Not many genres have built a legacy as strong as overcoming adversity. Since the 1990’s, stories of people overcoming odds have made for great movies. Whether it’s professors, genocide survivors or leaders, the genre has created several 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 overcoming odds that deserve to be appreciated.
1. A Beautiful Mind
Schizophrenia is a dark disorder that fascinated my teacher. I fondly recall with nostalgia memories of a teacher that was fascinated with Schizophrenia. In high school, I formed a strong bond with a psychology professor that was interested in dark disorders that were cruel. He often sought to educate his students about grim illness causing minds of people to deteriorate. Fascinated with a disorder affecting the mind, my teacher was determined to leave a lasting legacy behind. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured how a mental disorder can impact the mind as powerfully as “A Beautiful Mind”. Ever since its release in 2001, Ron Howard’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest film ever made about overcoming adversity. With the greatest film of his career, Howard used innovative cinematic techniques to capture the turmoil of a real-life mathematician that faced despair. Howard has always had an aptitude for making great movies about the lives of geniuses with an intelligent nature, and “A Beautiful Mind” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. For instance, the scene in which John Nash experiences a nervous breakdown when he realizes that his roommate Charles Herman is a figment of his imagination causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Russell Crowe, who embodies a mathematician that faced sorrow years ago. Ultimately, what makes “A Beautiful Mind” my favourite film about overcoming adversity of all-time is its universal appeal. Viewers don’t need to be familiar with John Nash’s commemorated theories to appreciate it. The film delivers a profound message about mental illness which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 30 years following the release of a classic film about a brilliant mathematician with a beautiful mind, it’s a breathtaking reminder about a one-of-a-kind genre that has manufactured commemorated movies commonly leaving a lasting legacy behind.
2. Dead Poets Society
Teachers are inspiring figures that shaped my identity. I remember forming bonds with an English teacher that inspired me to overcome odds stacked against my favour. 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 students overcoming odds in boarding schools. Weir has always had an aptitude for making movies about heroes overcoming odds against their favour, 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 genre manufacturing timeless movies which deserve appreciation today.
3. Hidden Figures
NASA is a space program that always fascinated my grandfather. I fondly recall with nostalgia memories of a grandpa liking NASA. My grandfather would always treasure mathematicians that worked for the space program changing the world forever. He grew up to embrace movies that would capture the space race. As someone treasuring a grandfather that adored NASA figures, I appreciated “Hidden Figures”. Released in 2017, Theodore Melfi’s movie captured black women that overcame adversity to achieve space mission victories. Melfi used captivating montages capturing hardships black women in NASA’s space program were facing. For instance, the scene in which Katharine delivers an emotional monologue about having to run to the bathroom every day causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Taraji P. Henson, who portrayed a renowned black mathematician. Ultimately, what makes “Hidden Figures” a historical masterpiece is its universal appeal. Viewers aren’t required to be familiar with NASA’s space program history to appreciate it. The film delivers a bold message about racism which would resonate with everyone. A powerful tribute to black women in NASA’s space race, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has made movies which audiences commonly embrace.
4. 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 competitive business.
5. The Shawshank Redemption
Hope is something I’ve always found challenging finding. Several years ago, my life hit crushing lows when I began failing classes in school causing sorrow. Unable to cope with pressure posed by high school studies, I experienced intense anxiety. As someone that witnessed a lack of hope in a tense situation without redemption, I adored “The Shawshank Redemption”. Released in 1994, Frank Darabont’s movie captured hopeful prisoners seeking to survive in a prison causing catastrophe. Darabont has always had an aptitude for demonstrating emotions through voice-over narration, and his strengths as a filmmaker are evident in “The Shawshank Redemption”. For instance, the scene in which Red narrates his harrowing memories of the time when Andy escapes the prison causing a dilemma is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Tim Robbins, who embodied a hopeful inmate overcoming adversity. Ultimately, what makes “The Shawshank Redemption” a timeless classic is its appeal. Unlike most prison movies, it tackles themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a meaningful message about hope which would resonate with everyone. As strong as Andy’s desire for redemption, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that deserves immense worldwide appreciation.
6. 12 Years a Slave
Stories of slaves overcoming adversity are rare in history. Slaves often faced terrible circumstances rarely ever overcoming odds during a dark time in American history. In 2013, Steve McQueen captured a rare slave that overcame odds through bravery in his movie “12 Years a Slave”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “12 Years a Slave” stand out is its depiction of slavery. McQueen uses captivating montages capturing hardships that a slave mistreated on plantations is facing. Assisted by Chiwetel Ejiofor who is extraordinary in the lead role, McQueen created a captivating slavery movie. Centuries after Solomon Northup faced slavery leading his life to deteriorate, it’s a strong reminder of a commemorated genre making unforgettable movies about individuals overcoming adversity that hasn’t lost abilities to commonly captivate.
7. Slumdog Millionaire
Orphans that face trauma are commonly found in India. India has built an image of being a country where children are commonly born in an orphanage. The heavy burden faced by orphans that experience despair in India is beautifully depicted in the movie “Slumdog Millionaire”. Released in 2008, Danny Boyle’s movie depicted the lives of orphans in India.Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Slumdog Millionaire” stand out is its depiction of India. Boyle uses captivating real-life locations in India to capture a country where orphans face adversity. Assisted by Dev Patel who is amazing in the lead role, Boyle created a powerful portrait of trauma. A profound portrait of trauma faced by orphans in India, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured great movies attracting audiences to the modern-day Cinema.
8. The King’s Speech
When it comes to the most beloved figures in the royal family, it’s worth discussing King George V. A troubled leader, George V suffered from severe speech impediments affecting his ability to guide the country. 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 making memorable movies which are worth absolutely celebrating.
9. Good Will Hunting
Therapists are towering figures that shaped my identity. When I was diagnosed with anxiety, I began seeing a therapist that taught me how to overcome adversity. Through his wisdom, I overcame challenges posed by Autism. As someone treasuring a therapist I found inspiring, I adored “Good Will Hunting”. Released in 1997, Gus Van Sant’s movie depicted therapists. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Good Will Hunting” stand out is its depiction of therapy. Gun Van Sant used naturalistic dialogue to create a meaningful therapist relationship. Assisted by Matt Damon who is extraordinary, Gus Van Sant created a compelling therapist depiction. As strong as Will Hunting’s desire to find meaning, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured memorable movies which are worth celebrating.
10. Forrest Gump
Few movies ever made about individuals overcoming a bump in their lives are as beloved as “Forrest Gump”. Released in 1994, Robert Zemeckis’ movie captured a man with intellectual disability overcoming adversity. Zemeckis used narration to capture a disabled man facing tension. Assisted by Tom Hanks who is extraordinary in the lead role, Zemeckis created a captivating movie. Although I admired the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s unrealistic depiction of a man overcoming his disability has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. As precious as Forrest Gump’s box of chocolate, it’s a great reminder of a commemorated genre that has made strong movies about individuals overcoming unfortunate adversity which I will forever treasure for inspiring my love of filmmaking I commonly appreciate.
The Film Buff 