Theme: Movies reflect human needs...
Belonging
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| Images from storyblocks.com |
A deep sense of love and belonging is an irreducible need of all people. We are biologically, cognitively, physically, and spiritually wired to love, to be loved, and to belong. (Brené Brown)
One of my brothers jokes, "Our parents moved a lot when we were growing up, but we always found them!"
My dad's job, indeed, had us on the move, and then I married a Navy man and continued relocating. I learned that exploring the locale and finding good friends helped me to adapt and feel connected. A sense of belonging is important to me.
There are numerous wonderful films fitting the topic, and it was difficult to choose! My list is still longer than I intended, but how does one pare down the list and exclude movies when discussing "belonging"? hahaha! (My apologies to the omitted films.)
Crazy Rich Asians (2018)
- When Rachel (Constance Wu) meets her fiancé's family, she is overwhelmed by their wealth. Will she fit in with them? Her future mother-in-law doesn't think so. (I reviewed this film for ClearPlay, found here.)
42 (2013)
- With racism raging in 1947, many felt Jackie Robinson (Chadwick Boseman) didn't belong playing baseball on a "white" team.
Gifted (2017)
- Does Mary (Mckenna Grace), a child prodigy, belong with her uncle/guardian (Chris Evans) or her grandmother (Lindsay Duncan)? The court must decide. (My review for this film is found here.)
Matilda (1996)
- Sweet, kind, and gifted Matilda Wormwood (Mara Wilson) feels she does not belong in her family. They are so different! She finds connection and belonging with a kind teacher.
Overboard (1987)
- Amnesiac "Annie" (Goldie Hawn) senses from the get-go that she does not belong with Dean (Kurt Russell) and the unruly children. And she's right... initially.
- (Note: I listed my favorite version of this film. My review for the 2018 remake is found here.)
Race (2016)
- According to Hitler and his warped view of supremacy, Jesse Owens (Stephan James) does not belong in the Olympics, especially when hosted in Berlin. (Click here for my ClearPlay review of the film.)
The Sandlot (1993)
- I know I've mentioned this film in several other posts, but how can I not include it under a theme of belonging? I love the friendship represented in this film!
Secondhand Lions (2003)
- Walter's (Haley Joel Osment) negligent mother dumps him on two peculiar uncles (Michael Caine, Robert Duvall). He initially feels abandoned and out of place, but as tolerance turns to love, he realizes he's exactly where he belongs.
Skylark (1993)
- In this sequel to Sarah, Plain and Tall (1991), Jacob (Christopher Walken) tells Sarah (Glenn Close) that his name is written in the land. Does Sarah belong there, in a land plagued with drought? Or in New England near the sea where she grew up? She eventually determines where she belongs and writes her name in the soil.
Where the Heart Is (2000)
- After Novalee (Natalie Portman) finds herself abandoned by her boyfriend when they stopped in a small town, a friendly woman takes her in and provides a safe haven.
What movies come to mind when you consider the human need to belong?
(Note: The movies listed might not be completely family-friendly. See my "Movie Content" information on the blog's sidebar.)
42 is really under-rated, and I do love Harrison Ford in it! And Overboard is classic '80s. Great selection again :-)
ReplyDeletehttps://iainkellywriting.com/2021/04/02/the-state-trilogy-a-z-guide-b/
Oh so true about 42! Such a good film.
DeleteThanks for commenting!
What a great list, belonging is indeed a great theme for movies!
ReplyDeleteQuilting Patchwork & Appliqué
Thank you! I was amazed at how many films touch on Belonging in some way.
DeleteEspecially for baseball fans, "The Sandlot" is a must-see. I watched it on a flight from LAX to ATL, and was so totally engrossed in it that when it ended I was at a total loss, forgot where I was going and everything. Not just the baseball side, but like you say the relationships between the guys. Great post!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing that, John! That's a great description of being completely absorbed into the movie.
DeleteYour choice of movies is amazing.. I was surprised to see Chris Evans in gifted immediately after I watched him as captain America... I loved him in gifted more.
ReplyDeleteChris Evans was superb in his role in Gifted, for sure.
DeleteGreat theme as always. My favourite of the films you've listed is Matilda, and I've watched it many times. My other films I would include for belonging are The Breakfast Club and The Blind Side.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Pamela. I've enjoyed working with this theme.
DeleteThe Breakfast Club and The Blind Side are excellent for "belonging." Thanks for adding those!
I think nelonging is family, whether blood-related or found. I think pretty much every kids movie seem to be that theme. All I think can of are Disney movies like Mulan the animated version, How to train your dragon, Little Mermaid...that's all I got.
ReplyDeleteHave a lovely day.
Those films fit nicely with belonging! I'm glad you mentioned them. Thank you Lissa!
DeleteSo true that we all need to feel like we belong. I love Matilda. It's such a fun movie. Weekends In Maine
ReplyDeleteI think a sense of belonging is part of the draw for me to participate in the A to Z Challenge. Thank you for your comments!
DeleteBelonging is always a compelling theme in a film. "Ondine" is one where the "selkie" netted in the sea is looking for a sense of belonging even if it doesn't start out that way.
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen Ondine... so I checked the local library and they have a streaming video of it! I'll add that to my list of films to watch. Thank you for sharing that example.
DeleteSome great films here. I really liked 42. I think I need to see Race. Thanks
ReplyDeleteJanet’s Smiles
I really enjoyed Race. It's definitely worth seeing.
DeleteI agree, there are many great movies out there where belonging is the prime theme. It being awards season, I've been watching some nominated films, and the one that comes to mind is "The Life Ahead." Sophia Loren stars as a woman who takes in a Senegalese orphan named Momo. He really wants to fit in and belong, and we see the various directions he could go to find that place for himself. Good film.
ReplyDeleteThat's good to know! It sounds like a wonderful film and I've had it on my Netflix list for awhile, but for some reason haven't watched it yet. I'll bump it up to see soon.
DeleteThank you for these resources! You know, a good movie can actually help you connect with feelings and make you feel like you’re not alone. I feel like that anyway. I love a good movie!
ReplyDeleteSo true... movies can help us connect to feelings. I love laughing, and even crying, with movies. Thank you for your comment!
DeleteTrudy,
ReplyDeleteYour brother's saying made me smile. I've heard it before but still it's funny to read/hear again. Right off I can't think of a film that works. Of the suggested titles you shared, we have watched "Overboard" and "Secondhand Lions". I'm sorry for the belated visit. I'm trying to figure out a system for A2Zing this time. I might have something I can go with now to stay on track. *cross fingers*
If you haven’t already, I invite you to check out my Looney Tunes Bugs Bunny Art Sketch. Happy A2Zing!
You've found a system for staying on track with A2Z? Maybe you can share it with me... I feel like I'm bouncing all over the place!
DeleteTrudy,
DeleteWell...I wasn't really on track like I wanted in April but I found a system to help keep me better organized.
Sounds good. I struggle with staying organized... especially with writing projects.
DeleteYour brother's joke made me grin.
ReplyDeleteWe have moved many cities, countries and even a couple of continents in the last 25 years so I get it when you say : "I learned that exploring the locale and finding good friends helped me to adapt and feel connected. "
Not adding any more films to my list yet as can always hop back to pick one:)
Here's my reflection post: https://artismoments.blogspot.com/2021/05/reflection-post-for-atozchallenge-2021.html
What awesome experiences (I hope)... moving to different countries... and continents!
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