La La Land and Love Like Blossoms: The Struggle and Balance of Dreams and Reality

Translated by AI

When discussing the film La La Land, beyond its cinematic language and spectacular musical performances, the narrative between the protagonists is particularly noteworthy. How many times can we use the word "love" (愛) and how much reality can it bear?

The protagonists, Sebastian and Mia, were both dreamers immersed in their pursuits before meeting each other, constantly seeking opportunities to showcase their talents. Yet, in the pragmatic world, they kept hitting walls, trying to carve out a ray of light.

Upon meeting, they fell in love not only with each other but also with each other's uncompromising attitude towards society and steadfast dedication to their dreams. If unable to nail auditions, they would create their own one-person shows; if unable to open a jazz bar, they would perform at others' venues. However, when contemplating their future together, Sebastian hesitated. He wished for a better life with Mia and chose to join a familiar band, which gained immense popularity, drawing crowds and ultimately driving them apart. They began to quarrel and eventually separated.

Through their separation, they became even more determined in their pursuit of their dreams, ultimately encountering each other at the peak of their respective aspirations.

Similarly, Love Like Blossoms is a profoundly touching film where the protagonists come together through shared interests—authors, films, exhibitions—all reflecting a common pursuit of beauty. Their love was as beautiful as a blooming bouquet but faced many challenges over time under the pressure of reality. They had to confront their differences, realizing they were growing apart. The male lead pursued a career for their better future, while the female lead remained contemplative and artistic. Ultimately, they parted ways. Like the film's title, Love Like Blossoms, the bouquet symbolizes budding ambiguity, exuberant bloom, and inevitable withering—not a tragedy, just inevitability. Through this film, we see that love isn't always smooth sailing; it requires mutual understanding and compromises amidst real-world challenges. Yet, those cherished memories are worth saving.

Both films share profound love stories but impart slightly different messages. The similarity lies in emphasizing growth and change within love. Whether through the pursuit of dreams in La La Land or facing life's challenges in Love Like Blossoms, both express that love demands mutual effort, understanding, and compromise. While striving might lead to separations, it's not a negative outcome—it's merely life taking different paths.

As for the differences, La La Land underscores the balance between aspiration and love, concluding with a realization of fulfillment despite separation. In contrast, Love Like Blossoms focuses more on the daily challenges and adaptations in love, from mutual interests to growing differences, and ultimately parting ways regretfully. These films teach us how to grow in love and cherish the people around us and every moment of fleeting beauty.