Just like you have songs that inspire you, there are also movies that will inspire you. Here are the 5 movies on our list for inspiration:
Babe
Yes, it’s about a pig who aspires to be a sheepdog but hear me out. What did you want to be growing up and did you chase that dream? I’d always wanted to be a journalist but achieving my goal took a lot of determination, persevering working for very little at times and questioning whether I was in fact good enough. Babe is a brave orphaned pig who doesn’t have the greatest start in life nor high prospects of survival, but goes after what is deemed beyond him, tackles discrimination and the fear of the chop head on and all with a polite attitude – what’s more, he wins. Feeling inspired?
Forrest Gump
Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get. Well, perhaps if you read the contents but we don’t come with instructions, nor does life and the hand we’re dealt. Forrest is considered to have a low IQ and faces life-changing events throughout the story (which we all do to some degree) but his endearing good-hearted character demonstrates the kindness and selflessness we could all achieve. They do say love makes the world go around; so how about a little more of that please?
Billy Elliott
This isn’t a story I instantly relate to because I’ve been lucky enough to have the support of loved ones. However, dealing with bad news day in day out, I’ve seen the difficulties faced by others. This film confronts gender stereotypes, and again, highlights what it takes to achieve our goals, no matter what others may think. If you don’t believe in yourself, why should someone else?
To Kill a Mockingbird
Who didn’t read this book or watch the film at school? Published over half a century ago, it couldn’t be more relevant even now. A story of discrimination, injustice, racial divides but through the characters of Scout and Atticus Finch, we see moments of heroism, dignity and strength in challenging those inequalities, no matter what. Where would we be if individuals and groups didn’t challenge the status quo of society? So, what have you stood up for recently?
It’s A Wonderful Life
Despite being the oldest in my list, it’s a film I’d only seen more recently. A Christmas classic, but also a demonstration that no matter how hard life seems, and how down you may feel, you don’t necessarily realise the difference you make to the lives of others; and that matters a huge deal! Sometimes, in order to move forward, we have to take a step out of our current situation, to look back on what we’ve achieved, not on paper or in monetary value, but in how we’ve helped others around us. We could all feel like George at some point in life, so remember there’s an angel who’s got your back – and maybe you’re someone else’s?
What movies inspire you?
