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Writer's pictureTara Lennox

Movies That Influenced My Perspective

Movies have impact because they tell stories that can influence how we think and feel. They can give us opportunities to ponder new ideas, reflect social issues, and sometimes change public opinion. Also, since many people watch movies, they have a wide reach and can make a big impression. I love them!


Here are a 12 of my favs:


Thelma & Louise (1991) is a movie about two friends, Thelma and Louise, who go on a road trip that turns into a run from the law after Louise shoots a man to protect Thelma. Their journey evolves into a quest for freedom and self-discovery, challenging social norms along the way. Heart warming all day long.

“…no matter what happens, I’m glad I came with you.”


Forrest Gump (1994) is about a guy named Forrest who, despite his simplicity, experiences incredible adventures and meets historical figures. He just lives his life following his heart, and somehow everything works out. The moral is about staying true to yourself, the randomness of life, and how kindness and love go a long way.

“Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.”


The Shawshank Redemption (1994) is a movie about hope. It tells the story of Andy Dufresne, who spends 19 years in prison but never gives up. His determination and ability to develop relationships with people leads to his escape from Shawshank Prison. The film shows the importance of keeping faith and trying hard in life, summed up in the line, "Get busy living, or get busy dying." It's a life-changing movie and a must-watch. I re-watch it often.

“Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies.”


Seven Years in Tibet (1997) is about an Austrian mountaineer, who ends up in Tibet during World War II and befriends the young Dalai Lama. The film shows how their friendship transforms him from an arrogant man into a more compassionate and understanding person. This journey through the movie teaches us about the power of friendship, understanding different cultures, and the personal growth that comes from self-reflection and humility. So good.

“We have a saying in Tibet: If a problem can be solved there is no use worrying about it. If it can’t be solved, worrying will do no good.”


The Truman Show (1998) is about a guy named Truman Burbank whose whole life is actually a TV show, but he doesn't know it. Everyone he knows is an actor, and his town is a big TV set. When he figures it out, he tries to escape and live a real life. The big takeaway is that being free and true to yourself is super important, especially in a world that can be pretty fake. 

“We accept the reality of the world with which we’re presented. It’s as simple as that.”


The Green Mile (1999) is about a prison guard who meets an unusual inmate, John Coffey, on death row. Despite being convicted of a horrible crime, Coffey shows he has a special healing power and a gentle nature. This creates doubt about Coffey's guilt within the prison guards. For me and so many others, this movie reflects the importance of kindness and understanding and also highlights the flaws in the justice system. Heartbreaking film.

“I’m tired boss…mostly I’m tired of people being ugly to each other. I’m tired of all the pain I feel and hear in the world everyday. There’s too much of it. It’s like pieces of glass in my head all the time.”


Fight Club (1999) is about a guy who's fed up with his mundane life and creates an underground club for bare-knuckle fighting as a way to feel alive. He teams up with a charismatic salesman who is free spirited to a fault. Things spiral out of control as their club grows into a massive movement. The movie digs into themes like consumerism, looking at one’s path, and the need for meaningful connections. It's a wake-up call of how we can lose ourselves in materialism along the way.

“It’s only after we’ve lost everything that we’re free to do anything.”


Pay It Forward (2000) is about a young kid who comes up with a simple idea for his social studies project: do something nice for three people without asking for anything back, except that they do the same for three others. Cool right?! His idea starts to spread, changing lives and sparking a far-reaching wave of kindness. The movie is all about how one good deed can create a ripple effect and make a big difference. Please insert goosebumps here! Great flick.

“What did you ever do to change the world?”


The Lord of the Rings (2001-2003) is a trilogy that follows a young hobbit, Frodo, as he embarks on a journey to destroy a powerful ring sought by the dark lord. He ventures with diverse group of allies, who face numerous challenges and battles against evil forces to prevent the destruction of Middle-earth. The story highlights themes of courage, friendship, and the struggle between good and evil, and reminds us that even the smallest individuals can make a significant difference in the world. And the special effects… wow!

“There’s some good in this world, Mr. Frodo, and it’s worth fighting for.”

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The Last Samurai (2003) is a movie about an American soldier who goes to Japan to train soldiers. He gets captured by samurai warriors and learns to respect and love their culture and values. Over time, he becomes close to the samurai and even fights alongside them as they try to preserve their way of life against modern changes. The movie oozes themes of honor and reminds us of the struggle between old traditions and new ways. Where is the balance?

“The perfect blossom is a rare thing. You could spend your life looking for one, and it would not be a wasted life.”


Slumdog Millionaire (2008) is a movie about a young man from the slums of Mumbai who gets a chance to win a fortune on a game show. As he answers each question, his life's story unfolds, showing how his past experiences helped him know the answers. It's a tale of love, destiny, and resilience. Such a unique approach to a movie and I freaking loved it.

“Jamal: Run away with me.

Latika: And live on what?

Jamal: Love…”


Life of Pi (2012) is about a man from India telling his story of surviving a shipwreck at 16, losing his family, and being stuck in the ocean with a tiger. The film asks you to think: do you see things as they are, or do you believe in miracles? To me, this movie focused on faith, how to mentally deal with challenges that life throws at us. It is a journey of survival and faith. I also read the book and it is one of the only books I have read that made me cry.

“Hunger can change everything you thought you knew about yourself.”


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