Columbus

The Film

Columbus · Kogonada · 2017

My Take

What struck me most about Columbus was how beautifully it captured the quiet beauty of a small, seemingly ordinary town. The wide shots gave the film a sense of openness, while Casey’s eyes seemed to mirror that same perspective—always looking, noticing, and finding beauty in things others might overlook.

I especially enjoyed Casey and Jin’s relationship and the way they offered one another different perspectives on life. Jin helped Casey see beyond the boundaries she had created for herself, while Casey reminded Jin to slow down and truly notice what was around him.

Casey is talented, observant, and clearly capable of more, yet she continually finds reasons not to pursue her dreams. I think that is something many talented people can relate to. Staying where you are can feel safer than discovering what happens when you finally step beyond what is familiar.

What Stayed With Me

Casey was so good at looking outward that she seemed to avoid looking inward. She could see beauty everywhere, but pursuing her own dreams would require her to confront what she wanted for herself.

Sometimes having a wider lens isn't about seeing more of the world. It's about finally being willing to see yourself.

The Chapter

Columbus is a reminder that paying attention to the world around us is only part of the work. Reflection also requires turning that same attention inward and asking whether the life we're living is the life we actually want.

There is safety in staying, and there are often perfectly reasonable explanations for why we should remain where we are. But eventually, we have to decide whether those reasons are guiding us—or holding us back.

The next chapter sometimes requires more than noticing what is beautiful. It requires the courage to step toward it.