Inspiration in movies: TOP 10 movies that opened my eyes at every stage of my life
I was about 5 years old when I learned how to operate video and television.
Being a very lively child, I would always sneak out of my room in the morning when my parents were still asleep and put on my favorite movie, to which I would sit in my chair with my small morning snack and devour the moving picture of the story.
I have always derived joy and pleasure from movies that have stayed with me all my life.
But it wasn't until adulthood that I gradually reflected on the actual content of famous filmmakers and screenwriters.
Movies have been my salvation and frequent answer most of the time.
Why? Movies have a unique ability to capture the human experience and often provide us with new perspectives, profound insights and powerful motivation.
Over the years, I have been significantly influenced by several films that have resonated with different stages of my life.
In this post, I want to share the cinematic heartthrobs that have emotionally impacted me, made me reflect, and helped me grow and understand true values...
After life (2019)
An episodic film that is completely unremarkable but can really grab you by the heart.
When we meet the love of our life and she leaves this world too often, leaving a void in our lives, how do we go on living?
A sarcastic loner who struggles daily to find meaning in life without annoying or hurting those around him struggles with the pain of losing his beloved wife.
But thanks to her legacy, he was able to change and make those around him happy.
I understood from this film that true love is rare and you need to live every day to the fullest for it. To give out joy and love with simple gestures and with empathy to people who show us that it is in us and always will be.
A Beautiful Mind (2001)
A story inspired by the real life of the highly successful mathematical genius John Nash.
It was only after watching this film that I began to understand people's passion for numbers, probabilities and physical theories.
All my life I was brought up to love books and to constantly educate myself.
But sometimes cleverness alone can get a person into trouble and health setbacks can be fatal.
Despite his challenging struggle with his mental disorder, he found comfort and support in his wife, who was the main reason for his continued discoveries, and who gave him the strength to believe and never give up on anything.
Love makes everything stronger and heals everything!
A Thousand Words (2012)
We know comedian Eddie Murphy from various action movies and comedies for children. With his gestures and wide smile, he is certainly undeniable. But I was intrigued by the idea of him wasting words on people who aren't even worth the slightest bit of attention.
Agent Jack McCall is a successful businessman but an inattentive husband and father who is failing in his personal life.
After a strange leafy tree grows in the garden of his luxury mansion and its contents are transformed into 1000 words, it begins to fall over after every useless word. Words that he has to use judiciously.
Once he realizes the nature of the whole task, he becomes aware of his pains and shortcomings, wastes his time on unimportant activities, and withdraws into intending to strive for reconciliation with his late father and giving his life real value.
Yes. Family comes first and memories that have the most value in everyone's life.
Beaches (1988)
A film my mother introduced me to.
Until recently, I didn't understand what made this film so impressive to her, but then experiencing something similar in my own life made it clear.
The story of two friends, two different characters, who managed to cultivate a lifelong bond from a distance from a very young age after their first chance meeting.
Yes, opposites are attracted in that case.
A very touching film that depicts the trials and tribulations of life in the form of broken relationships, failed careers, and insidious illness.
Not to mention an absolutely insightful and amazing soundtrack by the inimitable actress Bette Midler, who also enriched the film with her singing talent.
A true bond of friendship is a great rarity these days and not easy to find. So let us cultivate it and be grateful for it.
Book Club (2018)
In this case, I was first attracted to the cast, which has always been my favorite.
The setting, the wit, and the journey of life.
The friendship of 4 inseparable friends who can still have a good laugh in their advanced age.
Why not? Age is just a number and it's never too late for a change and a wild ride that gets the blood pumping.
Their book club takes an abrupt turn with the renowned author's 50 Shades of Grey series that starts to change the rules.
A totally unique comedy that portrays the limitless possibilities in our lives and that it's never too late to take the right step to bring happiness into our relationships.
Fathers and Daughters (2015)
Well, women, you'll give me credit for saying that the relationship between a father and daughter is irreplaceable.
It knows no competition. That irreplaceable bond, where we act as daddy's little girl for the rest of our lives, liberates but also binds us at some moments.
In this film, the glimpse into the past is very painful and disheartening. It's incredible how the loss of a loved one can mark us in such a way that we fail to open our hearts to someone sincere, and rather punish or protect ourselves from being alone again.
For me, a very strong emotional issue also in terms of the writer's passion that the great actor Russell Crowe formed with his final legacy to his daughter, whom he left behind after his death.
Over The Top (1987)
The winner takes it all! One of the musical classics featured in the film from the great 80s singer Sammy Hagar.
I came across this movie thanks to my dad, who lived the Sylvester Stallone era to the fullest and literally infected me with it. It didn't make much sense to me as a kid, but as an adult, I've been able to reflect on this hilarious piece.
It doesn't matter who thinks what of you or what's at stake. The point of everything is to not give up and to push through to the top and be the best. With his victory at the World Armwrestling Championships, he was able to win back his son, who was left behind by his late wife. The evolution of the son's relationship with his father, which was almost tenuous, has cemented. The film highlights the fact that belief in oneself comes from strength and determination to accomplish anything.
Pursuit of Happyness (2006)
A true story inspired by the life of Christopher Gardner. A man who one day found himself literally on the streets with his son, after struggling for a long time to succeed in a major company as a stock market trainee, his diligence and talent for numbers put him among the richest people in the world, earning his first million dollars.
Despite the daily fear of losing his son, and the helplessness to pay current bills and provide a living for himself and his son, he continued on with what little hope he could muster at every opportunity.
He had done the almost impossible! Let us remember that there comes a turning point that can change the course of our lives. So let us believe in our dreams and never let anything discourage us or bring us down, no matter how big the obstacle.
The Fall of the House of Usher (2023)
As I was randomly browsing Netflix, a trailer for this dramatic miniseries based on the Edgar Allen Poe novel I read while in school jumped out at me. The preview alone piqued my curiosity and I honestly had no idea what to expect. But after the first episode, I couldn't take my eyes off the picture, so I stayed up late to finish watching the whole family entanglement.
The whole idea of being set in today's wicked times really intrigued me, as human characteristics such as greed, lust for power and money, pain and death were reflected.
The psychological elements made me think for days ahead as my brain was paralyzed by the final impressions and the acting performances.
A very hilarious and enlightening story of how far a man is willing to go and what he can sacrifice for power.
The Good Lie (2014)
Honestly, I'm not a fan of war movies. But this story is built on a belief in miracles and better tomorrows, enriched by the bond of 4 children, refugees who survived the 1983 civil war in Sudan. After fleeing their home village, the four friends set out to save themselves from evil and violence.
Once they reach a refugee camp, America allows them to travel and start a new life in civilization. Under the protection of a worker, the great actress Reese Witherspoon, they get the opportunity to work and live in a shared house for the first time. They encounter the pitfalls of the big city and people with values in life that are incomprehensible to them.
This touching film reminds us that faith, friendship, and the desire to live freely are the building blocks to finding happiness.
These films have not only entertained me but also provided valuable life lessons and inspiration at various stages.
They have encouraged me to persevere, to dream, to question the status quo, and to reflect on my journey.
Each film, with its unique story, has opened my eyes to different aspects of life and shaped who I am today.
And what list do you have? Are there any films that are imprinted in your heart for a reason?
Let's share...
