Before this tragic turn of events and her newly begun transformation, Liz had visited Ketut Liyer (Hadi Subiyanto), a ninth generational medicine man/philosopher in Bali, who read her fortune to predict her return to Bali to help him with his English, and he, in turn, would impart his Sanskrit wisdom. This prophesy does come true, but first a visit to beautiful Italy where she meets Scandinavian-born Sofi (Tuva Novotny) and Giovanni (Luca Argentero). They learn to communicate with their hands like the Italians and enjoy il dolce far niente, the "sweetness of doing nothing." Restraints are forgotten and Liz learns to enjoy the important things in life and to appreciate the only thing that's truly permanent to Italians: "family" (the family of your choosing).
In her travels to India, Gilbert learns to meditate and still herself to commune with her Creator. The sacrifice of work becomes ingrained as she toils alongside her young friend, Tulsi (Rushita Singh), who is locked into a family-arranged marriage. In India, Liz has to face the realities of her past: those she has injured, poor decisions she has made, and particularly, forgiveness of self. "Richard from Texas" (Richard Jenkins), who calls Liz "Groceries," offers advice and shares his struggles with forgiving himself as an outcast husband and self-indulgent father. When Liz has passed through this rite, she is then on to Bali for balance.
She revisits Ketut and is immediately put to work transcribing 1000-year-old Sanskrit for posterity. Liz has to face the last of the battles - to trust love again. She fights this opportunity until she is literally knocked off her feet (and also her bike) by Felipe (Javier Bardem). Both have faced life-changing divorces which have caused them to retreat into a safe but loveless world. Will the two find happiness and get past their fears?
From the beginning of the story, Elizabeth Gilbert comes off as a selfish control-freak who feels a pinch of discomfort if anyone causes her to be displaced from her wants and needs. I thought her marriage seemed void of love or appreciation of her partner. Fortunately, providence affords her the luxury of world travel through her book advance, and she is able to transcend the reality of the hurt she has caused and travel to contemplate on life in Italy. However, her demons follow her and she is faced with transforming psychological experiences wherever she turns.
The movie has both the Theatrical version and the Director's Cut. Special Features in Eat Pray Love include "Ryan Murphy's Journey with Eat Pray Love" where the director shares how deeply personal the movie was and that emotional connection makes the movie universally appealing. The author talks about her own experiences in writing the book, together with commentaries from stars Julia Roberts, James Franco (David Piccolo), Viola Davis (Delia Shariz), and others.
"Praying in India" is explained by the author as "an (intentional) community of people all growing toward the same destination" - similar to a "current pulling you deeper and deeper and deeper toward a better understanding of yourself." Actors, choreographers, costume designers and more give praise to the color and beauty they experienced in this cultural exchange.
"Finding Balance" covers commentaries by actors, screenwriter, producers and others on the inspiration, beauty and spirituality of Bali. Javier Bardem says that there is something spiritual in the air like a communing with man and nature - a respect for nature. Bali is the called the "center of the earth" and paradise and every one of the crew and cast were touched by its enlightening essence. Here the author "crosses over" from fear to faith and takes hold of the life God has prepared for her.
Eddie Vedder's "Better Days" Music Video is a capsule of movie scenes documenting Liz Gilbert's failures and successes through her worldly spiritual journey.
Eat Pray Love will be of benefit to those who are struggling with life decisions and those who are trapped in their own chaos. Liz's advice at the end of the movie is commendable. We are all selfish in our own way, and we all need the deity the Indians call Ganesha (Remover of Obstacles or Lord of Beginnings) in our life so that we can be spiritually "born again" to struggle to a higher self. This is the way of life. Change and transformation will always interrupt our "safe house" and set us to seek and explore a better way.
Eat Pray Love has a lot of "flower child" 60's philosophy mixed with the contemporary "me-first" mindset. The scenery is stupendous - especially in Blu-Ray, and the music is a great blend of contemporary and Brazilian tempos, plus Javier Bardem's smiles make it all a worthwhile and pleasant experience. The rating is PG-13 for language, sexuality and nudity suggesting strong parental control. However, I thought it was an interesting movie and quite an entertaining "inner adventure."
