Lady Bird

In the year 2002, Catholic high school senior Christine McPherson, self-named "Lady Bird," is an impetuous girl literally from the wrong side of the tracks who's at a critical stage in her life: she's continually at odds with her mother, despises her mundane life in Sacramento, and wants to go to college on the east coast in a city with culture. Her ordinary life suddenly takes a turn when she has to deal with popularity, discovering boys and romance, and coping with the problems of people other than her own. Cute, quirky, and thoughtful coming-of-age story is one everyone can relate to, with the all-important themes of teen angst, adolescence, and ambition; colorful dialogue, well-drawn characters, and believable situations are only elevated by a talented cast of actors. Twenty-three-year-old Ronan perfectly embodies the spirit of a self-absorbed teenager in all her complexities, making it easy for viewers to recall a similar time period in their lives. ***

Writer and director Greta Gerwig of the film Lady Bird does a splendid job at casually touching on many prominent issues that teenagers face growing up in America. It doesn't make it obvious and it doesn't make feel like it's trying to make some PSA. But the main character Christine McPherson or Lady Bird which is the name she has given herself and is the names she's prefers everyone to call her by. Lives through her senior year and experiences many difficult experiences as she makes the transition from High School into college. It captures in a unique way many aspects of the struggle of high school, trying to fit in with the cool crowd even if it means you might lose something. And juggling family life with school life or with boyfriends. It's entertaining to see the unexpected behavior of lady bird, like in the opening scene of the movie when she argues with her mother and she gets so fed up with her mother she opens the car door and jumps out of a moving vehicle. From the very start we see Christine's impulsive behavior, but it's that impulsive behavior that leads her to learn and make mistakes and eventually will lead to finding herself. Gerwig reveals this story about a girl in a poor family trying to make it through her senior year of highs school in Sacramento. Her dream is to attend a college in New York but financial issues and her mother are keeping her from making that dream reality. With her best friend Julie by her side to battle through High School they are always there for each other. Where Gerwig does a brilliant job is in the script. With every interaction Lady Bird has with someone else it brings us deeper into who she is and what's she's trying to accomplish. Every argument with her mother or impulsive action brings a depth into her character that makes it easier to understand why she does what she does. I also think that the setting, especially the time period, of this movie is important. It's in 2002 where cell phones are just starting and not everyone has them. It's more of a wealthy person item and it also helps veer away from the Instagram and Snapchat obsessive lives that most kids have today. This movie also connects very well with audience members especially teenagers in school right now because it just shows the raw life of a teenager. There's no sugar coating or anything like that, just harsh and real conditions. But People are intrigued by things they can relate to because it makes you think. It makes you think about your own life compared to the movie and this movie definitely connects to a lot of viewers out there. Also the mother and daughter or just kid to parent relationship will resonate with a lot of the viewers out there. One of the more weaker aspects of the film was probably one of the last scenes of the movie where Lady Bird gets drunk and ends up in a hospital. The scene wasn't well put together and fast. Also the acting in that particular part wasn't that great and it just seemed like a the doctor that had like one line was just bad at trying to be a doctor. Gerwig simply captures the highs and lows, the happy and sad, the dirty and beautiful moments of teenage life that is unparalleled to any other movie. That is why the movie is so good, because it reveals all of those things about High School in such a fresh and perfect way. It is also brings to life many situations we all have been apart of or will be a part of that makes relive those moments, and that what draws everyone to this movie, because you can connect to it.

I love Saoirse Ronan in this movie. She is hilarious,almost crazy. I loved how she portrayed her character ,Christine "Ladybird". She is different from everybody in the school,kinda like a nerd,except she is not a nerd. She portrays a girl that is not so popular in high school,and is a bit quirky. Her relationship with her mother is another story this movie tells. On the surface,she and her mother despise one another and can't agree to almost anything,but that is not true. They always fight because they are similar,and they have really strong independent personalities that just can't be contained. For me,their relationship was beautifully portrayed,with so many layers and so much depth. This movie is very heart warming and I enjoyed in it,probably because I am in my twenties and struggle with same problems as Ladybird. It's a very nice movie,fun and easy to watch. Totally recommend it.

It's funny, sad and heartwarming at the same time, like the real life is. So many emotions combined with fine editing and great storytelling. So many pieces with small stories about adulthood, first steps in independent life, child dreams, first love interests, heartbreaking moments with people around and the main storyline about true hard love between mother and daughter. This story really resonated in me. In each character I found someone I know. Post graduation problems and love that is not always easy to show and understand from another.

This film is a blissful piece of nostalgic joy. I was nowhere near Sacramento in 2002, but whilst watching I genuinely felt as if I was there.

The relationship between Ladybird and her mother is the underlying thread throughout and they pull off a believable dynamic that's fun to see. There are also a bunch of other sub stories that are beautifully woven in.

I highly recommend if you want a nice relaxing film that is not too long and makes you smile at the end.