In the past few months, two of my close friends have been diagnosed with different types of cancer at the age of 17. I had always thought that it was something that would never affect people that I knew because up until a few years ago I hadn’t known anyone who had life-changing news or health changes. It has shocked me that in a few weeks so much can change in your life. A study conducted from 1992-2005 showed that about 2,075 young adults between 15 and 29 years are diagnosed with cancer each year.
This weekend I had lots of emotions about the impact of cancer brough up as I realized that the most shocking thing about this issue is that it can happen to anyone when you least expect it. I watched the movie 50/50 in theatres this weekend and thought it was amazing. The movie was about cancer, which is usually associated with sadness, but Director Jonathan Levine balanced the comedy and drama amazingly. Joseph Gordon-Levitt plays Adam, a young man who is diagnosed with a rare type of cancer where only about 50 per cent of people survive. He has to undergo chemotherapy and surgery to get rid of the cancerous tumor which has grown along his spine. This movie not only acknowledges and incorporates the sadness of cancer, but at the same time adds comedy and happiness to this young mans life. It shows the importance of friendships and support from loved ones during hard times. Seth Rogen incorporates bits of comedy and joy into the movie.
I thought that the movie was extremely well done, with a great balance between the drama of cancer and the comedy of Seth Rogen. He demonstrates the importance of friendship and believing in yourself and others. It goes to show that good friends bring out the best in people, and even in the worst of times, they know how to make people happy. I thought that the directors, producers, and actors in 50/50 did an outstanding job throughout the movie. I recommend this movie to anyone, whether cancer is something that affects you or not. It is a great movie that allowed me to walk out with hope and joy surrounding the touchy subject.