Sometimes films can provide so much more than just entertainment – they can also inspire you to change your own life for the better. Here is a list of some that you need to watch.
1. Eat, Pray, Love – based on Elizabeth Gilbert’s best selling book, the film is an inspirational story of how to find out who you truly are. This film brings home the message of how travelling can really broaden the mind and help you discover things about yourself that you didn’t even realise. Eat, Pray, Love is charming and understated but with a powerful message at its heart.
2. Working Girl – now this might be more classed as a ‘chick flick’, but Melanie Griffith’s character who is constantly knocked back in her career until an opportunity arises for her to prove herself is in itself inspiring because at the heart of it is a message that you shouldn’t give up – even if things don’t go your way.
3. Brooklyn – this Oscar nominated and BAFTA winning film about a girl travelling to New York to create a new life for herself, shows the power of taking chances – even if it takes a great amount of courage to adapt to the new life. Read Love London Love Culture’s review here.
4. Billy Elliot – this film set during the 1980’s at the height of the mining crisis, is the tale of Billy who instead of following his father’s ambitions of getting into boxing, discovers a new talent in ballet dancing. It is inspirational and heartwarming to see the way in which this boy follows his dreams – despite opposition from his family. There is a lovely performance from Julie Walters as his teacher to enjoy as well – reminding the audience of the importance of an encouraging influence.
5. Erin Brockovich – based on the true story, it is a film that once again proves why it doesn’t do anything to give up on getting to the truth and helping others in their quest for justice. Gritty but humane, it is a stark reminder that we all have to power to create change if we have the courage to seek it.
6. Forrest Gump – Tom Hanks delivers an astonishing performance in this film that shows the enduring power of love, the idea of tolerance and rising above unnecessary comments. Beautifully filmed and performed it is a film that hits the heart no matter how many times you watch it.
7. It’s a Wonderful Life – traditionally a Christmas film, this heartwarming story of a man pushed to breaking point finally wondering if the world would be a better place without him has importance no matter what time of year it is. At the centre of it, the film shows how each person as an individual plays an essential part in someone else’s life – whether it is obvious or not.