Your Voice: In praise of mothers; ‘Suzume’ is a thought-provoking anime about 2011 Japan earthquake (short letters)

On May 14 we celebrated Mother’s Day, and I am writing to express how we should all recognise mothers’ sacrifices for their children. My own mother is a modest, kind and helpful woman who never complains about anything. She nurtures me, shields me and never seeks praise.

Mothers raise responsible adults, just like them, and our success is rooted in the care shown by our parents. A woman’s life changes when she finds out that she is pregnant, as she puts her child’s needs and desires before her own.

Mothers make the world a better place, as they raise successful, compassionate people who embark on their life journeys with the moral values their mother taught them.

From the pain she endured during childbirth to comforting a sick and crying baby, not only did my mother spend her time, energy and devotion on me, but she also hid her own struggles to ensure that I would live a happy life. My mother never forced me to do anything. “I’m happy when you are” is what she told me ever since I was a child.

I cannot afford expensive gifts for my mother, but I know that studying hard and achieving the best results are what please her most.

What you should know about the origins of Mother’s Day and how cultures have celebrated mums throughout history

Ashley Lau, St Stephen’s Girls’ College

Suzume, the latest action-packed fantasy adventure from director Shinkai Makoto, has taken the world by storm since its release in March. The movie opens with Suzume dreaming of her mother, who died in the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake. The next day, she meets a man searching for a restricted area that was damaged by the earthquake. Intrigued by his charisma, Suzume secretly follows him to the area and discovers a door that leads her on a journey to stop a mysterious power from causing natural disasters.

Suzume makes international debut, educates young people about Japan’s devastating 2011 earthquake and tsunami

One of the themes of the movie is the devastating impact of natural disasters. The movie vividly depicts how earthquakes and tsunamis can wreak havoc and cause catastrophic loss. This encourages viewers to reflect on their own relationship with the environment and to consider how their actions may impact the planet.

Independence is a common theme in Makoto’s films. When Suzume sets out on her journey, her aunt worries that she is not mature enough to take care of herself. Suzume must learn how to balance her desire for independence with her family’s concerns.

Overall, Suzume is a thought-provoking movie with memorable characters and stunning visuals.

Sophia Ling, German Swiss International School

I encourage you to donate your old prescription eyeglasses to an eyewear store or organisation to help protect the environment.

The production and disposal of glasses have a significant impact on the planet, requiring energy and resources and contributing to greenhouse gas emissions.

When old eyeglasses are thrown away, they can end up in landfills, where they release harmful pollutants into the soil and water. By donating your old glasses to an organisation that recycles them, you can help to reduce waste and promote a circular economy where materials are repurposed.

How to get your glasses really clean (hint: don’t use your T-shirt!)

Many eyewear stores collect and refurbish old glasses, which can provide access to eyewear for people who might not be able to afford it, reducing the demand for new glasses and their environmental impact.

Donating your old glasses can also have social benefits. It can improve people’s quality of life, enabling them to participate more fully in their communities and pursue opportunities in education and employment. In conclusion, donating your old glasses is a small but important action that you can take to promote sustainability.

Valerie Chiu Wing-yee, St Mary’s Canossian College

Guardians of the Galaxy is a Marvel movie that follows the adventures of a group of misfits who band together to save the galaxy from various threats. The movie features a colourful cast of characters, including the wisecracking Peter Quill (played by Chris Pratt), the tough and independent Gamora (Zoe Saldana), the lovable but deadly Rocket Raccoon (voiced by Bradley Cooper), and the dim-witted but loyal Drax the Destroyer (Dave Bautista).

One of the main themes of the movie is friendship, as the Guardians learn to trust and rely on each other to complete their missions. The characters undergo significant growth over the course of the movie, with Peter learning to value his relationships with others, Gamora discovering the importance of platonic love and friendship, and Rocket showing his compassion for all creatures.

Another theme is the pursuit of perfection, as seen through the High Evolutionary, who seeks to create a perfect world by manipulating and torturing innocent animals. The Guardians must work together to stop him.

This is an engaging and entertaining movie with compelling characters and themes. It is a must-watch for anyone looking for a fun adventure.