In a recent article, Douglas Howe (a blogger on "Idol Chatter") commented on the upcoming Academy Awards. He state the following: The Academy Awards honor the Best Producer, the Best Writer, the Best Actors, the Best Director, all the way to the Best Cinematographer. Why not honor the film that has that ability to do what films do best: inspire us to higher ambitions, or deeper convictions, or just a better effort? There are many great films that didn't win awards the year they were released, but have had a lasting impact on their audience, in our culture, and in the world of cinema. Howe lists the following 14 films as the Most Inspiring films of our times.
I want to see some action from my readers. Read his list and in the Comments section, list the movies that you feel belong on the list of Most Inspiring films.
Casablanca (1942)
It's a Wonderful Life (1946)
The Sting (1973)
Day of the Dolphin (1973)
Chariots of Fire (1981)
The Right Stuff (1983)
Hoosiers (1986)
Working Girl (1988)
Harrison Ford and Sigourney Weaver were stars at the top of their game, but it was Melanie Griffith's character (Tess) who stole the film and showed a generation of young women they could believe. Field of Dreams (1989)
The fantasy of a baseball field—and the even greater fantasy of marital partners free to pursue their dreams—never gets old! I still want to travel to Iowa to see the field. Dead Poets Society (1989)
Schindler's List (1993)
The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
While an older generation was still quoting "Caddyshack" and "Stripes," along came a non-comedic, non-gratuitous film that is still quoted today. This was about everything, including hope—the most dangerous thing! Shakespeare in Love (1998)
Just a wonderful epic; it's beautifully crafted and musically captivating. Gwyneth Paltrow played four parts and we rooted for a historical figure we never knew. I walked out believing the sappiest of messages: that true love can triumph over anything. Gladiator (2000)
A man was honorable and loyal. He turned blind with vengeance and then turned savior and sacrificer for the good of a country, a boy, and a mother. The film's consideration of the afterlife—while not consistent with my personal view—was as inspiring as it was beautiful.
I like "The Shawshank Redemption" a lot...
Posted by: "Mike" | January 31, 2009 at 08:25 AM
Yes, I agree. That was a great movie. Thanks for the comment Mike!
Posted by: Ginger | January 31, 2009 at 11:36 AM
ZULU....... Rorkes Drift,Anglo Zulu wars 1879. When 150 soldiers held off 4000 Zulu. Most VC's ever awarded at one battle 11 in total
Posted by: Ken | January 31, 2009 at 03:29 PM
Good list,but dont you think that the late great Walt Disney ought to have at least one movie on there. Being an oldie,i still sit and watch them when they come on tv
Posted by: Ken | February 04, 2009 at 03:35 PM
If this list comprised most of my inspirational favorites, Disney movies would be listed. That is why I requested of my readers to comment on what should also be included. Thank you for your input Ken and please visit my blog again.
Posted by: Ginger | February 04, 2009 at 05:12 PM
So you also still like to watch them.It says a lot about Disney,when us oldies still enjoy watching movies that are really for children
Posted by: Ken | February 05, 2009 at 08:07 AM