Films are made to motivate and inspire, to make you laugh, cry and everything in-between. And now with our favourite films more-than-likely being online or available to access via subscriptions, such as Netflix and Amazon Prime, our love for all-things-film is only continuing to grow. In fact, according to BFI, 53% of British adults aged 18-34 choose to catch up on the latest films on these paid subscription sites.
Although the way we access films is modern, there are still some classics that slip onto our radar every now and again. We still frequently re-visit vintage oldies from the last century and nostalgic gems from our childhood, proving that our love of cinema is set to go on indefinitely, even amongst the rise of on-demand viewing.
Here are four top picks for some classic and contemporary motivating movies that we hope will inspire yourself and your love of film.
It’s a Wonderful Life
One of the most famous and beloved Christmas movies of all time, 1946's It’s a Wonderful Life, directed by Frank Capra, shows us that every person has the opportunity to touch many other people’s lives in a positive way. James Stewart plays a depressed businessman about to commit suicide, until his guardian angel appears, attempting to stop him and show him the value of his life.
It famously flopped when released in cinemas, but the classic black and white film is now widely considered to be one of the greatest movies ever made, coming in at seventh place among Lottoland's list of some more motivating movies of all time.
Darkest Hour
Made in 2017, this war drama shows Gary Oldman taking on the iconic role of Winston Churchill during World War II. The movie was nominated for a number of prestigious awards, with Oldman in particular praised for his extraordinary performance. Altogether, the film and its cast and crew garnered 10 awards, including two Oscars, two BAFTAs, and a Golden Globe.
A significant point in Darkest Hour is the scene in which Oldman as Churchill delivers his rousing "We Shall Fight on the Beaches" speech. Undoubtedly one of the most inspirational moments in British history, transpiring the speech so excellently into film is nothing short of brilliant. Also, if you want to read more of the wartime leader’s stirring speeches then his grandson, Winston S Churchill, compiled a list of the former Prime Minister’s greatest speeches, entitled Never Give In.
My Left Foot
This astonishing film about an Irish artist born with cerebral palsy was made even more remarkable by the fact that it is a true story based on the life of the late Christy Brown. Daniel Day-Lewis plays the working-class artist and author who can only fully control his left foot but makes immense efforts to live a full, varied life.
Through perseverance, Christy learns how to paint and write using only his left foot. Lewis’ highly acclaimed performance followed eight weeks of research in a clinic, followed by a whole six weeks of filming while remaining in character. As revealed in The Independent, other members of the crew only saw him walk once during filming.
The Pursuit of Happyness
Will Smith illustrates his strong dramatic performance skills in the 2007 blockbuster, The Pursuit of Happyness, as he plays homeless entrepreneur Chris Gardner. Alongside him, his real son, Jaden Smith, portrays Gardener's 5-year-old who has to learn how to live in homeless shelters. This modern classic is often regarded as Smith's best work, made even more impactful when you discover Gardener's story is in fact, true.
The honesty and charm of Smith’s acting is commonly stated as being one of the reasons why this movie is so highly regarded. The NY Times review described it as a "fairy tale in realist drag" and points out how the main character’s optimism shines through the film.
If you want to feel motivated to improve your life or just get up and do something you've always wanted to do, then there are few ways of doing so that are more enjoyable than sitting down with one of these terrific movies.
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