The movie Titanic was my first big budget Hollywood movie which I saw as a child. I was still a kid and totally unaware with the Hollywood cinema.
Over the years, I have become a fan of this movie for simple reason that it represents a time when I was still very young to this world.
When I contemplate these are some important aspects which I feel is what make Titanic special:
- It breaks class structure and this probably is the most important aspect. Human beings in general want equality and all the perceived notion of crime, discrimination etc. germinate from this inequality and class struggle. Titanic breaks this class structure and makes us belive that humans come first and not their status.
- It handles poverty with grace. Many of us face or had faced poverty and we know that this is something people struggle, many go to the extent of hiding it so that they will not be judged. Titanic handles this poverty so gracefully. We see Jack as an artist and as a wonderful human being despite being very poor. Jack rejoices in the company of his friends and at no points feel himself less because of poverty. Movie portrays this so well.
- The impeccable, never to be found love story. I cannot emphasize this point enough. Generations after generations have commented about the epic love story that Titanic gave us. For me, Titanic represents that innocent lover which I keep looking for in this huge crowded world.
- Duty comes first. I remember this particular scene when the ship was about to Sank. The music band of the ship keep playing the music in an attempt to calm the nerves. People kept rushing but those musicians and artists kept playing. This scene had a big impact on me- that it does not matter what trouble your organization is, you need to show up and do your part. It might sound preachy but I found that Bhagwat Gita reference” Karmanye Vadhikaraste Ma Phaleshou Kada Chana,Ma Karma Phala Hetur Bhurmatey Sangostva Akarmani”1
- The captain: In the last hour of the movie the captain of the ship decides to stay and embrace the death in form of that big water splash. This was the supreme sacrifice and I always remember this scene. This teaches me a lot about leadership and what it takes to become one
1. ‘karmanye vadhika raste, Ma phaleshu kadachana’ is famous shloka from Gita. Lord Krishna explains to Arjuna the theory of Karmas. He said believe in yourself and do your Karma (action) and success will follow you automatically. Doing Karma is in our hands only, Result is not in our hands. Below given is meaning of famous Shloka from Bhagavad Gita.
कर्मण्ये वाधिका रस्ते मा फलेषु कदाचन।
मा कर्म फल हेतु र्भूर्मा ते सङ्गोऽस्त्व कर्मणि॥
Karmanye vadhika raste, Ma phaleshu kadachana
Ma karma phala he tur bhuh, ma te sangotsva karmanye
You have a right to “Karma” (actions) but never to any Fruits thereof. You should never be motivated by the results of your actions, nor should there be any attachment in not doing your prescribed activities.