Just like many other movies, I started watching this film based on a recommendation from a friend on social media. It was around the time when I was unemployed, and I didn’t know much about it, except that it had won an Oscar for its screenplay.
When I watched it for the first time, I had no idea it would become one of my all-time comfort movies. After viewing it, I even recommended it to a friend who, after watching it, thanked me and we discussed various aspects of the film. He pointed out things I hadn’t noticed, and it quickly became one of our favorite movies, just like it is for millions of others.
Little miss sunshine:
“Little Miss Sunshine” is a tragicomedy road film released in 2006 that won multiple awards at various ceremonies. More than just a movie, it contains lessons worth revisiting again and again.
The story emphasizes the importance of family, self-acceptance, and facing failures and challenges. It begins with Olive Hoover, who watches a beauty pageant on television, dreaming of competing in the upcoming Little Miss Sunshine pageant, with her grandfather training her for the event.
Olive Hoover is a 12-year-old girl and the youngest member of the Hoover family. Her father is a life coach, who endlessly refers to his nine steps to success, no matter the situation. Her brother, Dwayne, aspires to be a fighter pilot in the Air Force Academy and has taken a vow of silence until he achieves his goal. Most importantly, their mother, Sheryl, tries her best to keep the family together, even bringing her brother home after he attempted suicide due to his disappointments.
The family embarks on a journey to the beauty pageant after Olive is selected to compete. Their adventure begins in Albuquerque, where we are introduced to an important character: the yellow truck. Although it often causes frustration with starting problems, it ultimately helps them reach their destination. Throughout their journey, the film evokes laughter, reflection, and a deep connection with the characters.
Key conversations that resonate with the audience:
Important Conversations that resonate with the audience include one between Olive and her grandfather the night before the competition, where Olive expresses her fear of facing the event due to her father’s negative view of losers. Olive asks her grandfather, “Am I pretty?” He replies, “You are the most beautiful girl in the whole world,” and continues, “…because you’re beautiful inside and out.” When Olive states, “I don’t want to be a loser,” her grandfather offers wise words, “Olive, you know what a loser is? It’s somebody who’s so afraid of not winning that they don’t even try. Now, you’re trying, right?” This serves as a lesson for Olive and all of us to confront our challenges.
Another significant conversation occurs between Uncle Frank and Dwayne Hoover. Dwayne comes to terms with the fact he can’t join the Air Force due to his color blindness. He tells Uncle Frank, “Life is one beauty contest after another,” and adds, “…If I want to fly, I’ll find a way to fly.” This reflects the lesson of pursuing what we love.
Additionally, there is a crucial moment when Olive desperately wants ice cream, but her father advises her against it, stating that beauty queens avoid it to prevent gaining weight. This suggestion leads Olive to believe that being thin equates to being beautiful. In response, her mother reassures her, saying, “I want you to understand that it’s okay to be skinny, and it’s okay to be fat, if that’s what you want to be. Whatever you choose, it’s okay.” This challenges the societal beauty standards we are taught.
Finally, during a tragic event in the hospital, Olive’s mother reinforces the family’s bond, stating, “Whatever happens, we’re family. What’s important is that we love each other.” This highlights the importance of family support.
Unexpected climax:
The climax of the film is unexpected. Like many others, I anticipated Olive’s success, but what occurred genuinely surprised me, contributing to the film’s uniqueness. It also critiques the nature of beauty pageants and the pressure placed on children.
This remarkable story, with its unique experiences, will undoubtedly be celebrated for years to come. Its message of self-love will be revisited countless times whenever people seek comfort.
