Not many genres have earned the appreciation of motivation. Since the 1980’s, stories of motivated people have often made for memorable movies. Whether it’s school teachers, jazz drummers or redemptive prisoners, the genre has created 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 motivation which deserve to be celebrated.
1. The Shawshank Redemption
Hope is something I’ve often found hard finding. As far as I remember, I’ve never been a hopeful person. Several years ago, my life hit crushing lows when I began failing classes in high school causing sorrow. Unable to cope demanding pressure posed by high school studies, I experienced anxiety. During a painful time, it was impossible for me to see bright light shining at the end of the pitch-black tunnel. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured how motivation can allow people to achieve redemption as powerfully as “The Shawshank Redemption”. Ever since its release in 1994, Frank Darabont’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest film ever made about motivation. With the greatest film of his career, Darabont used innovative cinematic techniques to capture prisoners in jail facing despair. Darabont has always excelled at making great movies about brave people that are motivated to achieve objectives in life, and “The Shawshank Redemption” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. Darabont used voice-over narration to capture the strong bonds between a pair of close inmates forming friendships in prison. For instance, the scene in which Andy miraculously manages to escape the prison causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Tim Robbins, who portrayed a prisoner with motivation to achieve redemption. Ultimately, what makes “The Shawshank Redemption” my favourite film about motivation of all-time is its universal appeal. Unlike most prison movies, it tackles themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a bold message about friends which will resonate with everyone. Nearly 30 years after the release of a groundbreaking film about inmates questioning whether they should get busy living or get busy dying developing long-lasting relationships in a frightening prison, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre manufacturing movies which deserve celebration.
2. Whiplash
Teachers don’t always treat students in compassionate manners. At an early age, I formed strong bonds with a Math teacher that had a habit of bullying causing damage. He was a cruel teacher that often enjoyed mistreating students with ridicule. Nevertheless, his controversial teaching method motivated students to achieve success. As someone haunted by a teacher that mistreated students in ways which were brash, I adored “Whiplash”. Released in 2014, Damien Chazelle’s movie captured the lives of cruel jazz music instructors. Drawing from his own personal experience, Chazelle created a powerful portrait of band teachers with a tendency for violence. For instance, the scene in which Fletcher bullies Andrew for his inability to reach a tempo causing trauma is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is a towering performance by J.K. Simmons, who embodied a frightening teacher. Ultimately, what makes “Whiplash” a musical masterpiece is its universal appeal. Viewers aren’t required to be fans of jazz music to appreciate it. The film delivers a meaningful message about teachers that would resonate with everyone. As strong as Andrew’s desire to become a successful jazz drummer, it’s a melodious reminder of an astonishing genre that has manufactured great movies about the power of motivation which audiences treasure.
3. The Pursuit of Happiness
Fathers shape children’s futures. As far as I remember, I have always shared bonds with my father. A role model, he motivated me to achieve dreams that I am pursuing. I appreciate sacrifices he has made in business in order to ensure my pursuit of happiness. As someone treasuring fond memories of a father in the pursuit of happiness, I adored “The Pursuit of Happiness”. Released in 2006, Gabriele Muccino’s movie captured dedicated fathers. Muccino uses captivating montages to capture a father working hard in business to ensure his son’s happiness. For instance, the final scene in which Chris receives the joyous news that he has been hired for his job by a renowned company in media is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Will Smith, who embodied a father seeking to ensure his son’s bright future. Ultimately, what makes “The Pursuit of Happiness” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Viewers aren’t required to be familiar with stockbrokers to appreciate it. The film delivers a meaningful message about fatherhood which would resonate with everyone. As strong as Chris’ pursuit of happiness, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured movies contributing towards greater awareness of sacrifices that are made by parents in business.
4. Dead Poets Society
Teachers are inspiring figures that shaped my identity. I remember forming bonds with an English teacher that inspired me to become a great writer. I grew up to cherish a great English teacher making me believe there was nothing that I couldn’t accomplish. As someone treasuring fond memories of a teacher that shaped my identity, I appreciated “Dead Poets Society”. Released in 1989, Peter Weir’s movie captured friendships between friends in boarding schools. Weir has always had an aptitude for making movies about education systems in danger, and “Dead Poets Society” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. For instance, the “O Captain My Captain” scene in which Keating bids farewell to students by standing atop chairs in class with nostalgia is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is Robin Williams, who proved how great of an actor he once was before he passed away. Ultimately, what makes “Dead Poets Society” a classic is its message. The film delivers a bold message about teachers which resonates with everyone. A powerful portrait of teachers motivating students to seize the day, it’s a great reminder of a commemorated genre manufacturing timeless movies which deserve to be celebrated today.
5. A Beautiful Mind
Schizophrenia is a complex disorder that always fascinated my teacher. In high school, I formed strong bonds with a psychology professor interested in a disorder which was cruel. He always sought to educate students about an illness causing lives to deteriorate. As someone recalling a teacher fascinated with a disorder affecting the mind, I adored “A Beautiful Mind”. Released in 2001, Ron Howard’s biopic depicted the life of Schizophrenic mathematician John Nash. Howard used stunning unreliable narration to capture the motivation of a troubled mathematician. For instance, the scene in which John Nash faces a breakdown when he realizes that his roommate is a figment of his imagination causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance from Russell Crowe, capturing mathematician that achieved fame years ago. Ultimately, what makes “A Beautiful Mind” a beautiful masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a heartbreaking message about mental health which would resonate with everyone. A bold tribute towards a motivated mathematician with a beautiful mind, it’s a bold reminder of a genre that has made one-of-a-kind movies leaving a lasting legacy behind.
6. The Martian
The Martian is a beloved science-fiction book about motivation that has built a great reputation. Since its publication in 2011, Andy Weir’s book has become a literary classic. In 2015, Ridley Scott celebrated the book about space survival in his movie “The Martian”. Unlike most movies in the survival genre, what makes “The Martian” stand out is its sharp sense of humour. Scott effectively uses humour to capture a brave astronaut seeking to survive a disastrous planet. It’s refreshing to come across humour in a genre that has always followed a serious tone. Assisted by Matt Damon who is fantastic in the lead role, Scott created a powerful space survival epic. As strong as Mark Whatney’s desire to survive a planet, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has achieved a following by making movies which are impossible to forget.
7. The King’s Speech
Motivation has often played a pivotal role in the royal family. King George V is a political leader that was motivated to overcome disability. A troubled leader, George V suffered from severe speech impediments. In 2010, Tom Hooper honoured the iconic political leader with speech disabilities in his movie “The King’s Speech”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The King’s Speech” stand out is its depiction of speech impediments. Hooper uses captivating montages capturing a royal figure that suffered from speech disabilities that are frightening. Assisted by Colin Firth who is amazing in the lead role, Hooper honoured the king’s legacy. As strong as King George V’s desire to overcome speech disabilities that are frightening, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre manufacturing memorable movies which are worth celebrating.
8. Jerry Maguire
Motivation is a characteristic that’s required to succeed in the sales profession. Sales agents are often required to be motivated to achieve sales objectives they have targeted. The role that motivation plays in the lives of sales agents people admire is beautifully depicted in the film “Jerry Maguire”. Released in 1996, Cameron Crowe’s movie depicted motivated sales agents. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Jerry Maguire” stand out is its depiction of sales agents. Crowe uses captivating montages capturing hardships motivated sales agents are facing. Assisted by Tom Cruise who is amazing in the lead role, Crowe created a captivating sales comedy. As powerful as sales achieved by Jerry Maguire, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies that audiences admire.
9. Hidden Figures
When it comes to the most inspiring women in NASA’s space history, it’s worth discussing the hidden figures. During the 1960’s, three African-American women participated in NASA’s space program. The motivated women broke barriers of colour to become historic figures. In 2016, Theodore Melfi honoured the hidden figures in his movie “Hidden Figures”. What makes “Hidden Figures” stand out in the space genre is its empowering depiction of women. Melfi uses captivating montages to capture obstacles black women working for NASA in the 1960’s were facing. Accompanied by Taraji P. Henson who is excellent, Melfi honoured hidden figures in history. A heartfelt tribute towards African-American women that participated in NASA, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has made movies attracting audiences to the Cinema.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/The-Blind-Side-b50958df6bc54ba28275e1b1cb510bf9.jpg)
10. The Blind Side
Few movies ever made about motivation pushing people aside are as beloved as “The Blind Side”. Released in 2009, John Lee Hancock’s movie honoured a real-life football player that overcame adversity. Hancock used captivating montages capturing a football player facing a troubled upbringing. Assisted by Sandra Bullock who is exceptional in the lead role, Hancock created a drama. Although I admired the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s depiction of a white women saving a black football player from poverty has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. As strong as Michael Oher’s desire to overcome poverty, it’s a bold reminder of a genre that has made great movies about people motivated to conquer adversity which I will forever treasure for inspiring me to turn my dreams of film criticism into reality.
The Film Buff 