BY: VANESSA ROBERTS
Rom-coms are not usually associated with matters of depth – let alone matters of life and death, so I was certainly curious when an advance copy of the rom-com of the year ‘Me Before You’ landed in my mailbox recently.
If you didn’t catch it at the cinemas, ‘Me Before You’ – which stars the lovely Emilia Clarke (otherwise known as Daenerys Targaryen from Game of Thrones), and Sam Claffin (Hunger Games) is a hugely enjoyable romantic comedy with an unexpected difference.
A warm and charming love story based on the NY Times bestselling novel by Jojo Moyes, ‘Me Before You’ tells the story of Louisa and Will – an unlikely pairing, brought together by unfortunate circumstances. Employed by Will’s family as caregiver and companion to Will after a freak accident left him paralysed and wheel-chair bound, Louisa – the young, quirky (and somewhat aimless) woman falls in love with Will – a young and once-vibrant banker who has all but given up on life.
Put to the test, Louisa attempts to bring colour and life back into his angry, cynical (and at times hopeless) world. Battling to come to terms with his new post-accident existence, Will suffers to such an extent that he loses the desire to live altogether.
However, over the course of 6 months, the two teach each other (and the viewer) some valuable lessons.
With a complete understanding on how quickly life can change, and how much we take for granted, Will implores Louisa with valuable advice that sets the tone for the film, and the rest of her life: “You only get one life. It’s your duty to live it as fully as possible.” And meanwhile, Louisa sets out to show Will that life is worth living, no matter your circumstances, and she sets up a series of “bucket-list” style adventures for the two of them to enjoy together.
There’ll be no spoiler here, but this is a real tear-jerker movie, one to watch at home with a group of friends, and worthy of adding to your movie collection!
To see how the film unfolds, or to fall in love with the movie a second time, you can pick it up on Blu-Ray & DVD from 21st September, and digital is on sale from 14th September. You can see more info and purchase the film here.
Inspired by ‘Me Before You’ we’ve compiled a list of 10 ways you can live life to the fullest today.
#1 – Be true to who you are:
There’s nothing more limiting than trying to please others or be someone else. Being an original is not only freeing and liberating it’s growth-inducing!
#2 – Treat every day as a fresh start:
Don’t dwell on old news, and things you can no longer change.
#3 – Develop your own opportunities:
Not much ever comes from sitting around and waiting for other people to help you grow. Get “out there” personally and professionally and reap the rewards.
#4 – Design your ideal life:
Visualise what you’d like your life to be like and set goals if you need to. Visualisation is the first step to living your best life.
#5 – Help others when they least expect it:
Helping others benefits you as well as the recipient, with a unique feeling of fulfilment.
#6 – Stop putting life on hold:
Is there are part of your life you have been putting off, denying or avoiding? Time to face reality and realign your time and energy with things that enrich you.
#7 – Follow your hopes not your fears:
Being burdened by fear keeps us in our cozy, and often un-fulfilling comfort zone. Be sensible but don’t fall into the fear-trap.
#8 – Spend time with people who enable you:
After all, you are the average of the 5 people you spend the most time with, says science!
#9 – Let loose and have fun:
Don’t let notions of age or societal norms stop you from living. There’s a reason “dance like nobody’s watching” is trending.
#10 – Ignore the status quo:
Stop limiting yourself to what everyone else is doing. There’s no need to live a pre-planned or average life, live your own!
Have you seen ‘Me Before You’? Which ways help you live life to the fullest? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
For further info you can follow Roadshow Films on Facebook and Instagram.
This story was brought to you in collaboration with Roadshow films but all opinions are my own.
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