Titanic: A Beautiful Story That Survives the Ages

If I were to pick five of my top favorite historical movies, I think the hit saga Titanic, which made its debut in 1997, would come in close to the top. Since the first time I ever watched it (during the big craze when everyone was saying how terrific it was and I wanted to find out for myself) I found myself close to tears and amazed at the huge tragedy that occurred in 1912. Hollywood made some adaptations, of course, but the gist was the same - thousands of innocent people struggling to hold on through unspeakable fear and grief, only to be swallowed in the unforgiving sea after an iceberg permanently silenced the R.M.S. Titanic.

For most people, the main attraction is the actors; Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet play Jack and Rose, two young lovers who are unable to see each other due to their differences in social standing; customs of the time dictated that there were two groups, the wealthy (aka: "the important") and the poor (who weren't given much of a chance during the disaster). Jack, a drifter, is sweet and likeable, saving Rose from a terrible self-proclaimed fate. They instantly fall for each other, and she tries to forget the loveless marriage her mother is pushing in her direction. Her abusive fiance, however, isn't about to give her up to a street-rat like Jack. As the movie progresses, they decide that anything is better than being apart, and defy odds to stay together and keep their wits. Cal Hockley, Rose's intended, simmers until he actually bursts out with gunfire.

Some other faces that grace the screen of Titanic include Bernard Hill as Captain Smith (Edward, not John), Jonathan Hyde as Bruce Izmay, and Kathy Bates as the famous "unsinkable Molly Brown." Although the acting *was* superb, I preferred the storylines much better. There are some parts of the movie that aren't appropriate for young watchers, so you might want to skip ahead.

Some of my particular favorite parts are when Jack took Rose down to the "poor" deck of Titanic; the people may be staying in less-than-perfect conditions, but their hearts are much lighter than the rich people with their many problems. Jack's Irish friends treat him and Rose to some spirited dances that are just fun to watch. Another favorite part is toward the end, when water begins spilling through the hallways of the Titanic and Rose tries desperately to find Jack and help anyone who is trapped behind the iron bars of the lower levels. The level of adrenaline is intense and it will bring terror and tears alike if you're anything like me.

I usually don't get overly emotional at movies, but watching entire families torn apart, some washed away and never seen again, always has me bawling by the time it's over. I think the most gripping part of Titanic is that it was *real.* It doesn't matter how dolled-up the costumes or sets may be - this really happened, and people died just like this. It's sobering to contemplate. Jack and Rose may not be real people, but there were hundreds of people like them aboard the real Titanic, which sank in mid-April 1912. I often wonder if any of my relatives were aboard ship or if they knew anyone who was. How scary to think how close some of them may have been to going aboard and never coming home again.

I finally understood what the fuss about the Titanic movie was; I was hooked, and for awhile I watched it over and over again until I ran out of tissues! The movie gave me more than an emotional roller-coaster, however; it gave me a bonafide interest in the real Titanic that continues to this day. Over the years I've gone to museums, looked up websites, and studied almost everything there is to know about this great luxury ship. I even had my own Titanic model, until it, like the original, met an untimely and unfortunate fate. It is one of those moments in history that interest and amaze me the most. I think I will continue to be fascinated by the Titanic, even if the draw is not so strong. For once, Hollywood was fairly historically correct, and I'm grateful that this movie gets the recognition it deserves.

By Lacie R. Schaeffer