My Favourite Sally Field Films

Few actresses have made films that have appealed to audiences like Sally Field. Since the 1980’s, Field has become a feminist icon. Whether it’s caring mothers, dreamy lovers or bold union workers, Field has played several strong characters. Given the sheer number of films she has made, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my picks for the best movies made by an actress that deserves to be celebrated.

1. Forrest Gump

Intellectual disability has impacted my identity. At an early age, my life forever changed when I was diagnosed with Autism causing damage. I remember feeling a sense of terror when I was diagnosed with a disability that put my life in grave danger. During a dark time when all hope appeared to be lost, my mother gave me the strength to cope. Through her inspiring words of wisdom, I was able to overcome the challenges posed by Autism. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured intellectual disabilities that cause a bump in the lives of individuals as powerfully as “Forrest Gump”. Ever since its release in 1994, Sally Field’s movie has stood the test of time as a classic audiences adore. In the greatest role of her career, Field embodied a compassionate mother taking care of a son facing intellectual disability that’s a burden to bear. Field has always been one of those actresses with an aptitude for conveying strong emotions through her body language, and “Forrest Gump” showcased her strengths as a performer. Working alongside Tom Hanks who is also amazing, Field created a portrait of intellectual disability that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in Mrs. Gump gives Forrest valuable advice about life before her devastating death causing despair is one of the greatest moments of the actress’ career. Ultimately, what makes “Forrest Gump” Sally Field’s greatest movie is its message. The film delivers a heartwarming message about intellectual disability that would resonate with everyone. Unlike most movies about intellectual disabilities, it tackles themes that everyone would relate to. Nearly 30 years following the release of a classic film about war veterans recounting with nostalgia memories of growing up in Alabama, its a strong reminder of a celebrated actress with charisma whose timeless movies attract audiences to the Cinema.

2. Norma Rae

It’s always challenging to face injustice in the workplace. At an early age, I formed strong bonds with a female co-worker that would protest injustice in the workplace. A feminist without a doubt, she was never afraid to speak out about issues she was passionate about. She argued that women deserved equal pay in every way. As someone treasuring a female co-worker that shaped my life in a huge way, I adored “Norma Rae”. Released in 1979, Sally Field’s Oscar-winning movie offered an engaging depiction of strong women protesting injustice in the workplace. In the most courageous role of her career, Field embodies a strong woman that overcomes fear to protest injustice of unions that are a heavy burden to bear. With “Norma Rae”, the actress took a step out of her comfort zone by playing a strong feminist. For instance, the scene in which Norma Rae holds up a union sign that stuns her co-workers in the factory showcased the actress at her best. Ultimately, what makes “Norma Rae” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a profound message about injustice that remains relevant today. Unlike most movies made during the 1970’s, it tackles strong themes everyone would relate to. As strong as Norma Rae’s desire for equal pay, it’s a breathtaking reminder about an actress whose commemorated movies deserve to be celebrated today.

3. Mrs. Doubtfire

Housekeepers have always helped my family. At an early age, I formed a strong bond with a housekeeper giving an inspiring message. A dedicated housemaid, she was always devoted to doing her job regardless of how much money she was paid. A person that my family came to adore, she would pour her soul into every chore. As someone treasuring fond memories of a housekeeper that I grew up to admire, I adored “Mrs. Doubtfire”. Released in 1993, Sally Field’s movie captured housekeepers assisting families. In the most comical role of her career, Field embodies a woman that hires a housekeeper to take care of children that are a burden to bear. With “Mrs. Doubtfire”, the actress showcased aptitude for comedy that audiences hadn’t seen before. Working alongside Robin Williams who is also hilarious, Field showcased her aptitude for comedy. For instance, the scene in which Miranda discovers that her husband has been disguised as the hired housekeeper about whom she was unaware is one of the best moments of the actress’ career. Ultimately, what makes “Mrs. Doubtfire” a great movie is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about housemaids that will resonate with everyone. As unforgettable as chores performed by Mrs. Doubtfire, it’s a strong reminder of an actress whose commemorated movies audiences admire.

4. Lincoln

Abraham Lincoln is a powerful president that my grandfather has always regarded with affection. At an early age, I formed a strong bond with a grandfather that admired a president delivering an inspiring message. I recall a grandpa that appreciated a president which changed America. As someone treasuring grandfather that adored Abraham Lincoln, I loved “Lincoln”. Released in 2012, Sally Field’s Oscar-winning biopic honoured the legacy of a president that’s iconic. In the most political role of her career, Field embodied a woman that comes to care about a president to whom she is married. Field has always had an aptitude for showcasing emotions through monologues, and “Lincoln” showcased her strengths. For instance, the scene in which Mary Todd Lincoln engages in a tense argument with her husband showcased the actress at her best. Ultimately, what makes “Lincoln” a great biopic is its universal appeal. Unlike most biopics, it strikes a fine balance between entertainment and educational value. Viewer’s don’t need to be familiar with American history to appreciate it. A powerful tribute towards a prestigious president, it’s a riveting reminder of a fantastic actress that has made memorable movies providing strong entertainment.

5. The Amazing Spider-Man

Spider-Man is a superhero that shaped my teacher’s identity. Several years ago, I formed bonds with a teacher that appreciated the web-swinging superhero. A comic-book nerd, he spoke fondly about a superhero that made him feel heard. He would speak fondly about a hero whose great powers came with great responsibility. In 2012, Sally Field celebrated the web-swinging superhero in her film “The Amazing Spider-Man”. In the most caring role of her career, Field embodied the mother of the superhero carrying a heavy burden to bear. Field is one of those actresses that has always excelled at playing mothers, and “The Amazing Spider-Man” showcased her strengths. For instance, the scene in which Aunt May criticizes Peter after he comes home late from work is one of the most memorable moments of the actress’ career. Ultimately, what makes “The Amazing Spider-Man” an amazing comic-book movie is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about loss which would resonate with everyone. An amazing tribute towards an inspiring hero, it’s a strong reminder of an actress whose movies give audiences dreams to follow.

6. Steel Magnolias

Diabetes is a devastating disease that is rarely depicted accurately in movies. Hollywood has rarely captured harsh realities of a disease that’s misunderstood. In an industry ignoring a disease causing trauma, it’s worth praising “Steel Magnolias”. Released in 1989, Sally Field’s movie captured a disease causing lives to decline. In the most tragic role of her career, Field embodies a woman seeking to care for a diabetic daughter facing a burden to bear. It’s a role that gave Field a chance to showcase her strength for playing strong women. Working alongside Julia Roberts who is also excellent, Field painted a powerful portrait of diabetes. A devastating depiction of families impacted by diabetes, it’s a dazzling reminder of a commemorated actress that thrived portraying women with larger-than-life personalities in memorable movies.

7. Sybil

When it comes to people that suffered from multiple personalities that are painful, it’s worth discussing Sybil. During the 1970’s, Shirley Mason was a mentally disturbed woman that suffered from multiple personalities. She built a lasting legacy by raising awareness for mental health. In 1976, Sally Field did an extraordinary job of portraying the woman with multiple personalities in her movie “Sybil”. In the most psychotic role of her career, Field embodies a disturbed woman facing a burden to bear. Field has spent most of her career playing likeable heroines. With “Sybil”, however, she showcased complex emotions she hadn’t shown in her career before. Nearly 40 years after Sybil suffered from multiple personalities causing consequences that were painful, it’s a powerful reminder of an actress whose movies audiences consider special.

8. Places in the Heart

Sally Field is one of those actresses that has always excelled at playing powerful feminist characters. During her career, Field built an image for playing strong women with courage. Field’s strength for playing strong women that hold a precious place in the heart is evident in her film “Places in the Heart”. Released in 1984, Sally Field’s movie depicted a strong woman struggling to raise her family. In the most emotional role of her career, Field embodies a woman struggling to care for her family following the death of her husband causing despair. It’s a role that gave Field the opportunity to showcase her aptitude for playing strong women. A powerful portrait of grief tearing lives of families apart, it’s a fantastic reminder of an actress dedicated towards art whose movies have always held a precious place in every movie-goer’s heart.

9. Hello, My Name is Doris

Aging is a painful process causing seniors to face stress. As far back as I remember, I’ve always shared a bond with my grandfather. However, aging brought our bond to a closure. After he reached an age of retirement, our relationship became distant. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured the consequences of aging as powerfully as “Hello, My Name is Doris”. Released in 2015, Sally Field’s movie offered a heartfelt glimpse at tensions seniors face. In the most mature role of her career, Field embodies an aging woman forming a romantic affair with a younger man that’s a burden to bear. It’s a role that gave the actress a chance to showcase a sense of wisdom she hadn’t shown in her career before. A powerful portrait of hardships that aging seniors face, it’s a riveting reminder of an actress whose timeless movies audiences embrace.

10. The Amazing Spider-Man 2

Sally Field hasn’t always made great movies. While most films the actress has made have earned appreciation, a few have fallen short of expectations. Unfortunately, “The Amazing Spider-Man 2” falls into the latter category of disappointing movies. Released in 2014, Marc Webb’s comic-book blockbuster was a disaster. In the most forgettable role of her career, Field embodied the mother of a superhero. Field brought wisdom to Aunt May proving to be the bright spot of a bad movie. Although “The Amazing Spider-Man 2” is anything but amazing, it’s still a riveting reminder about an actress that’s enduring. As amazing as webs Spider-Man is spinning, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actress that has built a lasting legacy whose groundbreaking movies I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong love of filmmaking.