While momma was away, I took the kids to see Up. The whole movie is great, but the first four minutes are the best.

It’s a silent montage depicting the entire relationship of Carl and his wife Ellie, from childhood to old age. I had just plopped down with a big tub of popcorn, but I sat there motionless, transfixed by the depth of emotion portrayed without a single spoken word.

How many movies have ever dealt with the pain of miscarriage and childlessness… the slowly creeping approach of old age… the sting of giving up a long-held dream… the heartache of losing a long-loved spouse… and all in four minutes? In a cartoon?

If you haven’t seen this movie, go now.