Theme: Movies reflect human needs...
Dreams
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| Image from storyblocks.com |
Hold fast to dreams, for if dreams die, life is a broken-winged bird that cannot fly. (Langston Hughes)
So many of our dreams at first seem impossible, then they seem improbable, and then when we summon the will, they soon become inevitable. (Christopher Reeve)
A literal dream pointed me to the path of studying film and screenwriting. I wrote about it in a blog post found here.
Many inspiring movies contain a "follow your dream" theme, and many of those come from true stories of people who overcame the odds and accomplished their heart's desire.
Eddie the Eagle (2015)
- Based on the true story of young man from Britain, Eddie Edwards (portrayed by Taron Egerton), who was determined to compete in an Olympic event. (My ClearPlay review for this film is found here.)
Field of Dreams (1989)
- Not based on a true story, but is certainly a feel good movie about following a dream.
The Greatest Showman (2017)
- Based on the life and dream of renowned entertainer P.T. Barnum (Hugh Jackman). (My ClearPlay review is found here.)
October Sky (1999)
- When Sputnik goes into orbit, Homer Hickman (Jake Gyllenhaal) starts dreaming about building rockets. I love the tagline for the film: Sometimes one dream is enough to light up the whole sky.
Rock Dog (2016)
- A fun animated film about a Tibetan Mastiff who dreams of being a musician.
Rudy (1993)
- The story of Daniel E. Ruettiger ("Rudy" portrayed by Sean Astin) who, more than anything, wanted to play football for Notre Dame, despite being small in stature. (Also a wonderful example of Agency, as Rudy breaks away from family and community restraints and expectations.)
Soul Surfer (2011)
- Bethany (AnnaSophia Robb) loses an arm in a shark attack, but continues to chase her dream of competitive surfing. (Based on a true story of Bethany Hamilton.)
The World's Fastest Indian (2005)
- Burt Munro (Anthony Hopkins) proves it's never too late to follow your dream. In his golden years, he traveled from New Zealand to the Bonneville Salt Flats and set a land-speed record with his 1920 Indian motorcycle. (Based on a true story.) ("My Take" review found here.)
Are you following a dream? What movie(s) would you add for this topic?
(Note: The movies listed might not be completely family-friendly. See my "Movie Content" information on the blog's sidebar.)
The one I'd add would be "Vision Quest" from 1988 starring Matthew Modine. He's a high school wrestler who decides to compete in a lower weight class, meaning he has to lose weight while keeping his strength up before his big match.
ReplyDeleteI had never heard of that film, so I had to look it up on IMDb. Thanks for adding it!
DeleteI'll take Filed of Dreams, the kids will have The Greatest Showman, and you can keep Eddie the Eagle for yourself! ;-)
ReplyDeletehttps://iainkellywriting.com/2021/04/05/the-state-trilogy-a-z-guide-d/
Your comment tickled me and I literally laughed out loud! Thanks, Iain!
DeleteI like movies where people have dreams they work towards. I also like dream sequences in movies.
ReplyDeleteMy "D" for A2Z is here:
http://tao-talk.com/2021/04/05/a2z-2021-day-4-doctor-to-my-disease-from-catfish-rising-1991/
Me too... I get inspired watching movies about people who accomplish their dreams.
DeleteSo many movies about living dreams, and it's good. I know some of your list, but not all of them. I'm pining this post for later ;)
ReplyDeleteI get carried away with my movie lists. :-) Hopefully you will find some you enjoy!
DeleteMy sister steered me to the film "Temple Grandin." It is based on the true story of this woman who has autism, and yet goes after her dreams and becomes quite successful in her chosen field. Inspiring film.
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like a wonderful movie! I looked it up and discovered our local library has the DVD so I added it to my list of items to check out. Thank you!
DeleteI love movies with this theme. They're always so inspirational. Weekends In Maine
ReplyDeleteAgreed! I like feeling inspired and hopeful after watching such movies.
DeleteI love Hugh Jackmann - that made The Greatest Showman more special to me. Besides Les Miserables this is one musical I enjoyed a lot.
ReplyDeleteThe opening scene in The Greatest Showman gives me chills. Such powerful music!
DeleteAs I know you're keen on family-friendly films, I'd recommend The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013) as a "Dream" film.
ReplyDelete- Ed, wizzardSS Reviews
I loooove the Secret Life of Walter Mitty! I almost listed it for Dreams, but saved it for a topic I'll cover later in the month.
DeleteOh... the suspense...!
DeleteTrudy,
ReplyDeleteDreams give us hope. I'll never stop dreaming! I'm glad to see you included "October Sky" in your line up. Homer Hickam, the author of The Rocket Boys which became "October Sky" grew up in the same county that we did in southern WV. He's several years older than us and the school he attended was our high school's rival. I read the book many years after getting an autographed copy for my late FIL. The film was actually made just outside of Knoxville in small town called Oliver Springs. The movie debuted in town. What's so funny is DH heard of the debut and went by after work to see if he could spot any stars. He stood near a man talking to someone who he learned later was Homer Hickam. lol
If you haven’t already, I invite you to check out my Looney Tunes A-Z Daffy Duck Art Sketch. Join the fun at your leisure. Happy A2Zing, my friend!
Oh wow... thanks for sharing your experiences with October Sky! I didn't realize it was filmed near Knoxville. I lived near there (in Morristown) during that time, but didn't hear about it!
DeleteHow cool, I didn't know that you once lived not too far from me. What a small world we live in! :)
DeleteYep. We lived in the Nashville area for about 2 1/2 years and then moved to Morristown and lived there for 13 years. I miss Tennessee. It felt like home to me.
DeleteGreat choices! Greatest Showman has become one of my favorite movies. A friend of mine from Tennessee had a visually prominent part in October Sky. I don't think he had any lines in the film, but you couldn't miss his face in certain scenes.
ReplyDeleteWhen I saw the title of your post the first thing that came to my mind was Inception. Different kind of dreams, but it is literally about dreams.
Another film about big dreamers and one that actually states it in the title is Tucker: A Man and His Dreams. It's been decades since I've seen this film, but I recall being kind of inspired by it.
Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out
Your friend might have been what they call a "featured extra" if he was visually prominent. Featured extras get paid more than us "background extras" who blend into, well, the background.
DeleteInception was such an interesting movie. I've never seen the Tucker movie though. I'm adding that to my want to watch list. Thanks!
My friend is essentially a character actor who has appeared in numerous films since 1989 including Hillbilly Elegy, Selma, and many others. Often he's been cast as a sheriff or some redneck character. He apparently has a good agent because he lives in East Tennessee but manages to work pretty regularly.
DeleteLooking up his role on IMDB I see that in October Sky he did have a few lines and he is listed in the cast.
That is awesome! I've acted on stage, but for some reason I haven't branched out to acting in film (other than a background extra), yet.
DeleteReading your posts and the comments afterwards feels like popping into a film appreciation club meeting:)
ReplyDeleteI love it.
Lagaan, an Indian film comes to mind. It's set in pre-independence India. A group of villagers dream to beat the British sahib and his team at a game of cricket. The result will decide if the unfair taxes levied on them will have to be paid or pardoned. It's a stunning film.
"...a film appreciation club meeting" I love that!
DeleteThanks for recommending Lagaan. I found it on Netflix and added it to my watch list!
Lagaan is one of my favorite films! I love the music and dancing, and just the whole story.
Delete