Fireproof: My Synopsis

This movie was introduced to me by close friends, about a year ago. It was a film-showing project by a Christian group featured at the Alabang Town Center. It’s a film about the life of a couple (Caleb and Catherine) that’s been through a lot, almost at the brink of divorce, and managed to patch things through at the end. The first time I saw it, to be honest enough, during that time; I was the type of guy who abhors watching “girly” –themed movies. All the while I thought this movie was just one of those love-themed movies shown on everyday media, and I wasn’t really up to it, although I was the one who got the tickets as, somewhat, a present for someone who deserves a break after a very stressful evening at law school. When the movie started, I watched it silently, as I would watch the same ‘ol love-themed movies, and suddenly as the movie goes on, I never thought that I would be so touched by this wonderful piece of work. I was almost teary-eyed, especially on the revelation part where Catherine was inquiring at the RMS Homecare about the one who purchased the medical supplies and equipment for her mother. It was really touching, yet I managed myself to get myself composed and maintain that foolish impression/mindset that “real men don’t cry”, but in truth, I wanted to burst into tears right after that very scene.

This movie became one of my favorite movies of all time, because this movie covered almost all aspects of a “real” relationship, it has witty comedy scenes, it has a little action (fire scenes), it has a lot of heart-warming drama (which I really loved), and most of all, it is a “Christian” movie, that doesn’t seem like those common Christian-themed movies shown on cable. As someone once quoted: “It is the Ultimate Love Story of All Time”. And I couldn’t agree more… that’s why I got myself a copy of it (Thank you uTorrent!) and I have always watched it whenever I feel down.

I have been through relationships. And these relationships are not just short-termed; the last one almost lasted for five (5) years, others range from four (4) to two (2) years. But who would have guessed things would turn out like that. Anyway, there’s a famous saying that “Nothing Lasts Forever”… and that is so true my friend. Somehow, it gave me a different perspective on things in general. Going back, the one line I couldn’t forget about this movie is that “you never leave your partner, especially in a fire”. It made me realize about the things I have done in the past; and it made me realize that there is no such thing as a “perfect relationship”. But don’t mistake me for being the lame pessimist who doesn’t believe in love anymore, I still do… this movie can guide every couple in every facet of their relationship/marriage. On a more personal note, maybe, just maybe, if I haven’t been so selfish and naive in the past, maybe, just maybe, I could have saved my own relationship. Things might have ended differently. But you know, some things are really bound to happen, however or whatever effort we do about it. And believe me, though it took me some time to realize it, but it’s neither you nor your partner’s fault that it happened. Things juts happen. With that in mind, you can achieve inner peace faster. I am a firm believer that God has plans for everybody, and that everything that’s happening to everyone carries His purpose. We just don’t know about it yet. Somehow, there came a time when I felt like I was in Caleb’s shoes when he’s deeply troubled, and somehow managed to make things work, though God’s grace. The only thing different about it is, I don’t know how my version of Fireproof will end at this point in time. But this movie made me realize the real value of a relationship, how to fight for it, and how to let God take over, when you are at the lowest point of your life, when you are about to go crazy and give everything up.

So I urge you couples (even singles) to watch this movie. I have watched this movie more than a hundred times… And I am sure you’re gonna love it.