There are many reasons why I watch films of different genres —mostly to learn from them and grow mentally/emotionally. But there have been certain films that after watching, I am touched and have to settle down, reflect and analyze. I have a list of such films but I will mention these two:
Spirited Away (2001)
This Japanese fantasy/adventure animation is about a ten-year-old girl whose family moved to the suburbs and she wanders into an alternate universe filled with spirits, witches and gods, where humans are changed into creatures. She passes through a series of tests to return home and with fierce determination, she saves herself and others.
In my opinion, this animation is a masterpiece. It revolves around Chihiro’s (the main character) journey, which is more spiritual-like, from being timid to strong-willed. The film shines a light on her innocence, generosity and love.
Filmmaker Hiyao Miyazaki did an excellent job and showcased his imaginative skills through the characters. This film made me see life through another lens —knowing we are different on the inside and accepting everyone as they are.
It's an impactful film that adults and children can enjoy alike and hopefully learn from it too. No wonder it's regarded as one of the best animated films ever made and I completely agree!
Titanic (1997)
If there was ever a film that not only dominated the award shows for the 1997/1998 season but also positively impacted my view on life, it's Titanic. This is a film focused on man's arrogance and total disregard for life. Arrogance in the sense that the makers of the ship believed so much in its strength that they had no regard for anything else. Ego dictated that they had achieved a great feat but they did not check the fitness of the ship before sending it on its maiden voyage.
Through this film, viewers are put literally in the position of everyone who boarded the ship. The fears, tears and pain of loss of lives and property as the ship hit the iceberg and sank.
One impactful part is the inevitable segregation in every society. The division of the ship into first, second and third-class cabins. When people were to be rescued, preference was given to the first class while most of those in third class drowned and died.
I commend James Cameron for outstanding work. I particularly enjoyed the performances of Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet and the soundtrack, My Heart Will Go On by Celine Dion.
This film is captivating, delicately illuminating and inspiring. The visual and special effects are brilliant for a film made in 1997. If the date was not made known, a first-time viewer would assume it was recently produced.
What films have made a positive or negative impact on you?
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