Our Favourite Films, Part II.

Some of the contributors at Mosaik were asked to write about their all time favourite films this will take place over a series of articles. These films are perfect for that homework procrastination

Old classic movies that teach you a lesson and inspire you are always my favorite. (I know I sound 80 but movies that combine learning and having fun are the best kinds of films). I am very open to new movies however have been very disappointed lately….. both The Fault In Our Stars and The Book Thief have not made me cry or have given me much satisfaction (I'm sorry but there was too much hype and I don’t want to watch them again). It's the movies like What's Eating Gilbert Grape, I am Sam, Forrest Gump and Pay It Forward that have really grabbed my attention. Each film has an unexpected story and ending. Each one is different to any other film that I have ever seen before. And each one inspires you that no matter what the situation is, there is hope. Both I am Sam and Forrest Gump are probably my top two (its too hard to decide!). I can't explain how much I cry in both. You begin to realize that your problems are so insignificant to someone else’s. These two films show you how even though someone may have disabilities their strengths and abilities are just as important, or even more so. Both films make you want to cry yet make you laugh as you cheer on the main characters as they prove everyone wrong about what they are capable of doing. Things that even in your wildest dreams you could not imagine. 

I am Sam is based on a man with the mental capacity of a 7 year old.  The story begins with Sam having a daughter with a homeless woman, however she abandons them and he is left with raising her alone. With the help of his friends and neighbor, Sam and his daughter create a beautiful bond. However at 7 his daughter begins to hold herself back to avoid looking smarter than him and the limitations of Sam begin to unfold. The authorities take her away as they deem Sam unfit to look after her and the film takes it course by  presenting the hardships that Sam goes through to win back his daughter.

Similarly Forrest Gump also shows the struggles and hardships of a man with learning difficulties however also tells an inspiring message that could put anyone to tears. You are more than your disabilities, you are more than anything you can't do. For everything you can't do there is a million other things that you can do. For someone who has a below average IQ Sam accomplishes great things in life and exceeds further than what anyone imagined he could do. Rising above his challenges Sam proves that determination, courage and love are more important than ones intelligence and incapabilities. The film  teaches that no matter your downfalls and weaknesses it is possible to love and be loved "I may not be a smart man but I know what love is”. Whilst the film makes you cry it also has a very humorous side  as not so intelligence Forrest manages to do so many things that people of high IQ’s have never done before. Forrest also manages to  continuously and accidentally be present in so many historic and important moments without even realising such importance. 

-O

A Walk To Remember (2002), directed by the brilliant Adam Shankman, is an adaptation of the novel written by Nicholas Sparks. It follows the story of two North Carolina teenagers, Landon Carter and Jamie Sullivan, who are forced to befriend one another after Landon gets into trouble and is made to do community service. It is, hands-down, my all-time favourite film for a number of reasons.

I.         There are so many beautiful moments between Landon and Jamie. I live vicariously through Jamie when watching the film, thinking about young love. It's such a beautiful love story.

II.     The soundtrack is beyond brilliant. From Toploader’s Dancing in the Moonlight, to Switchfoot’s Dare You To Move, the film is threaded with a range of beautiful, emotion-heightening songs. Not to mention, one of the most poignant parts of the film – the school musical – brought to fame Only Hope by Mandy Moore (originally performed by Switchfoot).

III.            I’m a sucker for soppy teenage love stories. The one thing that made A Walk To Remember stand out from all of the other soppy teenage love stories I’ve seen is that, despite it following two teenage protagonists, the story draws greater focus on more complex, adult issues. Every time I watch it I become so emotionally invested in the relationship between Landon and Jamie and the development of both characters.

IV.     It is the one book-to-film adaptation that I can honestly say is on-par with the book. I’m a big reader and I nearly never enjoy a film adaptation as much as the original book. Both the book and the film made me cry, and I don’t normally cry when reading a book or watching a film.

V.              I love cardigans. Jamie loves cardigans. There’s a beautiful moment to do with cardigans in the film. Say cardigans one more time. Cardigans. 

As a media student I feel a little guilty that I didn’t choose a more technical or highly-acclaimed film, but sometimes I just enjoy a film that requires little thinking. I don’t want to write too much about the particulars of the film because I don’t want to give anything away. Just know that I can’t recommend this film more highly.

- N

Whenever I am asked this question, my mind always thinks of this one movie. It may be cheesy, it may be corny, but one of my favourite movies would have to be Aladdin (1992).

It may or may not have to do with that fact the Aladdin is single handedly the hottest fictional cartoon character ever created. Or the fact that I believe I am the real life version of Princess Jasmine. Or that Robbin Williams as the Genie is animated excellence. But there is more to this movie the extraordinary characters and exquisite landscape of Agrabah.

Aladdin also illustrates that there is more to a person than meets the eye. Aladdin was a ‘diamond in the rough’ who used his wit, street knowledge, charming nature, determination and love for Jasmine, to not only escape guards, prison cells and blistering storms, but to also save Agrabah from the slithering evilness of Jafar. While he did lie through his teeth, to try and impress his one true love, his honesty and integrity prevailed and he still got the girl of his dreams. Similarly, Jasmine too is portrayed as the beautiful, innocent, perfect daughter of the Sultan. However her rebellious nature to run away and not marry a prince, illustrates her oppression and loneliness in the palace, causing her to retaliate. Nonetheless true love breaks her sense of feeling trapped, finally for the first time in her life, to allow her to marry who she wants.

And all ends with fireworks and celebrations. Everyone is set free, even Genie, to live the life that they want to life, not bound by any rules or preconceptions.

So for now, I am just going to listen to A Whole New World while I wait for my Aladdin,

-SP