"I'm Flying, Jack!" And Other Life-changing Phrases.

Raise your hand if you don't recognize the picture above. Anyone? No one at all? I didn't think so. That's because Titanic is one of the best movies ever. And for anyone in my generation, it stands as a symbol of the 90s, a launching point for Leo fanatics everywhere, and a wealthy resource for dramatic sayings. "I'll never let go..." "I'm the king of the world!" "I'm flying, Jack!" And so many others.

This epic movie has been featured in several of my conversations lately, and tonight it was on television. Hello God? You want me to blog about Titanic? Well, Ok then. Here's why Titanic has a special place in my heart. Not only was it a cultural phenomenon, Titanic was a full-fledged coming-of-age experience for every pre-teen/teenage girl out there. I remember the very first time I saw the movie. Not at the theater, but maybe a year or so later at my neighbor's house. I called my parents to see if it was alright for me to watch (it was PG-13, hellooooo) and with mom's approval, I embarked on my Titanic adventure. Not only did I feel very mature watching this film about love and tragedy, I knew that I was watching love in its truest and purest form. This is what everybody's life should be like! Wasn't Rose SO LUCKY?? Sure, she survived a horrifying and traumatic disaster that left her alone in the world, but their love affair was soooo worth it. Right?

Well, I suppose that's probably what I thought at age 11. I've always been impressionable when it comes to movies. Even though you know that a movie is fiction, it's so easy to get swept away into the "what if this was my life" and "it could happen to me." Well, Titanic couldn't really happen to me. But you get what I'm saying. Jack represented everything that a girl could hope for in a man. Handsome, kind, funny, down-to-earth, willing to save your life when your ship hits an iceberg (figuratively or literally). When I catch clips of Titanic on TV now, or occasionally sit down to watch it all the way through, I don't only get a rush of nostalgia for the days of a young, dreamy Leonardo, but also for the way I was so completely enthralled and captivated the first time I watched it. I don't think I've ever been so enamored with a character or story in my life.

Titanic isn't still my favorite movie (although it's up there). But as I told my friend earlier today, whenever I watch it, there's still a part of me that hopes that Jack will survive this time. I still think it's an incredibly romantic story. And I still wish I could get swept off my feet like Rose did (albeit with a slightly dryer and happier ending.) Plus, I still think Leonardo DiCaprio is really hot. So if anyone shares my affinity for this drama, let me know. We can have a movie night. I'll bring the popcorn and kleenex if you bring your passion for Leo & Kate.