Films to Inspire You

Today I'm a guest on the podcast Creative Living with Jamie, a podcast that brings inspiration and strategies for bringing creativity to life. It was a lot of fun to chat with Jamie, who is a great creator, cultivator, inspireror and also my sister! Being on the podcast really got me thinking about writing, art and inspirations and I thought it would be a fun to put together a list of inspiring films for the listeners of the show, and for my readers here at Movie Moxie. I hope you enjoy this list of inspiring films!

For the Dreamers

The Tooth Fairy
Yes, it stars The Rock. Yes, it has hockey in it. But the heart of this film is not only about the power of dreams but also the absolute injustice of not supporting them. It's a funny, cute family film that really has a beautiful message.

Bandslam
This film totally snuck up on me, and it's a little coy because it almost hid the fact that the protagonist is a guy, the new guy in town who manages a band of oddballs, including folks from all sides of the tracks, together. It's not all sunshine and daisies but it is about following your dreams and standing up for your beliefs.

Persistence is not Futile: Young Women Who Don't Take No For an Answer!

Gidget
No one is more persistent than Gidget, a teen girl who wants to learn how to surf. Even though it's datedness shows through, there is still a lot to be learned from this 4'3" blond firecracker.

The Secret of Moonacre
Every time I run across a new film with a young, adventurous, persistent female protagonist I wish it had been released when I was a kid. Still fun to enjoy as an adult, this film follows young Maria through her exciting adventures filled with mysterious family history, magic and wonder.

Getting it Done! You. Can. Do. It.!

The Devil Wears Prada
Sometimes seeing someone else do the work can inspire us to do the same. This one was a slow burn on me, as it took a few years to appreciate the all-or-nothing-into-the-work attitude when it comes to learning the ropes and paying your dues, which is certainly what we see here. Plus, the a fashion flick, so their is awesome clothes and fashion references.

Billy Elliot
This one can doubles up for many film lists: dance films, inspiring teacher films, coming of age films but one of the strongest things I take from it is seeing, acknowledging and supporting creativity and the power of persistence and the choice to support and be in the choose arts.

Legends of the Guardian: The Owls of Ga'Hoole
Gorgeous storytelling in this beautiful animated film about bravery, the power of belief and the willingness to stand up for those beliefs.

What Just Happened? Confusion Percolates Inspiration

Mr. Nobody
This beautiful, smart science fiction film will leave you possibly confused but inevitable inspired by it's fascinating ideas. One that is so complicated that it can't help but spiral you to lots of different interesting thinking patterns.

Rashômon
If you've not yet had a chance to see this amazing Akira Kurosawa film, it's time to sit down and see it and it's wonderfully unique storytelling style. You may recognize it as it gets used time and time again, but this is where it came from.

Run Lola Run
Manic & panicked, this face paced crime thrilled is a unique and brilliant film that captivates the audience while we watched the flaming red haired Lola run through the streets of Germany to save her boyfriend.

Would You *Look* at That? Visuals That Say a Thousand Words

Constantine
A darker pick, but with a fantastic and fantastical visual style that follows religious and paranormal beings and creatures that live among us. Absolutely fabulous art director and costumes.

Night Watch / Nochnoi Dozor
This Russian supernatural action flick is the film that really honed in to me that ideas can be understood without verbal language, that you can really get a point across perfectly through visuals, tone and editing. Plus it has the best subtitles ever. And I really mean ever.

Because You Just Have to Be Yourself

Whale Rider **Jamie's Pick**
We end off with Jamie's pick for the list, this New Zealand film is truly inspiring and follows a young girl who sheerly and openly is always 100% herself, 100% of the time, through the good times and bad. Kleenex is definitely required.

Romy and Michelle's High School Reunion
This is my companion pick for Jamie's pick of Whale Rider, not so much that they are alike but because they both demonstrate the power of the choice to supporting your loved ones, which is something that always makes me think of Jamie.