Movies and Scenes that Inspire

It’s been a LOOOONG week and if you’re like me, you want nothing more than to veg on the couch tonight with a good movie.

Looking for a good flick to watch—one that will move you to tears, inspire you, and make you feel uplifted?  Or, how about a good family movie?

The following movies are not New Releases–in fact, you might call some of these ‘classics’. They are, however, ‘feel goods’ and some of my favorites when I need to — well — feel good.

Each of the following movie clips were selected for its pertinent message.  I hope that you will check out the movies (if you haven’t already) or — at the very least — watch the clips below. Enjoy!

Begin Again

This has become one of my absolute new favorite movies–well maybe not so new being that I have seen this about a million times in the last few years. There is so much about this movie that I love. This is one of my favorite scenes as it illustrates the power of visualization and WHAT CAN BE.  I am a sucker for anything that involves the creative process, and this scene is the epitome of just that. What I never caught before in this scene, however, is the subway guy who states: “God may not be on OUR time, but He is ON time.  Mark Ruffalo’s character responds sarcastically in his deflated and drunken state: “yes, I am going to have a talk with God. What if He doesn’t answer.” And then this happens. . .

Hoosiers

Let’s get down to brass tacks. What PREVENTS us from achieving our dreams? Often it is our fear–our perceived fear of how we estimate a situation. Listen closely to what Gene Hackman’s character says.  Sorry, there is no music in this scene, just words of wisdom. Watch as this small-town team sees the gymnasium where the State Basketball Championship will be played. They have never seen a stadium so large and intimidating. But — watch.  Again, it is about perception.

McFarland, USA

This is the true story of a cross-country team in a poor Latino county in California. The movie contains the essential ingredients of an uplifting movie–the overcoming of obstacles, characters that do not give up–and it also shows the value of hard work. In this scene, Kevin Costner tells his team that not only do they deserve to be at the state championship, but that they have what others there do not have: a hardship and drive that will take them to the finish line. . .first.

Karate Kid

This video clip illustrates the need to trust the process. As someone who likes instant results, this is often a struggle for me. I can get so wrapped up in accomplishing a goal that I often miss and do not appreciate the lessons and knowledge gained throughout the process. This is where the REAL experience takes place. It is this learning that allows us to build upon our successes.

Rudy

This movie clips reinforces the message conveyed in the Karate Kid clip above.  There may be times when, as we pursue our goals and dreams, the outcome is not what we had hoped. We feel as if we failed for having tried.  I truly believe that no one is a failure if they have tried (and tried again). With every attempt, look at what you have learned and gained along the way.

The Hurricane

The film is based on a true story of Rubin “Hurricane” Carter, a professional boxer who was wrongfully convicted of murder and spent 20 years in prison. I remember watching it in the theatre–I was getting so angry at the injustice that I literally screamed out loud: “No!”  This movie is about not only overcoming adversity, but also rising above racism, hatred, and other’s opinions.  Bob Dylan wrote the song, “The Hurricane” which was used in the movie. Watch the movie, listen to the song–you will cry.  I know that I did.

Shawshank Redemption

Saving the best for last . . .
I struggled with which scene to include from what is one of my all-time favorite movies (isn’t it everybody’s?!), Shawshank Redemption.  This clip is a combination of two scenes about the need for HOPE!  Keep hoping and believing. . .Never Stop!

Grab your popcorn, tissues, and a comfy blanket—I encourage you to check out these movies and be ready to be inspired.  Feel free to share YOUR favorite inspiring movies in the comments section. Would love to hear!