My Favourite Films About Mentors of All-Time

Not many figures attract audiences to theatres like mentors. Since the 1970’s, mentors have appeared in memorable movies. Whether it’s magical school teachers, therapists or wizards facing dangers, the genre has produced several strong characters. Given the sheer number of movies in the genre, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my favourite films about mentors which deserve to be appreciated.

1. Dead Poets Society

Teachers are great figures that always inspired me. I remember forming strong bonds with an English teacher that motivated me to become a writer. I appreciated an English teacher making me believe there was nothing I couldn’t accomplish. A movie-buff, he became a person in whom I could confide when life became tough. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured roles teachers play as mentors that shape students’ identity as powerfully as “Dead Poets Society”. Following its release in 1989, Peter Weir’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest movie ever made about mentors. With the greatest film of his career, Weir used innovative cinematic techniques to capture inspiring teachers seeking to prepare students. Weir has always had aptitude for making inspiring movies about mentors, and “Dead Poets Society” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. Weir effectively uses montages capturing an inspiring teacher guiding his students to seize the day. For instance, the “O Captain My Captain” scene in which Keating bids farewell towards his students standing atop chairs in a classroom with nostalgia is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Robin Williams, who proved how great of an actor he once was before he tragically passed away. Ultimately, what makes “Dead Poets Society” my favourite film about mentors of all-time is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies set in boarding schools, it tackles universal themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a strong message about seizing the day which would resonate with everyone. 40 years after the release of a classic film about poetic teachers that play a pivotal role in the lives of students inspired to seize the day, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre manufacturing unforgettable films which deserve to be celebrated today.

2. Good Will Hunting

Therapists are powerful figures that shaped my identity. At an early age, I bonded with a great therapist that delivered an inspiring message. An inspirational mentor, my therapist gave me advice on how to overcome my disorder. Through his words of wisdom, I was able to overcome challenges of the education system. As someone treasuring memories of a therapist I found inspiring, I admired “Good Will Hunting”.  Released in 1997, Gus Van Sant’s Oscar-winning movie depicted therapists guiding lives of adolescents in the right direction. Gus Van Sant effectively uses naturalistic dialogue to capture the strong bonds between a therapist and adolescent. For instance, the scene where Will breaks down crying discussing his trauma with his therapist is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an exceptional performance by Matt Damon, who embodied a janitor seeking mentors. Ultimately, what makes “Good Will Hunting” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about therapists which would resonate with everyone. As strong as Will Hunting’s desire to find meaning, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre making commemorated movies about mentors which are worth celebrating.

3. Whiplash

Abusive mentors shaped my identity. At an early age, I formed strong bonds with a Math teacher that engaged in bullying causing damage. He was a cruel teacher that often enjoyed mistreating students with ridicule. Despite his relentless bullying, my teacher motivated me to achieve goals that I was pursuing. As someone treasuring fond memories of a teacher that changed students’ lives in a flash, I adored “Whiplash”. Released in 2014, Damien Chazelle’s movie captured cruel jazz music teachers engaging in bullying. Chazelle uses captivating musical montages to capture an imposing jazz instructor bullying his students. For instance, the scene in which Fletcher bullies Andrew for his inability to reach a tempo causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by J.K. Simmons, who embodied a controversial jazz music mentor. Ultimately, what makes “Whiplash” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about the importance of teachers that would resonate with everyone. Viewers don’t need to be fans of jazz music to appreciate it. As strong as Andrew’s desire to become a jazz drummer, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies about larger-than-life mentors which audiences treasure.

4. Star Wars: A New Hope

Star Wars is a spectacular science-fiction franchise that shaped my grandfather’s identity. I remember my grandfather adored a sci-fi series about galaxies in grave danger. A force to be reckoned with, he spoke fondly about a series that shaped his identity. Mentors have played a pivotal role in the franchise as figures that inspire hope, and they are most evident in the first film “Star Wars: A New Hope”. Released in 1977, George Lucas’ movie introduced the iconic franchise about mentors. Lucas uses stunning special effects to capture the strong roles that mentors play guiding jedis in galaxies far far away. For instance, the iconic Cantina scene in which Han Solo is introduced becoming an inspiring mentor for Luke in a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Harrison Ford, who created one of the most iconic mentors in cinematic history. Ultimately, what makes “Star Wars: A New Hope” a science-fiction classic is its universal appeal. Unlike most Star Wars movies, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. As powerful as the force, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has produced memorable movies which are a source of happiness rather than remorse.

5. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring

The Lord of the Rings is a fantastic fantasy series that my aunt always loved dearly. At an early age, I formed bonds with an aunt that loved a series about rings causing damage. Mentors have played inspiring roles throughout the fantasy series, and are most prominent in the first film “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring”. Released in 2001, Peter Jackson’s movie introduced the iconic franchise about magical rings on the big-screen. Jackson has always excelled at making engaging movies about mentors, and “The Fellowship of the Ring” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. For instance, the iconic scene in which Gandalf has a dilemma battling a dragon stating that it shall not pass is one of the best moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is a towering performance by Ian McKellen, who created one of the most iconic mentors in Cinema. Ultimately, what makes “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring” a magical masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a bold message about addiction which would resonate with everyone.  70 years following the publication of a famous book about hobbits carrying a ring that’s dangerous, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has made memorable movies audiences consider precious.

6. Scent of a Woman

Blindness is a complex condition rarely depicted in movies with respect. A tragic subject, blindness is seldom depicted in movies in ways which are realistic. In an industry that has often avoided depicting blindness causing destruction, its worth praising “Scent of a Woman”. Released in 1992, Martin Brest’s movie captured hardships that blind mentors go through. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Scent of a Woman” stand out is its sensitive depiction of disability. Brest effectively uses montages to capture the strong bond between a caretaker and blind mentor.  Assisted by Al Pacino is who is amazing in the lead role, Brest created a movie about blindness that’s compelling. A powerful portrait of blindness, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has made great movies raising awareness about mentors with happiness.

7. The Perks of Being a Wallflower

When it comes to the greatest books ever written about mentors that inspire wonder, it’s worth discussing The Perks of Being a Wallflower. Since its publication in 1999, Stephen Chbosky’s book has become a classic gaining recognition. In 2012, Chbosky honoured the literature in his movie “The Perks of Being a Wallflower”. Chbosky uses meaningful dialogue to capture bonds between teachers and students. For instance, the scene in which Mr. Anderson gives Charlie advice about love is one of the greatest moments of the genre. Assisted by Logan Lerman who is amazing in the lead role, Chobsky captured the role teachers play assisting teenagers with illness. A terrific adaptation of a timeless book about teens facing anxiety whose lives deteriorate, it’s a bold reminder of a genre that has made movies audiences appreciate.

8. The Devil Wears Prada

Bosses are powerful figures shaping employees’ futures. I remember working for a cruel manager that would often treat employees in a poor manner. She was a demanding person that would commonly humiliate employees which showed up late. As someone reminiscing memories of a devilish manager with nostalgia, I loved “The Devil Wears Prada”. Released in 2006, David Frankel’s movie captured a devilish manager running a fashion company. Frankel captured the fashion that defined the era through stunning costume-design. Anchored by an amazing performance by Anne Hathaway, Frankel created a film that remains a classic today. A dazzling depiction of devilish managers in fashion-design, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that has never lost abilities to shine by producing movies audiences consider to be divine.

9. Batman Begins

Batman is a beloved comic-book character that has built a strong legacy. Since creation in the 1960’s, Batman has appeared in many movies. A key aspect of the character is that he is always guided by mentors that shape his future. In 2005, Christopher Nolan honoured the comic-book character in his movie “Batman Begins”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Batman Begins” stand out is its depiction of childhood trauma. Nolan used stunning flashbacks to capture the commemorated origin story of a legendary superhero. Assisted by Christian Bale who is exceptional in the lead role, Nolan created a captivating comic-book movie with great attention to detail. As strong as Batman’s desire to save Gotham, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that has made commemorated movies which have achieved stardom.

10. The Breakfast Club

Few movies ever made about mentors creating a club are as beloved as “The Breakfast Club”. Since its release in 1985, John Hughes’ movie has become a coming-of-age classic. Hughes used montages capturing mentors seeking to discipline students in detention. Assisted by Judd Nelson who is spectacular in the lead role, Hughes created a coming-of-age classic. Although I’ve always admired the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s depiction of mentors as abusive teachers that mistreat students with cruelty has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s still a strong addition to the genre. As precious as bonds between teenagers in detention, it’s a spectacular reminder of a genre that has made commemorated movies about mentors that serve as an inspiration for youth which I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong filmmaking passion.