Not all those who wander are lost. These words are used for those who drift with purpose even if it isn’t obvious. So what would we say about those who simply go through the motions of life? Those who are no longer adventurous, curious, or in need of exploration. Stuck in survival, juggling overwhelm, fatigue, and a lack of clarity.

Rules of Living captures this beautifully, encapsulating it in a teardrop. ( You might have to watch it too to get this reference)

Mikuko Abe is a 49-year-old woman stuck in an unfulfilling job and leaves alone in a big house after her mother is moved to hospice and her daughter, Chieko (Sumire), backpacks around the world. She deems her irresponsible. With the need to help her mother, Chieko sends Vincent to be her mother’s roommate and teach her English. In order to pay her bills, she has no other option but to accept Vincent as a roommate for three months. He also has his own past that he seeks freedom from. With this new arrangement, rules are made, and most are absurd. An example is Vincent not using the washroom before 8:30 am.

Vincent dives into his work as an English teacher, and Mikuko still remains passive. However, this doesn’t last forever; she gets used to his presence and starts opening up. This leads to both characters uncovering themselves and rediscovering their paths.

This movie would make viewers have a belly laugh at one moment and internalize the next. It balances its lightheartedness with introspection, hooking viewers in.

The director and producer, Greg Dale and Jeffrey Rowe, have created a film that goes beyond the screen. It touches viewers, reminding us that change is a choice only we can make. Some of us are represented by Mikuko, and some by Vincent. Duty ties us down with no regard for the toll it has on the futures of those who carry it. This film spoke to me in ways I can’t even describe.

So it is a beautiful reminder that it isn’t too late to be curious about life.