Los Amantes del Círculo Polar
Published:
“Los Amantes del Círculo Polar” (The Lovers of the Arctic Circle) is a Spanish film directed by Julio Medem, starring Najwa Nimri and Fele Martínez. The film is known for its striking imagery and deep symbolism, which are used to tell the story of two childhood friends, Otto and Ana, whose lives become intertwined as they grow older. The film begins with the two main characters as children, and follows them through their teenage years and into adulthood. It tells the story of their love for each other, which is complicated by the fact that they are both in relationships with other people. As the story progresses, the audience is taken on a journey of self-discovery as the characters navigate their complex emotions and relationships.
One of the most striking things about the film is its use of symbolism. Throughout the film, various symbols are used to represent different aspects of the characters’ lives and experiences. For example, the paper airplanes represent the fleeting nature of childhood, the red municipal bus represents the constraints of society, and the reindeer represents the wildness of nature. Other symbols in the film include the empty gas gauge, the act of slapping someone, and the Arctic Circle itself.
The film’s music is composed by the acclaimed Spanish musician Alberto Iglesias, which adds to the emotional depth of the film. The film’s music is mostly instrumental, featuring piano and string instruments, which creates a sense of melancholy that perfectly reflects the characters’ feelings.
The film is a powerful exploration of the complexities of love and relationships, and how they are influenced by the constraints of society and the passage of time. It is a thought-provoking and emotionally charged film that leaves a lasting impression on the audience. The use of symbolism throughout the film adds an extra layer of meaning to the story and helps to create a deeper understanding of the characters and their experiences.
In the realm of philosophy, there are certain thought experiments that challenge the way we think about the nature of identity, change, and continuity. One such thought experiment is the paradox of Theseus’s Ship, an ancient puzzle that has intrigued philosophers for centuries. At its core, it raises profound questions about what it means for something—or someone—to remain the same over time, even when it undergoes significant changes. 
In life, we all face challenges. Whether at work, in relationships, or in the pursuit of personal goals, problems are an unavoidable part of the journey. These obstacles can test our patience, resilience, and growth. However, some people seem to create their own problems—sometimes without even realizing it. They may subconsciously make choices that lead to unnecessary difficulties or adopt a mindset that attracts more conflict. Then, they take on the role of the victim, acting as though life has been unfair to them. This behavior not only creates emotional strain for those around them but is also deeply harmful to the person doing it. Why? Because those who play the victim of their own problems always lose. They lose control over their lives, their potential for growth, and their ability to change their circumstances. 
The saying “If you’ve become arrogant, you no longer need another enemy.” carries profound wisdom about the dangers of arrogance and how it can become a person’s greatest adversary. Arrogance blinds us to our own flaws, prevents us from learning from others, and often isolates us from those who could help us grow. When we allow arrogance to take hold, we sabotage our own success, relationships, and personal growth, making external enemies unnecessary—our worst enemy becomes ourselves. We become so consumed with self-importance that we fail to recognize the opportunities for improvement and connection all around us.