Finding Inspiration at The Movies

By Harrish Thirukumaran

When we go to the movies, there always seems to be this feeling within us of wanting to get up and do something with ourselves. The strings of our emotions are often tugged on by the progression of a plot or the motivations of the characters that feels relatable to us. In other words, movies have this power to leave us feeling inspired. Inspiration means the process of being mentally stimulated to do or feel something, especially to do something creative (Dictionary.com).

Here is a list of quotes pulled from movies that I have watched over the past few months, and how it has served as a form of inspiration for me. Hopefully, it ignites that same fire in you and your life endeavours.

The Equalizer 3:

Dr. Enzo Arisio: “Remember what I asked you.

Robert McCall: When I first come? Yeah.

Yeah, Yeah, you asked am I a good man or bad man?

Dr. Enzo Arisio: And you said you didn’t know.

Robert McCall: I don’t know.

Dr. Enzo Arisio: Only a good man would have say that.”

Despite it purely being an action thriller flick, this conversation between Dr. Enzo Arisio and Robert McCall somehow stuck with me as being particularly powerful. In my view, it demonstrates how we often aren’t sure whether what we do with ourselves, including our actions and intentions, helps ourselves or others around us. We try to learn and reflect on the many experiences that life can throw at us to grow as people and find peace in our journey.

The Boy and the Heron:

Grey Heron: “Forgetting is normal.”

This is uttered by the Grey Heron towards the end of the film to Mahito after they return to the normal world in this 2023 animated feature film. To me, this signifies how it’s best not to hold onto our memories too closely, especially the bad ones, such as grief. Mahito goes through this in the film after losing his mother in a hospital bombing. I feel as though it goes to show there is a reason that we hear time heals all wounds. Whether we like it or not, it grants us the kindness to continue to move on and experience the many wonders and mysteries of life in a more positive way.

Migration:

Gwen: “A father who knows it’s important for his kids to see other parts of the world! Mack, I don’t want to miss out on life because you’re afraid to leave this pond. This isn’t about migration. It’s about… adventure, seeing what else life has to offer.”

At the beginning of this animated movie about birds, Gwen justifies the importance of travel to Mack, who is reluctant about sending his kids out in harm’s way. This, and the title of the movie itself, relates to the story of immigrants. Moving across countries to start a new life in a different place can be scary, but equally exciting as an adventure. Additionally, for those trying something new, it’s important to treat everything as an adventure on its own, no matter how small. It’s an outlook that can help in learning to manage both the scary and fun parts along the way.

Mahaan:

Mahaan: “Being alone is not always happy. Especially as you get older, it’s frustrating.”

A Tamil film about gangsters released in 2022, Vikram’s character’s, Gandhi Mahaan, states this line to one of his fellow gangsters after hearing he was divorcing his wife. Being alone does have its perks like satisfying your wants and desires very easily. Also, it allows you to accomplish things on your own to give that sense of peace. However, it eventually wears you out, and you realize how your relationships keep you grounded and safe. It also shows how we tend to take our relationships for granted. We often are not conscious of the need for a healthy dependency on others to get things done and feel at ease.

Hi Nanna

Yashna: “Why do you love her even after she left you?

Viraj: All I did was describe her…this is called love?

Yashna: No. This is love.”

Dubbed in Tamil, Hi Nanna was an emotionally powerful movie released in 2023 in the Telegu language originally. Upon rewatching the ocean scene between Viraj and Yashna a couple of times because of its impact on me, it shows that memories can enrich us as people and our experiences. Despite the trauma his character felt, he recounts the goodness within the romantic relationship he had with Yashna, who now suffers from amnesia. Being vulnerable in a situation like this can be very scary, but, at the same time, it allows us to feel the purity of love and life.

Overall, these movies were captivating in their own unique ways as a moviegoer. The messages they portray grandly left me feeling inspired based on the current circumstances in my life. To keep doing something knowing that I put in 100% of the effort. Movies play an influential role in our lives by giving us storytelling abilities of ourselves to continue finding the light of inspiration. It comes and goes, and it’s important to allow ourselves to regain inspiration through various unique sources as we navigate life.