I am passionate about films with strong female leads, and stories of women who work to get themselves out of difficult situations. It is difficult for me to choose my "favorite" movies, but these films are included in my top choices. Movies that leave me with a strong emotional response, or lead me to question the ethics of my actions or of society's actions generally inspire me most.
Movie Choice of 2013-2014
Begin Again (2014)
"You're only as strong as your next move."
Begin Again combines the stories of an executive producer and an upcoming singer-songwriter as they search for new zest in life in Manhattan. Keira Knightley and Mark Ruffalo are stellar actors and their refreshing chemistry creates a winning storyline. I particularly loved this movie because it isn't your typical romance story, and it involves music and the culture of New York City. The soundtrack, acting, and location really bring the story alive.
I compare this movie to a modern day "The Notebook," and would recommend it to anyone looking for a great movie to watch with a date, friend, or solo on a weekend night. Romantic comedies are usually not on the lists of the top cinematic masterpieces of the past century, but I can always rely on them for a pick me up on a rainy day. The boy and the girl and the comedic situations they encounter only get better as the times pass.
Begin Again combines the stories of an executive producer and an upcoming singer-songwriter as they search for new zest in life in Manhattan. Keira Knightley and Mark Ruffalo are stellar actors and their refreshing chemistry creates a winning storyline. I particularly loved this movie because it isn't your typical romance story, and it involves music and the culture of New York City. The soundtrack, acting, and location really bring the story alive.
I compare this movie to a modern day "The Notebook," and would recommend it to anyone looking for a great movie to watch with a date, friend, or solo on a weekend night. Romantic comedies are usually not on the lists of the top cinematic masterpieces of the past century, but I can always rely on them for a pick me up on a rainy day. The boy and the girl and the comedic situations they encounter only get better as the times pass.
All-Time Movie Choice
Girl, Interrupted (1999)
"Sometimes the only way to stay sane is to go a little crazy."
Girl, Interrupted features Winona Ryder and Angelina Jolie in a memoir of Susanna Kaysen's 18 month stay in a women's psychiatric ward. Kaysen has borderline personality disorder, and she shares her experiences with mental health with the other women in the hospital. She documents her experiences in a journal and becomes friends with Jolie's character, Lisa Rowe, a diagnosed sociopath.
The drama and intense real-life emotion drew me into becoming a huge fan of the movie. I am a fan of Angelina Jolie's work, and she won an Academy Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role for this film. Not only does it tell the stories of the women in the ward, but it depicts the cruel and unethical ways patients in mental institutions were treated in the 1980's. It called for justice and led people to question how well our psychiatric hospitals are treating the mentally disabled. While I have a list of movies that are in my top favorites, Girl, Interrupted always comes to mind because of the long lasting impact it had on my view on mental health.
The drama and intense real-life emotion drew me into becoming a huge fan of the movie. I am a fan of Angelina Jolie's work, and she won an Academy Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role for this film. Not only does it tell the stories of the women in the ward, but it depicts the cruel and unethical ways patients in mental institutions were treated in the 1980's. It called for justice and led people to question how well our psychiatric hospitals are treating the mentally disabled. While I have a list of movies that are in my top favorites, Girl, Interrupted always comes to mind because of the long lasting impact it had on my view on mental health.
I LOVE Girl Interrupted, I could watch it over and over for a week straight and not get tired of it. Begin Again looks really really good, I'll need to have a movie night soon and watch all these films!
ReplyDeleteBoth of these movies sound great. I'm adding them to my Netflix list.
ReplyDeleteI haven't heard either of these movies before. I am very interested now and I can't wait to take the time to see them. Thank you for these great movie reviews and recommendations.
ReplyDeleteNever heard of them but the trailers are really good! I'll definitely try and watch these soon. You have a unique taste in movies!
ReplyDeleteWow those are both really good movies i didn't anticipate anybody mentioning! Mark Ruffalo is top 5 on my favorite actors list so you know that one is already in my collection! haha I haven't seen girl, interrupted in YEARS. such a good movie with so many good actresses! impressive list
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