The film tells the story of how a small man faced cancer. Twenty-seven-year-old Adam (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) has a healthy lifestyle. Unlike his old friend Kyle (Seth Rogen), Adam, who works in the radio station, usually does not drink or smoke. His healthy lifestyle complies with almost all the tricks on keeping fit. However, during a routine check-up, he was suddenly told he had a rare form of cancer. Since then, he has started his journey of fighting cancer. And naturally, there are all kinds of plots about friendship, love, family, life and death, and facing oneself. As many film critics have said, "Happy Living" is an inspirational film. It depicts in a light comedy way the optimistic and positive life attitude of a small person when faced with a sudden crisis.
Although the film's storyline is not brilliant, and the image of the female characters is thin. But these are not the focus of this article. Here, I want to explore the social reasons why this film can be recognized by many European and American audiences. Looking back on 2011, it should be said that it was a not very peaceful year. The subprime mortgage crisis detonated in 2007 in 2008 has not weakened its impact on public life due to the passage of time. On the contrary, the financial turmoil caused by it began to show a global trend. Those who are most deeply affected by this financial crisis are naturally the common people. Soaring prices, depressed markets, high unemployment, ongoing layoffs, governments closing down the public sector and reducing social benefits, frequent bankruptcy of the private sector, and widening gaps between the rich and the poor have long exhausted the general public. What followed was not only the Occupy Wall Street movement and the common people's lament that "life is not what it used to be", but also the rising crime rate, social unrest, and the rising trend of racial xenophobia in various countries. These are situations that ordinary people are unwilling to face, but have to face. And all of this came so suddenly and unexpectedly. Like Adam, the protagonist of the movie, many ordinary people suddenly found themselves surrounded by many crises without warning.
In 2012, the surrounding situation was somewhat unclear and incomprehensible. Among the five permanent members of the United Nations, the top leaders of four countries will be replaced. Although the candidates from China and Russia are relatively obvious, it is still difficult to say who will die in the presidential elections of the United States and France. The intensifying European debt crisis not only has the tendency to trigger a second wave of global financial turmoil, but its potential to exacerbate the current turmoil should not be underestimated. Maybe people don't care about the so-called national sovereign credit rating, but the psychological anxiety and life pressure brought by the economic depression are inevitable for the common people. Like Adam's cancer. No matter how healthy our protagonist's lifestyle is, now that cancer has come to him, he has to face it. Is it Gu Ying's self-pity and sighing, or to face it bravely and treat it positively with an optimistic attitude. The movie gives a clear answer.
It's like why Shirley Temple's films were so popular in America in the 1930s. The same thing that the Great Depression brought to the American people at the time was depression, confusion, and increased stress in life. However, Xiulan Temple's smile and her innocent demeanor can make people temporarily forget the anguish that has accumulated in their hearts. And the little girl's happy and positive attitude towards life can always make people see the hope of getting out of the predicament. Yes, she starred in Bright Eyes (1934), The Littlest Rebel (1935), Curly Top (1935), and The Little Princess (1939) and other films rarely have sad endings. Although the character played by Xiulan Temple will encounter various challenges in life, this girl always faces it bravely, and influences everyone around her and sitting in front of the screen with her bright smile.
While 50/50 doesn't have Shirley Temple's lovely dimples, it's also a promising movie. Adam jokes about the test of life and death with a sunny attitude; while his best friend Kyle tells the audience what friendship is precious; and his new girlfriend Katie (Anna Kendrick) makes people see hope after despair. And all this is needed in today's society. There is no tall and fearless heroic savior, only the strength and tenacity of small people. The small and fresh style of the film and its comedic ending also make the public feel the hope of life. Even if the environment is dangerous, even if the world is uncertain, as long as you face it with optimism, the wind and rain will always pass. This may explain why such a film with an underwhelming storyline has won so many audiences and critics alike.
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