There are three types of love. The first is eros: It is usually based on an attraction to another person. The second type is philos- usually based on friendship between two people. Then there is a third kind of love that is above eros and philos. It is called agape, or unconditional love. It is based on selflessness. It consists in wanting the best for another person even if you get nothing in return.
Last night I watched the 2004 version of "The Phantom of the Opera." I am always very moved by the last scene of the movie where the Phantom gives Christine an ultimatum to choose between living with the Phantom (and subsequently freeing Raoul) or buying her own freedom (which would require the death of Raoul). On the surface it seems like the same old love story, I suppose. I can't put my finger on what it is exactly that impresses me so much about this scene. I'm not even going to try to explain it. It's just so powerful to me. There are so many layers in this movie. I love it. The first five minutes will be enough to get the full effect but the actual clip is about 10 minutes. If you have five minutes to watch the clip, take some time to remember how powerful love can be in our lives...not just romantic love, but unconditional love.
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