Someday, I want to make it big in the film industry. I want to make movies that move people, make them laugh, make them cry, or maybe even all three! But one thing I truly want to do is make movies that would make people inspired to create their own. With millions of movies out there all around the world, here are a few that inspired me.
#1. Back to the Future
The 80s cinematic masterpiece that sparked the beloved Back to the Future trilogy, it’s well remembered for its intertwined plots, cool effects (for its time), iconic characters, and funny one-liners. I never knew this movie would make it to my all-time favorites list until I saw all three on Netflix in the span of two days. The movie starts off with young teenager Marty McFly helping out his old friend Doc Brown. Now I wouldn’t want to spoil, but one thing led to another and now the two accidentally traveled back to the 50s.
How did this movie inspire me?
Two words. The plot. It’s amazing to me how complex the plot of all the movies (yes, all three Back to the Future movies) was. It amazes me too how if you missed one minute of the film, you would already be confused. Especially since it was released in a time without streaming, if you missed at least one minor detail, the only way you’d have to catch what you missed was by seeing the movie again at a cinema or waiting until the VHS releases. Also, all three movies are connected! The ending of each movie is the exact start of the next one!
#2. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
Yes, another 80s movie found its way onto my list, and for all the right reasons. Ferris Bueller is about a teenaged boy who fakes being sick just to cut class and hang out with his best friend and girlfriend. What strikes me so much about this movie is how simple the plot is, yet the storytelling keeps you laughing on your toes, and then you reach that one emotional scene in the end.
How did this movie inspire me?
Like what I said, it’s the storytelling. This movie tells the classic “cat and mouse” tale so well that it is so entertaining too. It was hilarious to see the school principal trying so hard to catch Ferris and his friends by hunting them around the whole city. Honestly, I don’t get why the Principal was so obsessed but that’s the 80s I guess. This movie also taught me a great lesson: make the most out of every day, but skipping school isn’t really the best option.
#3. The Truman Show
Now, imagine being born into a world made just for TV without you knowing your whole life. Well, that’s the premise of The Truman Show. This concept was hard for me to grasp at first, but as I kept watching the more I understood, and the more I wanted to watch it again (I watched it three times in a week). Jim Carrey plays titular character Truman in his show. His whole life was made for TV. A big town, family and friends who are just actors, and every passerby in his life are performers as well.
How did this movie inspire me?
The best thing about The Truman Show (aside from Jim Carrey) is the concept of the movie. This really gives the thought of “life is a simulation” such a strong visual experience. There were so many times where I felt so bad for Truman, I wish I could talk about it more without spoiling. So I suggest giving it a watch on Netflix, it's really a great experience!
#4. Ratatouille
For anyone who really knows me personally, you saw this coming. I stand by the great saying of “every favorite movie list has an animated film” and whoever said that is definitely correct. Ratatouille is the best Disney-Pixar movie, and I won’t be asking for opinions that say otherwise. This movie is all things delicious, fun, quirky, and loveable. What is not to love about a rat who can cook?
How did this movie inspire me?
The message. This movie preaches that “anyone can cook.” I know what you're thinking, how did a movie about cooking make me want to be a filmmaker one day? Well, it’s not the message itself, but Ratatouille inspired me to someday make a movie with a message as iconic as this Disney flick. If you say “anyone can cook” to anyone, I’m pretty sure they would get the Ratatouille reference.
#5. Hairspray
Hairspray is one of the only musical movies that I know by heart, and for all the good reasons. Hairspray is about a plus-sized teenager, Tracy Turnblad, who wants to make it big by dancing on a popular TV program back in the 60s. When she succeeds, not only does she break the big girl stereotype, but she also stands up for her new-found Black friends when she finds out about the racial injustice they’re given in the dancing TV program.
How did this movie inspire me?
One word. Everything. Not only did this movie teach me a lot of valuable lessons at such a young age, but it is also filled with catchy music numbers, memorable characters, and that feeling of “I wanna watch that again!” right after you’ve finished. I grew up watching this movie, and I’m pretty sure I’ll continue to bring this movie, and as well as the others I’ve mentioned, with me until the day I finally get to inspire others with my work too.
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