Blogging from A to Z Challenge
Theme: Movies reflect human needs...
Transformation
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| Image from storyblocks.com |
Think of this as a good character arc. Any story worth it's salt will have a character transform or change by the end. Humans need to transform, to overcome challenges, to improve. We are dynamic, not static, beings.
I read an article years ago that mentioned a woman who destroyed all her journals because she wasn't that person any more. As an avid journalist, that broke my heart! Destroying her journals buried the path she took in her transformation. None of us should be the same person we were 10, 20, 30 years ago. (Hopefully we are an improved version!)
If we don't change, we don't grow. If we don't grow, we aren't really living. (Gail Sheehy)
We can't become what we need to be by remaining what we are. (Oprah Winfrey)
Alpha (2018)
- Separated from the hunting party during a traumatic accident, Keda (Kodi Smit-McPhee) must find his way back to his tribe. He's a different young man by the end of the story. The wolf who accompanies him also changes. (My review found here.)
As Good As It Gets (1997)
- Melvin (Jack Nicholson) slowly transforms in several ways. His attitude softens towards a dog, he gains appreciation for his gay neighbor, and some of his OCD habits lessen.
Forrest Gump (1994)
- Although Forrest (Tom Hanks) grows in confidence and responsibilities, we see dramatic changes in Jenny (Robin Wright), and Lt. Dan (Gary Sinise). (My review found here.)
Green Book (2018)
- Tony Lip (Viggo Mortensen) evolves from racist to tolerant, to respectful, to friend as he chauffeurs Don Shirley, an African-American pianist on tour.
Groundhog Day (1993)
- It takes years of living the same day over and over before Phil (Bill Murray) puts his time to use in improvement and growth. He's a changed man by the end.
The Kid (2000)
- The older Russ (Bruce Willis) becomes a kinder, less tense, happier person as he confronts his past with the help of his younger self.
Like Father, Like Son (2013)
- In this Japanese drama, Ryota (Masaharu Fukuyama) begins to question his approach to parenting (workaholic disciplinarian) and slowly changes.
My Spy (2020)
- CIA operative and tough-guy (Dave Bautista) softens around the edges, so to speak, while surveilling a mom and her precocious daughter.
Overboard (1987)
- In this film, "Annie" (Goldie Hawn) goes through a major transformation, but all of the main characters, including the children, gradually change.
Romancing the Stone (1984)
- Joan Wilder (Kathleen Turner) becomes braver and more confident as the movie progresses.
In what ways have you changed over the years? Are you still growing?
(Note: The movies listed might not be completely family-friendly. See my "Movie Content" information on the blog's sidebar.)
Another great list Trudy!
ReplyDeletehttps://iainkellywriting.com/2021/04/23/the-state-trilogy-a-z-guide-t/
Thanks, Iain! It was difficult to whittle down all the choices because there are so many wonderful movies with characters who grow and change.
DeleteI hope I'm still growing ;)) Great movies, I know and like some of them. Too bad to destroyed journals, I agree, our life story tells who we are.
ReplyDeleteI hope I'm still growing, too. Sometimes, though, it feels like I'm making snail-paced progress. :-)
DeleteI don't know a person who hasn't loved Forrest Gump. Amazing movie.. I was thinking of transformation for T as well but then training our thoughts took priority there. My post today is on the topic of transformation, which I call upgrading ourselves.
ReplyDelete"Upgrading ourselves"... I like it! I'll be over to visit your post soon.
DeleteOverboard has been on TV a couple of times this week. Green Book was really good. Nice list.
ReplyDeleteJanet’s Smiles
That would have been a fun one to catch. I haven't checked TV listings for awhile. I have a bunch of movies recorded on our DVR that I haven't watched yet, so I've been holding off looking for more until I clear the queue. (My movie binge goal for after the challenge!)
DeleteThe movies you listed is about mental transformation which is great but I think physical transformation makes an impact on people as well.
ReplyDeleteHave a lovely day.
I appreciate you pointing that out. Sometimes my mind gets going down one path and I forget to look around and see other angles.
DeleteI like to think I am still growing and changing. Over the years, I have learned to worry less and be more present. There is still more I need to learn and I think growth continues throughout our lives. Weekends In Maine
ReplyDelete"... learned to worry less and be more present." That's something I'm still working on.
DeleteI really enjoyed Disney's The Kid too. That's one I should watch again. In La La Land, Sebastian and Mia both make transformations in their lives. So many good films to remember.
ReplyDeleteI need to give La La Land another chance. I've heard such good things about it and tried to watch it once, but wasn't in the mood for a musical that day, I guess. I'll give it another go.
DeleteI started my blog in 2010 and sometimes all it takes is to read my posts from 10 years ago to know how much I have changed
ReplyDeletehttps://pagesfromjayashree.blogspot.com/2021/04/w-for-wand.html
Good point! Our transformations can show through our blogs!
DeleteTrudy,
ReplyDeleteJournaling is one thing I've regretted not doing in my life. I keep saying I need to start this but never do. My hope now is to collect my memories the best I can to put them down before they vanish from my head completely. Hopefully, we all transform over the years to become better people. We've seen a number of your movie suggestions listed. Groundhog Day is a hilarious film but it's a great example of a selfish fella making a huge transformation from being self-centered and arrogant who wanted more from life than being in the lime-light.
I've changed a lot over the years. Sometimes I cringe when I read some of my old journals, but I've made notes in some of the margins (for posterity who might read it), "I overcame this problem years later, keep reading!" hahaha
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