1. The Shawshank Redemption (1994):
The Shawshank Redemption is a film about a banker who is accused of double murder in the 1940s and begins a life sentence. There has to be something special about the movie which makes it the Numero Uno in IMDb’s top 250 list. The movie excels in Story, narration, Acting, Direction & every aspect of Film making. But there’s something more…
Each one of us has faced phases in life when we are feeling hopeless or surrounded by walls of Limitations/negativity which does not allow us to escape from Hopelessness. That’s where this movie becomes extra special. The mesmerising voice of Morgan freeman describes Andy Dufresne’s hope, freedom and struggle to survive within the dark walls of Shawshank prison.
To sum it up, may be these words of Red about prison life are sufficient enough to relate to our helplessness: “These prison walls are funny. First you hate ’em, then you get used to ’em. Enough time passes, gets so you depend on them. That’s institutionalized. They send you here for life, that’s exactly what they take. The part that counts anyways.”
The scene where Andy breaks into the announcement room of prison & plays some random music…. it will set you free of all your worries for a while. As Red Narrates it..
“I have no idea to this day what those two Italian ladies were singing about. Truth is, I don’t wanna know. Some things are best left unsaid. I’d like to think they were singing about something so beautiful it can’t be expressed in words, and it makes your heart ache because of it. I tell you those voices soared, higher and farther than anybody in a grey place dares to dream. It was like some beautiful bird flapped into our drab little cage and made these walls dissolve away, and for the briefest of moments, every last man in Shawshank felt free.”
2. Into the Wild (2007):
Into the Wild is a Biographical film based on Life of Christopher McCandless.
Christoper McCandless, gave away his law school fund to charity, ditched his car, burned his cash and spent two years tramping around the American Southwest before heading to Alaska to have a last great adventure.
There are many theories & articles written on How Christopher Died, but what matters the most is how he lived!
The reason why this movie is on my list is that it will create a desire in you to take the road less travelled. Free yourself of all the responsibilities & expectations for a while & take a journey to find yourself.
What Christopher realises at the end of this journey is the best part of the movie & may leave you with fresh perspective in life.
3. One flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest: One Flew over the cuckoo’s nest is based on a novel with same name by Ken Kesey. The main role is played finely by Jack Nicholson. The significance of the movie lies in the portrayal of Nurse Mildred Rachets’ suppressive character under which every other human literally becomes a mental patient irrespective of his state of mind.
We all meet such characters in our life who are dominating & suppressive. One Flew over the cuckoo’s nest is one of the finest movies which efficiently & flawlessly depicts the struggle & battle against the suppression.
4. Waking Life: Abstract, deep thinking and strikingly original, Waking Life poses many life-changing questions, such as “What are dreams?” and What is reality?” Within the animated film, the lines between the dream-state and reality become blurred as the protagonist wanders through various scenarios and interacts with an eclectic cast of characters.
5. Baraka: Originally shot in 25 countries on six continents over 30 months, Baraka brought together a series of stunningly photographed scenes to capture what director Ron Fricke calls “a guided mediation on humanity. Baraka is 1992 documentary film with no narratives or Dialogues. Visuals of Human rituals, culture, lifestyle & Nature. As there are no characters, script & narratives in the movie it will leave with your own understanding out of the content with no language barriers! This movie is a must watch for everyone.
6. Samsara: Filmed over five years in twenty-five countries, SAMSARA is sequel to Baraka made after 20 years & is equally awesome.
7. The Groundhog Day (1993)
Let me start with this note…. It is NOT a great movie. It has a Normal story, acting or not the best of scenes…. Then what is the movie doing here in the list???… There is one aspect of movie which will leave a lasting impression on you. Living the Same day Again & Again Again & Ahhgainnn & Ahhgainnnnnn…. How would you feel if the date never changes… Most of the times in life we want the things to stay as they are… We don’t want the world around to change fast… But what if it exactly happens as we want…. Would we be finally Happy!!
The motive of movie is perhaps something different, but the concept of ‘Same day everyday will hit you hard’….
Did we miss out on any movie which really changed your perspective of life? Please share in Comments…
movierz 