminal ovarian cancer. Through the movie, you'll find many references to literature and poetic quotes. So, if you're unfamiliar with the writings of John Donne, you'll get a little education. Specifically, a poem written by Donne called "Death, Be not Proud" is quoted much in the movie. I've included it below. Enjoy.

Death, be not proud, though some have called thee
Mighty and dreadful, for thou art not so;
For those whom thou think'st thou dost overthrow,
Die not, poor Death, nor yet canst thou kill me.
From rest and sleep, which but thy pictures be,
Much pleasure; then from thee much more must flow,
And soonest our best men with thee do go,
Rest of their bones, and soul's delivery.
Thou art slave to fate, chance, kings, and desperate men,
And dost with poison, war, and sickness dwell;
And poppy or charms can make us sleep as well
And better than thy stroke; why swell'st thou then?
One short sleep past, we wake eternally,
And death shall be no more, death thou shalt die.

If you check out the link to the poem, you'll notice that I changed the punctuation on the last line. This has special significance in the movie.