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 relationships with an English teacher that motivated me to become a strong writer. I once admired 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 bold reminder of a genre making unforgettable films which deserve to be celebrated absolutely today.
2. Batman Begins
Batman is a celebrated superhero that my brother always appreciated. At an early age, I formed strong bonds with a brother admiring a superhero with courage. I remember my brother was once a huge fan of the caped crusader whom he would treasure. Mentors have always played a crucial role in guiding the caped crusader in saving cities from disaster. In 2005, Christopher Nolan honoured the iconic orphan superhero in his movie “Batman Begins”. Nolan used captivating flashbacks capturing the troubled childhood of a hero losing his parents at an early age. For instance, the scene in which Bruce is trained by the League of Shadows seeking to prepare for warfare causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Christian Bale, who embodied an iconic orphan superhero. Ultimately, what makes “Batman Begins” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most Batman movies, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a meaningful message about childhood trauma which would resonate with everyone. A captivating tribute towards a caped superhero, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre making movies giving audiences dreams to commonly always follow.
3. 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 absolutely celebrating.
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. At an early age, I formed strong bonds with an aunt that loved a series about rings causing damage. Drawn to rings that were dangerous, she loved a famous fantasy series he considered precious. Mentors have always played a pivotal role in the series. In 2001, Peter Jackson honoured the fantasy series about rings in his movie “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring”. Jackson used compelling world-building to recreate the magical world of J.R.R. Tolkien’s legendary literature. 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 portrayed a legendary character with strong dedication. Ultimately, what makes “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring” a great literary adaptation is its message. The film delivers a heartbreaking message about dangers of obsession which would resonate with everyone. 70 years following the publication of a legendary fantasy book about adventurous hobbits carrying a ring that’s dangerous, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has made unforgettable movies honouring timeless literature which audiences commonly consider extremely precious.
5. Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back
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 always played a pivotal role in a series about heroes that are back, and they are most evident in the sequel “Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back”. Released in 1980, George Lucas’ movie offered a powerful portrait of mentors guiding Jedis towards victory. Lucas uses stunning special effects to capture the strong roles that mentors play guiding jedis in galaxies far far away. For instance, the scene in which Yoda is first introduced seeking to prepare Luke for warfare causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Frank Oz, who embodied a wise mentor seeking to guide Jedis in the galaxy. Ultimately, what makes “The Empire Strikes Back” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most Star Wars movies, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a meaningful message about fatherhood which would resonate with everyone. As precious as the Empire, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies about mentors which audiences commonly admire.
6. Creed
Rocky Balboa is a legendary mentor in cinematic history that has built a lasting legacy. Since his introduction in the 1970’s, Sylvester Stallone’s boxer has become an inspirational mentor. With his strong presence, charismatic personality and physical strength, Rocky has built a legacy. In 2015, Ryan Coogler honoured the iconic boxer with a strong drive to succeed in his movie “Creed”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Creed” stand out is its depiction of boxing. Coogler uses captivating montages capturing a mentor training a boxer towards victories. Assisted by Sylvester Stallone who is extraordinary in the lead role, Coogler honoured Rocky’s legacy. As strong as Creed’s desire to become a successful boxer, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies which audiences commonly treasure.
7. 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 commonly divine.
8. The Holdovers
Movies rarely ever depict the personal issues of professors. Hollywood has often glamorized the teaching profession without showcasing professors’ tension. Films rarely capture the dark side of a job that comes with a sacrifice. In a genre ignoring struggles of teachers, it’s worth praising “The Holdovers”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Holdovers” stand out is its refreshing honesty. Released in 2023, Alexander Payne’s movie depicted issues faced by a grumpy history teacher. Payne uses stunning montages to capture a teacher struggling taking care of students causing pain. Assisted by Paul Giamatti who is exceptional in the lead role, Payne created a compelling portrait of teachers. A phenomenal portrait of inspirational teachers that impact children’s fate, it’s a bold reminder of a genre that audiences commonly appreciate.
9. 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 tremendous happiness.
10. Whiplash
Few movies ever made about mentors that change lives 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 mentors 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 a mentor abusing his authority treating students with cruelty has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. As strong as Andrew’s love for jazz music, it’s a fantastic reminder of a genre making commemorated movies about heroic mentors which I will forever treasure for inspiring me to achieve dreams of becoming a film critic.
The Film Buff 