Source: The Fractions
Movies have a universal appeal. Not everyone likes to read (sad but true), but it is nearly impossible to come across someone who doesn’t like watching films.
Their best feature is that they not only entertain us, they also compel us to change our mindset by walking in the characters’ shoes. I have watched plenty of flicks in my life, not nearly enough to be called a cinephile, but enough to make this list of 5 movies that will change your mindset and give you a new perspective on life.
1. Into the Wild
Emile Hirsch plays an idealist 23-year-old who turns his back on society shortly after graduating as an honors student from Emory University. He chooses to travel solo across North America with the most basic possessions, all the while touching hearts and changing lives. Viewers follow his travels across North America until…well, you have to see it for yourself to know! Seriously, it would be a sin if I gave away the rest of the story.
The best part is that it is an adaptation of the book “Into the Wild”, a bestselling biography written by Jon Krakauer on the travels of Christopher McCandless. So its basically a biopic of an interesting young man who wanted to live off the grid, something which people are slowly catching on to nowadays.
Tagline
Go with your heart.
Best Suited for
People who feel that modern society is suffocating, full of rules, restrictions, falsities- Hate the fact that sometimes you have to buy stuff you don’t really need just to maintain the status quo? You will have no trouble identifying with Christopher.
The travelers, nature lovers and voyagers – Seriously, even if you watch on mute, you won’t be able to take your eyes off the screen.
Those with parental issues – Nearly anybody can relate to this aspect. After all, who does not have some issue or the other with their parents?
The well-read – a lot of the lines are quoted from literary heavyweights like Jack London, Thoreau and Leo Tolstoy.
Favorite Lines
“It should not be denied that being footloose has always exhilarated us. It is associated in our minds with escape from history and oppression and law and irksome obligations. Absolute freedom. And the road has always led west.”
2. Vicky Cristina Barcelona
Labeled as either refreshing or pretentious, this film has the power to stir strong emotions in viewers – you either love it or hate it. It revolves around four central characters that initially seem as different from each other as chalk is from cheese, but as the plot unravels, it is revealed that they actually have quite a bit in common. Other than a rather unnecessary voice-over narration, I really don’t see anything to complain about here.
Tagline
Life is the ultimate work of art.
Best Suited for
The artsy sorts – Really, if you don’t dig this, you are not an artist, at least not a true one. Just fooling around, you are completely entitled to your opinion :)
The sexually liberated – People who can deal with topics like sexuality, infidelity, and polyamory without getting all squeamish and judgemental.
The psychologically inclined – who want to know what kind of events can make a person behave completely out of character.
Anybody who would like an insight into the lives of people in messy, complicated relationships.
Favorite Lines
“I don’t know what I want. I only know what I don’t want.”
3. Office Space
A cult classic and rightly so. I have lost count of the number of times I have watched this one! Office Space is a delightfully wicked satire on the typical cubicle aka office life. Do not let the fact that Jennifer Aniston stars in it prevent you from going ahead and watching this one. (No offense intended to her fans.)
Tagline
Work Sucks.
Best Suited For
Peeps who can’t stand their job. ( I bet y’all have already watched this!)
Want to know what’s it like to be stuck doing something you hate? Look no further!
Anyone with a good sense of humor
Favorite Lines
“Human beings were not meant to sit in little cubicles staring at computer screens all day, filling out useless forms and listening to eight different bosses drone on about mission statements.”
4. The Butterfly Effect
Ashton Kutcher really surprised his critics with his acting chops in this fatalistic tragedy. It was this role that made him an actual actor in the eyes of detractors like me. A dark take on time travel (one of my favorite genres), this one’s a must-watch for all kinds of people. The basic premise is that you can strive all you want for something, but there is no guarantee that the actual outcome will be what you desire.
The Butterfly Effect has four alternate endings, out of which the theatrical ending spoke to me the most, so I suggest you watch that one.
Tagline
Such minor changes, such huge consequences.
Best Suited For
Those who have a chip on their shoulder.
Did something just to avoid the consequences of not doing it, yet had to face the same problems anyway? This film is tailor-made for you.
Favorite Lines
“You can’t change who people are without destroying who they were.”
5. Brokeback Mountain
Brokeback Mountain is the slow-paced and hard-hitting screenplay adaptation of a short story by Annie Proulx. It centers around two ranch hands Jack and Ennis who end up in a tumultuous relationship that spans decades. They both want to be together, so why does each marry a woman? That and many questions that will be answered as you watch this tearjerker. Unfortunately, a lot of folks just watched it for the controversy.
Tagline
Love Is A Force Of Nature.
Best Suited For
Those who understand and respect that sexuality is personal, fluid and not a choice.
Folks who want to experience just how hard the homosexual community had it since earlier times.
Favorite Lines
“I wish I knew how to quit you.”
Which movies had an impact on you and changed your point of view? Let me know in the comments below.
