The movies that inspired me!
My time during the undergraduate study is very hectic with tons of classwork, assignments, projects, and internships. All these activities may sound overwhelming and could quickly burn you out! If you are a college student, you will relate to what I am saying.
Amid all this activity, I found watching movies is a much-needed break. I have searched the internet for some wonderful films. I watched them on my way to college (while in transit) or during weekends. I found a lot of motivation and inspiration from these movies. It gave me an affection for the subjects I was learning, even when the classes were challenging.
I have chosen the very best inspirational, educational movies to motivate students from schools and colleges alike. I liked the lessons from these movies that espouse the value of hard work and proper education. Without further ado, here is the list of my films:
Coach Carter :
A well-rounded education gives a good life, well most of the time. Well, those kids who come from disadvantaged backgrounds can succeed with hard work and determination. It teaches us never to give up and how to fight for one’s dreams. Defeating our insecurities will not only change our way of living but can lead to self-respect and joy.
We often neglect the importance of mentors and success as a team. A lot of us thrive for individual excellence in our ultra-competitive world. However, it serves well to collaborate with others. Working in a group by identifying our strengths and weaknesses of others and complementing is the genuine joy of achieving success!
Finding Forrester:
The film is about an endearing relationship between two great writers at different stages of their careers — Student (Jamal) and Teacher(Forrester). Forrester is an accomplished, reclusive Pulitzer Prize winner, who helps Jamal with his essays. Jamal joins a posh private school with a full scholarship. Their friendship blossom. Jamal’s class teacher becomes suspicious and accuses Jamal of plagiarism. The only one who can defend him is a Forrester, who has not left his apartment for many years!
Freedom Writers:
“Freedom writers” is a powerful film that deals with many issues related to “systemic racism.” This incredible true story about students’ struggles and hardships whose lives are plagued by gangs, violence, drugs, death, abuse, and family conflicts. Besides, the ever-present system that treats them like they’re worthless. Students share their memories recorded in their journals. It is poignant that an idealistic young white teacher inspires these students to believe in themselves.
The story is very inspiring and has many heartfelt and eye-opening moments.
The Great Debaters :
It is a true story at Wesley College in Texas for African-Americans. Tolson (a known poet) mentored a debate team. They were invincible for over 15 years. The success of the debate team is a story of perseverance and teamwork. You will realize “Debating” is a skill that needs a lot of research preparation and logic. Understanding fallacious reasoning, the style of language, particularly — rhetoric! The climax debate at Harvard is memorable.
It is heart-wrenching to watch racism and discrimination in society. Despite the skill and merit, it is a struggle to find equity. You will wonder the scars of racism and divisions still exists till today!
Good Will Hunting :
Welcome to the incredible world of Will Hunting! This meaningful movie is about self-discovery. It depicts many facets of life — Friends, conflicts, and Relationships. Will Hunting is a complex orphan who doesn’t want to give in to the normalities of society. Friends ready to die for you and people who believe in you.
You will also learn a little about Complex mathematics and Field Medals!! The poignant scenes and dialogues between Sean and Will are life’s lessons on their own. It drives some pointed questions — What is the point of all education if you do not find honor in the job. Even if you’re a janitor, you need to honor the job. If you don’t, you will not love doing it.
October Sky:
A touching true story from a small mining town called “Coalwood” in West Virginia about Homer Hickam, who dreams of becoming a rocket scientist.
Inspired by the soviet union’s Sputnik, a small team of high school students experiments building a rocket. Although the kids were short of experience and knowledge, they persist in the face of failures. Homer’s efforts are discouraged by his father and the school principal. But, encouraged by their teacher and the town-folk.
Homer and his friends hike a few miles, build a launchpad, and let the rockets fly. They achieve an unlikely dream of presenting their work in the national science fair, which wins them accolades.
Pay it forward:
This movie has a beautiful motto that can touch everyone’s life and can change the world! The film connects the heart of the audience and urges us to believe in the goodness of humanity. It also teaches us to cherish the moment “here and now.” It makes us contemplate loving the present. We often neglect the happiness present in our lives just because we are never content with our achievements or riches.
Random acts of kindness are rewards in themselves. Although I dislike tragic endings, the expressive power of this movie is unstated. It can influence one’s thinking forever!
Stand and Deliver:
We often forget how our teachers influence us and how hard they work behind the scenes to succeed. This movie is based on the true story of a math teacher in a High School in LA. With his hard work and tireless dedication, he helps students live up to their full potential and succeed at calculus. It is hear-warming to see how a teacher brings out the best in his students.
It is a very moving and powerful story of how to motivate people using their best instincts. This story also tells us that the turnaround of any academic success is possible by revisiting the basics and consistently achieve higher skill. With significant sacrifices and perseverance, one can achieve academic honors.
Lean on me :
Lean on Me is a fact-based film, a School superintendent watches helplessly as one of the Schools become the lowest-ranked school in the state. With limited options, he turns to a maverick ex-teacher to become the principal of the declining school. Before the principal works on raising the academic standards, he has to rid the school of its gang and narcotics problems.
There are different teachers with unique attributes and styles. In this movie, the principal is an arrogant bully, a martinet who demands instant, unquestioning obedience. A good teacher is the one who changes the future of the student forever. He can show a great direction, help them to be disciplined with kindness and patience.
It allows us to contemplate the factors that connect these two men. Also, we need to find people who can teach us. I personally loved the idea of writing an article’s first draft should be written with the heart, the second with the head!