“Possibility is the impossibility of any existence at all.”
Heidegger, a German philosopher, describes death as the limitation of a human being that must come to pass. According to him, existence becomes clear when non-existence is recognized, only then does one have the opportunity to reflect on life and live richer. The movie I will introduce is related to this idea: Meet Joe Black.
The movie starts with a man, Bill, struggling painfully and hearing a mysterious voice say, “Yes,” which he tries to ignore. One day, Susan, Bill’s second daughter, meets a vibrant young man who says, "Lightning may strike" a relationship between them. She is interested in him because he reminds her of what her dad said, “Wait, lightning could strike.” However, before anything happens between the two, the man dies in a car accident. That evening, Death visits Bill’s house in the body of the young man. Death proposes that Bill be his guide on Earth, and in return, he will give more time to Bill who is dying. It was Death whose mysterious voice old, weak Bill heard answer his question, “Am I dying?” Bill makes the deal and lets Death stay in his house, naming him Joe Black. Joe falls in love with Susan and experiences a lot, from tasting peanut butter, which Joe loves, to feeling emotions and developing relationships.
Joe learns what real love is. At first, when he realizes that his feelings toward Susan have grown, he decides to take her to his world, the Afterlife. But after having conversations with the people he has met in the real world, he learns that memories make things beautiful and invaluable. Also, taking her with him is a form of possessiveness, not love. He finally decides to let her live and leaves the young man’s body so that she can love someone real. What about Bill? Having lived longer thanks to Joe, he decides not to merge his company for money. He realizes it is not the value he has been chasing. Instead, he finds someone whom he deeply cares about and expresses his love and appreciation for them, leaving his company in their hands. As fireworks celebrating Bill’s 65th birthday explode, Bill and Joe leave the world together peacefully.
The film keeps asking us, “Is your life beautiful? Do you know the importance of life and enjoy it enough?” Life is more meaningful because it has limitations, just like fireworks. They are so romantic since they disappear a few seconds after a splendid life. Be grateful for all of the things you can experience while living. Moreover, love those whom you care deeply for.
“I love you now, and I'll love you always. Thank you for loving me.” (Joe Black to Susan.)