What Movies Inspire You?
Me with Kiko and Minae Noji of General Hospital, July 2008
Normally, I write about upcoming releases, speculate about box office results, industry news, and when I get to one, I review movies too. But, this post is derived from a discussion on Facebook that Hollywood actor, Kiko Ellsworth (General Hospital, NBC’s Heroes online series) had with some of his fans. I told him I was going to take his idea and run with it. I don’t think he’ll mind (right Kiko?).
Kiko’s Facebook status read,
“…wants to know what your 3 most inspirational movies are?”
So, I answered as did several of his fans and the answers themselves are quite inspiring. Fans didn’t just list the movies but they included a short sentence detailing why for each one and those were just as inspiring.
My Top 3 were -
The Passion of The Christ because it reminds me of the sacrifice Jesus is and was for us and it inspires me to continuously work on my own faith.
Finding Neverland because it inspires creativity and gives us hope for the future.
Remember The Titans because as a former teacher, it inspired me to teach greatness. “I am the law!” – GREAT line.
For many people of the Christian faith, The Passion of The Christ became a heart-wrenching symbol of their faith. For me, it was one of THE most realistic portrayals of what Christ went through in the days and hours leading up to his crucifixion. It was so realistic it brought me to tears and to this day, it inspires me to work on my own relationship with Christ.
One of the most beautiful tales of imagination, creativity, love, death, inspiration – 2004’s Finding 
Neverland - is an inspiration to me, not only a blogger but as a creative writer. I have 2 novels I have been working on for a few years now and one more story idea but not sure where to take it (novel or screenplay). The story of J.M. Barrie and his relationship with widower Sylvia Llewellyn Davies and her four sons, the inspiration behind the tale Peter Pan is just touching and inspirational. I am reminded that I have a gift that continues to be cultivated and that there is hope for a future in that, as well as in life in general (Syliva is ill, passes away, and leaves her sons to both Barrie and her mother who care for them together. Hope. Future.).
The last one Remember The Titans, what a fantastic movie! I don’t know if it was Denzel Washington himself, the story behind the film, or a combination thereof, but as a former teacher, I looked up to Denzel’s character, especially if I was faced with a challenging group of students to educate. Like I said, the line, “I am the Law!” was and is a line I will never forget. Every single time my kids gave me difficulty in the classroom I would always say, “Hey, has anyone ever seen Remember The Titans?” to which the kids would reply excitedly, “Yeah!” or “Yeah, are we gonna watch it?” to which I would reply, ” ”I am the Law!’ remember that too!”
How ’bout you? What movies inspire you? Kiko asked for three. I give no minimum (or maximum) in my post. It’s up to you. Would love to hear your thoughts. Perhaps I’ll use them for another entry in the near future.
Until next time, see YOU at the movies!
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The Princess Bride-although the movie version is much nicer than the book (Love Is Pain is not quite stressed as much), it still has the idea that love conquers all, to hold out faith for love.
Field of Dreams-what better movie to talk about following your dreams, no matter what they are, even if everyone is against it. I choke up at the end everytime when Kevin Costener squeaks out “Dad? You wanna play a game of catch?”
Love Actually-Love comes in different forms, it may not be beautiful, it may not be graceful, but love actually is all around.