emma | talk movie to me

During exams last summer I watched a lot of films to cheer me up and thought of posting about them and I grouped them all and thought of a cool name but never posted it. I’m in a similar situation again now and have decided to post it once and for all (complete with pictures I spent way too long editing) – this is a new collection for when it’s all gone wrong and you either need a life lesson or just a film to make you feel good. I have seven of each.

The 7 with important messages:

1. The Way Way Back (2013)

This is such a beautiful film that is quite possibly resonant with every viewer. With a gorgeous soundtrack, realistic situations and characters to look up to (Sam Rockwell esp.), this film reminds us all to speak for ourselves; to never let anyone belittle us; to keep looking.

The message: So you don’t fit in here – you will fit in somewhere and there will be people that love you. You just have to brave the world and go find them.

2. Empire Records (1995)

I only watched this film recently and was a little confused throughout. By the end, I understood everything and thought the film was wonderful. Empire Records’ main storyline is a group of young people trying to save their store from becoming a chain, but really it’s much more. Store owner Joe has taken all these young people, each with their own secrets, their own stories and problems under his wing and has given them so much more than a job. They are a miniature family that help each other through it all. Upon realizing that even the seemingly perfect Corey (Liv Tyler) has a serious issue, the greatest quote comes about (see above).

The message: We all have our own issues, and we all need each other to get through them.

3. Little Miss Sunshine (2006)

Well it’s Little Miss Sunshine isn’t it. This is the easiest one and at the same time, one of the most feel good. Again, a exploration of one groups problems but this time, dealt with in the best way and with best humour. Yes, it is a sad film too but what we come away with is this strong sense that nobody is normal and that you should follow your dreams because someone will support you, even if they are the minority.

The message: Who cares what anyone else thinks? Do what you want to do.

4. The Truman Show (1998)

Every time this film is mentioned I can’t help but sigh wistfully. The Truman Show is one of my all time favourites and goes down in everyone’s book as a classic. What’s best about this film is not the stunning score, nor the clever philosophical points, but Truman himself. Although you’re more likely to be crying over your laptop as the storm overthrows his boat, you become as overjoyed as the on-screen audience at his triumph. Truman’s character is beyond admirable and his sense of self and ability to make decisions for himself is something we should probably start trying.

The message: It does not matter where you are or who you are with as long as you know yourself.

5. ParaNorman (2012)

ParaNorman is almost too real for an animation. It is so full of truths about people and what we are like, despite it being about a boy fighting off zombies. A film I personally adore for two reasons; a-the crazy drama teacher, b-that Norman keeps going no matter what. Here’s a kid with a rough start – he can see dead things and no-one believes him. His Dad thinks he’s crazy, he is bullied at school and only finds comfort in the ghost of his grandmother. Nothing stops Norman – sure he gets angry and yells once in a while but he is determined to save the town and to help a little girl that felt the same as him.

The message: You cannot let fear stop you. Giving up prevents triumph.

6. The Breakfast Club (1985)

Obviously The Breakfast Club. This film should be a constant reminder that everyone has something in common and that if we tried hard enough, we could all get a long just fine. Sounds too idyllic and oddly pleasant I know,but in all sincerity this films serves to reassure us that we are not as crazy or as weird as we think. No one is really normal.

The message: Be whoever you want to be – no-one can stop you.

7. The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)

I know this is quite a sad film that made you sink down in you cinema chair and sob a few years back… but(!) if you pay attention, you can take away the important messages. This is such an emotionally charged piece of cinema in which people like Charlie can finally be told what they need to here; “You can’t just sit there and put everyone’s life ahead of yours and think that counts as love”. This film is endlessly quotable and a really important watch – especially as a young adult film. (You should also try the book it’s based on by Stephen Chbosky).