‘Columbus’ is Wonderful
Haley Lu Richardson and John Cho in Columbus | Credit: Sundance Institute
Columbus takes us into the town of Columbus, Indiana, where two very different people collide and learn a lot about life in the process.
Did I intentionally publish this on Columbus Day (Indigenous Peoples’ Day), though it has nothing to do with that explorer? Yes, I sure did. The opportunity was there, and I had to take it.
I’m not going to talk about the land theft and erasure of Indigenous peoples in the U.S. in this article, but that is an important topic to reflect upon.
Instead, I want to encourage you to watch Columbus, which is written and directed by Kogonada.
This film is one of my favorites, and my love for it grows with each subsequent rewatch. Columbus is so special to me because it’s such a unique film. This is one of those films that invites you into moments of silence and stillness. And, I’m not going to lie, at times the pace is a little uncomfortable for me. But that intentional slowness and stillness I think is really important.
I tend to be an overachiever. I like to work, and I enjoy figuring out how I can maximize my time. I also tend to judge myself and find my value in what I do. My personality lends itself to being achievement-oriented. As you might imagine, going slow and being still doesn’t come naturally to me. It’s something that I must actively work on.
So, a movie like Columbus is especially important to me. It’s an invitation to experience a different perspective and way of being. And I love that a film can do that.
John Cho in Columbus | Credit: Sundance Institute
Columbus introduces us to two very different people who find themselves in this small Indiana town. Though they come from different walks of life, they are able to bond and learn from each other.
Casey (Haley Lu Richardson) grew up in Columbus and hasn’t always had it easy. She is very bright and has the potential to do more with her life, but she chooses to stay in Columbus. Casey loves architecture and finds beauty and joy in the incredible modern buildings in the town.
Jin (John Cho) is a book translator who lives in Korea. He comes to Columbus after his father, who loves architecture, falls ill. It’s clear that Jin doesn’t appreciate architecture the same way that Casey does, but that doesn’t stop him from learning from her. And Casey jumps at the opportunity to show Jin her favorite buildings in the city.
Throughout the film, these two form a really beautiful bond. I really love their conversations; though they are so different, they find ways to connect. Their conversations flow seamlessly through many different topics, each revealing more about their pasts, dreams, and desires. They both learn a great deal from one another as they spend time slowly making their way through the town.
All of these conversations between these characters are filmed in a way that’s absolutely beautiful. It’s clear that Kogonada was drawn to this place and this architecture; Columbus showcases the buildings and structures beautifully. In some ways, it feels like the town and these buildings are characters in the story, too. You can’t have this film without these influential and modern structures.
Throughout the film, the camera will linger on the exterior of a building, so that you can really take it in. You get to see the beautiful trees and flowers throughout the town, each with beauty to share. We also get to go inside some of these structures and get to see the creativity there. Each is so different and the camera does such an effective job highlighting just how visually interesting each space is.
Haley Lu Richardson and John Cho in Columbus | Credit: Sundance Institute
Columbus is an invitation to slow down and really enjoy the present. It’s an encouragement to seek out beauty in the ordinary moments in life. We can take time to notice the people, stories, structures, and nature that we interact with every day.
It’s such a meaningful film; I can’t recommend it enough!