I love watching movies — it’s one of my favorite pastimes — and one award show that I never miss is the the Academy Awards. (This year’s show will air tonight.)
Of course, to celebrate, I had to share a quote about movies. Last year, I watched as Neil Patrick Harris uttered these words in his opening monologue.
Do you believe that movies teach life lessons? I sure do.
Here are just a few very random examples:
“Enough Said” taught me that you can fall in love at any age, and we can love another person despite their obvious faults.
“The Good Lie” showed me that someone as foreign and unfamiliar as a refugee can teach an American citizen how to feel empathy and show compassion.
“Begin Again” reminded me of the frailty of love … and that we can heal after a broken heart. (I also loved the music!)
“Crash” (This is one of my favorite movies of all time — I cheered when this movie won “Best Picture”!) This movie showed me that people of all colors can have preconceived notions about racism, how you can empathize with all of their feelings and opinions (however wrong they may seem to you), and how some of these feelings can be radically changed.
“Bridesmaids” reminded me (again) that one thing that makes life sweet is a night full of laughter.
Anyway, I could go on and on, but I won’t.
What are some of the movies you have seen and what have they shown you?
P.S. Thanks to Frank Hamrick for granting me permission to modify and share his beautiful image. Please do check out Frank’s handmade books and art in his Etsy shop.
Oh, and this blog post does contain affiliate links.
Ooh, I don’t know about “The Good Lie.” I’d like to see that!
Movies I have never been able to get out of my mind: “Sophie’s Choice.” Set during the Holocaust, it’s about how a mother’s love is greater than her pain and she makes the ultimate sacrifice to save one child at the expense of the other. “The Deer Hunter.” How war changes a whole working class community and destroys dreams (this was the kind of town and people I grew up with in Jersey City–I know these people!). “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn.” As an Irish writer living in a tenement with a mother who cleaned the floors in the hallways to get reduced rent, I also had dreams like Francie Nolan. AND tried to save a tree growing out of the sidewalk! In fact, my daughter’s middle name is Frances Nolan, a nod to this book and movie. “Midnight Cowboy.” I still cry when I hear the song. I picture Ratzo Rizzo dying in the arms of his friend on the bus, two guys from completely different areas and cultures–Texas and New York City–who started out as scammer and scammed, but became great friends. “1984.” It’s really happening. They are literally changing textbooks in some places, like Texas, to reflect opinions they want others to believe. And don’t get me started on the media. “The Road.” A new one. Bleak and depressing. But this is what’s going to happen if we keep it up.
Love it! I’ve added some of these to my Netflix list. I recently bought the book, “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn”.
I hope you like it!
Out of Africa is my favorite movie of all time. I find movies about strong, interesting, adventurous women to be inspiring. Another story of resilenne is Castaway which makes you go to that place…”what would I do in that same situation?”
Oh man, I love both of those movies, too. I’ve seen each at least 3 times. You know they’re good when you can say that.
Some of my go to favorites: “The Shawshank Redemption” Hope, friendship & perseverance. “The Fugitive” Great all around murder/mystery adventure. “Manhattan Murder Mystery” Great all around murder/mystery adventure with hilarity. “Driving Miss Daisy” Friendship & acceptance. “All the President’s Men” Don’t trust the government. 😉
Awesome! I’ve added “Manhattan Murder Mystery” and “All the President’s Men” to my Netflix list. Both look really good.