Movies reflect human needs: Play

Blogging from A to Z Challenge

Theme: Movies reflect human needs...

Play

Images from storyblocks.com

The opposite of play is not work--the opposite of play is depression. (Brian Sutton-Smith) 

I came across that quote a few years ago, and since I am prone to depression, it caught my attention. I always thought if I wasn't playing, then I must be working. But we can find fun in our work, and some forms of play can take a lot of effort (work). They aren't opposites. When it comes to clinical depression, I don't know if that quote is accurate, but I do know that when I'm depressed, playing helps lift my mood.

After recognizing that lack of play "plays" a part in depression, I made a list of things I loved to do as a kid and started incorporating them. For instance, hula hooping is fun exercise! And I try to use versions of hide-and-go-seek in other activities (more on that in tomorrow's topic!).

And when I want to kickstart creativity, I pull out my coloring books, jacks and/or marbles...

The creation of something new is not accomplished by the intellect but by the play instinct. (Carl Jung)

Play is our brain's favorite way of learning. (Diane Ackerman)

Still...it's easy to get caught up in everyday-ed-ness and neglect play. I often forget to find the fun in what I'm doing. 

We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing. (George Bernard Shaw)

Some movies portraying the need for play... 

Big (1988)

• Sure, Josh (Tom Hanks) is actually a kid inside an adult's body, so play comes naturally to him, but through his example other adults learn the value of play, too.

The Boys Are Back (2009)

• Based on a true story, a father who's been frequently absent in one son's life and almost completely absent in another's, becomes full-time father to both. Their relationships connect best through play.

Brave (2012)

• When Merida is a little girl, her mom plays with her, but as she grows up her mother becomes overly strict and concerned about Merida being a proper princess. It's when her mother becomes playful again that their relationship begins to mend. ("My Take" review found here.)

Hook (1991)

• Grown up Peter Banning (Robin Williams) is too caught up in work and worry. When his children are kidnapped by Hook (Dustin Hoffman) he has to remember how to play so he can become Peter Pan again, capable of going against his nemesis.

Life is Beautiful (1997)

• During the Holocaust, hoping to shield his son from the horrific conditions of prison camp, a father convinces his son that it's all part of a game.

Yes Day (2021)

• Okay, this film is over the top and ridiculous at times, but it fits with the topic of play. Parents who used to be fun and adventurous have become fuddy-duddy no-sayers, and they accept the challenge to say yes to their kids' requests for one full day.

Do you include play in your life? What is your favorite way to play?

(Note: The movies listed might not be completely family-friendly. See my "Movie Content" information on the blog's sidebar.)