A Lesson in Living: Five Films That Teach Us What It Means To Live

Life can be a challenging and emotionally draining experience at times. Unsure of how we fit into the world, what we should do with our time on it. Do we fall in line and take the trodden path or do we seek to trace out a path of our own? Is there a middle ground to be had? Such is the way of the world, and so in turn films have journeyed. From analyzing our deepest psyche to our greatest personal conflicts, they tackle how we face seemingly transient journey that is life. But what does it really mean to be alive? Is it the blood pumping through our veins, or is there more? To that degree, I give you five films which tackle - in their own way - a fulfilling life and have left their impact upon me.

Limelight (1952)
Lesson Learned: The fame of today can be gone in a flash tomorrow, but you remain. Don't give up just because things don't stay the same.

Without question the least seen on this list, and perhaps the one I am the most adamant champion of. Chaplin's curtain call here is moving, fulfilling, and beautiful. If only this were his true final film, maybe more would seek out this masterpiece.

The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
Lesson Learned: Throughout all the calculations and worries and fears our minds present, there is no negative in life which can counter hope.

This one may be too easy a call to place on the list, but there's no denying the resonating punch that was delivered to audience members of all shapes and sizes when this film hit theaters all those years ago. It may have taken it a while to gain proper appreciation, but appreciation, respect, and love it has earned in full.

Dead Poets Society (1989)
Lesson Learned: Do not drown yourself in the worries of today, one must rise to find the joy in even life's toughest moments.

Perhaps one of the most prudent looks at the turbulent teenage years - for men anyways - Dead Poets Society blends tough issues with the unrealized dreams sought by so many youths before their coming of age. A constant reminder that life is as much what we make of it, as how we let those around us influence it.

You Can't Take It With You (1938)
Lesson Learned: Friends, loved ones, and fulfillment through the things you love come with a value which exceeds any monetary amount you can imagine

Number two on the unseen meter for this list, no movie on how to live is complete without a bit of Jimmy Stewart I would contend. And this film here is a gem to behold. Packed with a talented cast, and heartwarming message, You Can't Take It With You is an exemplification of the life we all aspire to live.

Ikiru (1952)
Lesson Learned: Far too often in life we forget to seek out what we truly want to accomplish in life until we are faced with our own mortality. But life is not about when we discover what we hope to fulfill, it is about what we do in that moment.

If you thought you were escaping this list without a Kurosawa reference you were horribly mistaken. If you thought you would escape this list without my reiterating just how important I believe this film is, you were mistaken. If you have yet to see this film, do so. I cannot promise you will like what it has to say, or the method by which it chooses to say it. I can, however, promise that if you open yourself up, you'll learn many of the wonders life has to hold - the beauty in the tragic, the gain in loss, and the difficulties we face in realizing our own goals.


Honorable Mentions
Harvey - Can't say it enough, if you want to know how we should all aspire to treat one another, then watch this movie.
Monty Python's Life of Brian - Always look on the bright side of life :P.
Forrest Gump - You can hate all you want, this movie is a slice of warm apple pie on a rainy day. If you're thinking right now "I hate apple pie," you're missing the point.


Well, there you have it. Five films on life that I think anyone can learn and take something away from. Do you agree/disagree? What other films would you include on the list?