Inspiration Series: Movies!

[Eugenia Gabrielov]

Since we have books, and we have albums, I think as well that some of the most inspirational items are movies.

A personal favorite is Schindler's List, a holocaust movie about a man who chose to assisst in the stopping of genocide in his own way. This is a movie with major impact, and even if you don't enjoy it, it brings across a strong message and is great for discussion.

Another one of my favorites is "Wonderful Days", a korean animation on the subject of industrialization and pollution and the destruction that dictatorship brings to civilians. The animation itself is like live action: even non anime fans love this movie when they see it.

"Aguirre the Wrath of God" is a 1973 movie about explorers on the Amazon that go insane over a period of time due to a set of rather frightening circumstances. This movie made me wonder so much about human selfishness and greed: the effect it has is phenomenal.

If you don't mind a look at human insanity, I'd recommend "Weekend", a film by French director Jean Luc-Godard. Primarily on the subject of the French economy, this film is phenomenal in every way. It is a bit gory, but it says a lot. Don't watch it with your parents around. . Just kidding, it's not quite that bad. It's pretty mature though, but very very interesting. A lot of the points it brings up are very striking and controversial.

Probably one of the most powerful films I've ever seen is "Requim for a Dream", which discusses Drug Addiction and public image in such a way that it hurts to watch it, but you just can't stop. This made me sob because of its message and its blatant imagery. This is an amazing movie, there are no other words for it.

In addition to that, I'd recommend "Taxi Driver." Among the subjects it covers are child prostitution, image, politics, and many more. This is an extremely enjoyable film but also very serious.

My nomination for possibly the best filmography is a film by the name of "The Sacrifice." I have no description that does it justice: just go watch it. Same goes for "Fanny and Alexander."

As far as more recent movies go, "The Pianist" is extremely touching. It depicts the life of a Jewish pianist during WWII and what becomes of him and his family. It is very very strong.

And finally, now that I'm giving more than my $.02, my favorite movie of all time is Apocolypse Now (spelling?). This movie is like...brain food. It really is. I loved it...it is based on the novel "Heart of Darkness", which I recommend too, and discusses the Vietnam War.

That's about it for me! - G