Dr. Buddhi Malla
Movies serve a dual purpose beyond mere entertainment; they offer profound life lessons, particularly evident in biographies, family dramas, and survival narratives. Delving into these genres can be as enriching as immersing oneself in a compelling book. If we are able to select the best movies, they can provide both entertainment and life lessons.
Biographical films often chronicle the journeys of remarkable individuals, highlighting their triumphs, struggles, and evolution. Through their narratives, viewers gets insights into resilience, determination, and the human spirit’s capacity for growth and change.
Family dramas delve into the complexities of relationships, showcasing the dynamics within familial bonds. These films often explore themes of love, forgiveness, and sacrifice, providing audiences with poignant reflections on interpersonal connections and the intricacies of human emotion.
Survival movies thrust characters into extreme circumstances, testing their resourcefulness and resilience in the face of adversity. These narratives offer lessons in perseverance, ingenuity, and the will to survive against all odds.
Holocaust movies provide vital lessons by depicting the genocide of six million Jews by the Nazis during World War II. They highlight the importance of remembrance and resistance against hatred and racism. Through tales of survival and loss, these films reveal the catastrophic consequences of intolerance and discrimination. They remind us of humanity’s capacity for horror and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of suffering. These movies compel us to confront history’s darkest chapters, urging us to stand against injustice and promote compassion and understanding. Above all, they emphasize the imperative of never forgetting and striving for a more just world.
By engaging with these cinematic experiences, audiences not only find entertainment but also valuable lessons that resonate with the intricacies of life itself, enriching their understanding of the human condition and inspiring personal growth.
I watched the 2014 film “Unbroken,” which portrays the remarkable true story of Louis Zamperini. The movie underscores the theme that resilience can overcome adversity. Zamperini, a prisoner of war during World War II, faces unimaginable challenges yet remains unbroken. Drawing strength from his inner resolve, he refuses to succumb to despair. Zamperini’s story serves as a powerful reminder that no matter how dire circumstances may appear, resilience, perseverance, and an unwavering determination to survive can ultimately lead to triumph over even the most formidable obstacles.
Similarly, the movie “3 Idiots” imparts a valuable lesson: prioritize passion over societal expectations. It follows the journey of three friends navigating the pressures of academic success and societal norms. Through their experiences, the film underscores the importance of pursuing one’s true passions and dreams, rather than blindly conforming to societal standards. It encourages us to challenge the status quo, embrace individuality, and find fulfillment in personal growth rather than external validation. Ultimately, “3 Idiots” teaches us that true success lies in pursuing what makes us genuinely happy, regardless of societal pressures or expectations.
Biographical films like those of Nelson Mandela, Steve Jobs, Bruce Lee, Gandhi, and other notable figures unveil the secrets of success. They inspire perseverance, teamwork, patience, ambition, hope, resilience, and positive thinking. These narratives illuminate various aspects of leadership, teaching us never to give up and to persist despite challenges. By showcasing the journeys of these great individuals, these movies instill valuable lessons that encourage us to think big, remain hopeful, and continually strive for personal and collective growth.
In the Bollywood film “Dirty Picture,” actress Vidya Balan famously states, “Movies need 3 things: Entertainment, Entertainment, and Entertainment.” While this perspective may hold true for the business aspect of cinema, I gravitate towards films that offer profound messages beneficial to our lives. I believe in selecting movies that provide valuable guidance for both our personal and professional endeavors. Embracing such films can enrich our viewing experience, offering meaningful lessons that resonate with us beyond the screen. It’s time to derive enjoyment from movies that impart wisdom and inspire growth in our lives.
Movies serve multifaceted roles beyond mere entertainment, exploring biographies, family dramas, survival tales, and Holocaust narratives. Each genre imparts profound life lessons, from resilience and perseverance to the significance of passion and remembrance. Cinema holds transformative power, inspiring personal growth and nurturing empathy. It’s crucial to prioritize selecting films aligned with our values and aspirations, deriving enjoyment from those that deepen our comprehension of humanity and contribute to our individual and collective evolution. Selecting the best movies not only provides entertainment but also serves as motivation.
(Author Malla is a Banker)
