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 role models which deserve to be appreciated.
1. Dead Poets Society
Teachers are great figures that always inspired me. I recall forming a strong bond with an English teacher with wisdom that motivated me to become a writer. I appreciated an English teacher that made me believe that there was nothing in the world I couldn’t accomplish. A movie-buff, he became a person in whom I could easily confide when life became tough. Acting as an inspirational role model, he made me believe that my dreams were attainable. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured the roles teachers play as role models as powerfully as “Dead Poets Society”. Ever since its release in 1989, Peter Weir’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest film ever made about role models. 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 sadly passed away. Ultimately, what makes “Dead Poets Society” my favourite film about role models of all-time is its bold appeal. Unlike most movies set in boarding schools, it tackles bold themes that everyone would relate to. 40 years after the release of a classic film about teachers that play a role in lives of students seizing the day, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre 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 role model, 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 role models. 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 absolutely celebrating.
3. The Hunger Games
The Hunger Games is a legendary book about role models that my cousin always loved dearly. I remember forming strong bonds with a cousin that loved a book series he considered to be iconic literature. A huge fan of Katniss Everdeen, he always spoke fondly about a book series that became a pivotal part of his routine. In 2012, Gary Ross honoured the iconic book about competitive games in his movie “The Hunger Games”. Ross used captivating montages capturing hardships that a teenager living in an impoverished district of society is facing. For instance, the scene in which Katniss seeks guidance from Haymitch about how to conquer games causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance from Jennifer Lawrence, who embodied a teenage girl seeking inspirational role models. Ultimately, what makes “The Hunger Games” a captivating classic is its universal appeal. Viewers aren’t required to be fans of the famous book series to appreciate it. It delivers a meaningful message about government corruption which would resonate with everyone. As strong as arrows used by Katniss Everdeen, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre making unforgettable movies that deserve to be seen on big-screen.
4. 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. Role models 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 universal appeal. Viewers aren’t required to be fans of the famous fantasy book to appreciate it. 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 producing memorable movies that audiences consider extremely precious.
5. 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. Role models 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 role models 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 evoke happiness rather than remorse.
6. The Chronicles of Narnia: the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
Narnia is a beloved book series that shaped my persona. I grew up to adore a book series about magical lions caring for orphans with a loud roar. Role models have always played a pivotal role in the book series. In 2005, Andrew Adamson honoured the series about a magical wardrobe in his movie “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Chronicles of Narnia” stand out is its depiction of siblings. Adamson used montages capturing hardships that siblings seeking role models in a magical world are experiencing. Assisted by Tilda Swinton who is amazing in the lead role, Adamson honoured a beloved children’s book about orphans. As strong as Aslan’s roar, it’s a riveting reminder of commemorated genre making great movies which audiences commonly adore.
7. Judas and the Black Messiah
Fred Hampton is a legendary political figure that has built a lasting legacy. During the 1960’s, Hampton was an African-American role model that fought racism. In 2021, Shaka King honoured the iconic political leader that changed America in his movie “Judas and the Black Messiah”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Judas and the Black Messiah” stand out is its depiction of racism. King uses captivating montages capturing hardships that a black political leader during the segregation era was facing. Assisted by Daniel Kaluuya who is sensational in the lead role, King honoured an iconic role model in America. 60 years after Fred Hampton became an African-American political leader that’s powerful, it’s a remarkable reminder of a commemorated genre that has made memorable movies audiences consider extremely special.
8. The Perks of Being a Wallflower
When it comes to the greatest books ever written about role models 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 commonly appreciate.
9. Short Term 12
Role models are often common in mental hospitals. Foster care workers that seek to care for troubled teenagers in mental hospitals often serve as role models. The positive impact that role models have on teens facing short-term trauma in mental hospitals is beautifully depicted in the movie “Short Term 12”. Released in 2013, Destin Daniel Cretton’s movie captured mental hospitals. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Short Term 12” stand out is its depiction of foster care. Cretton uses montages capturing foster care workers seeking to care for youth. Assisted by Brie Larson who is amazing in the lead role, Cretton created a captivating drama. A powerful portrait of foster care workers seeking to assist teens facing despair, it’s a bold reminder of a genre making unforgettable movies about which audiences commonly care.
10. Whiplash
Few movies ever made about role models that change people’s lives change in a flash are as beloved as “Whiplash”. Released in 2014, Damien Chazelle’s movie captured the life of a jazz drummer facing tragedy. Chazelle used captivating montages capturing hardships a jazz band student abused by teachers is facing. Assisted by Miles Teller who is exceptional in the lead role, Chazelle created a captivating musical drama. Although I admired the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s negative depiction of role models that abuse their power treating students with cruelty has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. As strong as Andrew’s desire to become a musician, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre making great movies about role models serving as an inspiration which I will forever treasure for inspiring my filmmaking passion.
The Film Buff 