11 Films (movies) Worthy of Reflection after Watching
Films from eight countries with brief preview
A film (movie) can provide the pleasant feelings associated with entertainment. It may well be the intention of the entire film crew, along with director and producers, for viewers to reflect on the core significance of the film and its importance in daily life.
The film them requires our full attention, mindful reflection and benefit from understanding the existential/spiritual issues explored.
In Alphabetical Order
1. CLOSELY OBSERVED TRAINS
2. DEPARTURE
3. LIVES OF OTHERS
4. MY LIFE AS A DOG
5. OF GODS AND MEN
6. ON THE WATERFRONT
7. ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOOS NEST.
8. PARIS, TEXAS
9. PIANO
10. THE DIVING BELL AND THE BUTTERFLY
2001. A SPACE ODYSSEY.
A Brief Outline of 11 Films
Closely Observed Trains. Czechoslovakia, 1966
A shy young man, Milos works at a small railways station during the era of the Nazi occupation. He experiences problems with his love life, his relationships with others and more while being surrounded by much greater issues impacting daily on him and others.
Departures. 2008. Japan
Okuribito in Japanese, Departures centres on themes of life, death and mindfulness of rituals. Daigo Kobayashi, a professional cellist in Tokyo, finds himself unemployed and in debt so he and his wife returns to his wife’s village. He gets a job with a nokanshi – one who prepares the corpse for the funeral in caring and respectful ways. Daigo provides the same ritual upon the death of his estranged father.
My Life as a Dog. 1985, Sweden.
Set in the late 1950s, this poignant and sensitive film portrays the life of a boy, Ingemar, whose mother is dying. He is sent to live with relatives, where he finds a new world. Ingemar looks up at the night sky for transcendent insight. finding inspiration and insight - based on a dog, Laika, sent into space by the Russians. Ingemar learns about boxing, a girl, local personalities while dealing with emotions, and struggles and adversity.
Lives of Others. 2006. Germany
Set in East Berlin in 1984, the film explores the surveillance state of the GDR (German Democratic Republic) through the lives of its citizens. Stasi, East German secret police, target a successful playwright. A film on moral dilemmas and redemption, via personal and political change.
Of Gods and Men. 2010. France
The film is set in the 1990s, during the Algerian Civil War. True events explore faith, sacrifice, and devotion in a time of threat to existence. Film conveys time up to murder of seven Trappist monks from the Tibhirine monastery in the Atlas Mountains in Algeria in 1996. Monks debate to stay or leave during a civil war. The film reveals resilience, doubts and moral courage.
On the Waterfront. 1954. USA
Terry Malloy (Marlon Brando), a former boxer, faces his conscience in in the dockyard in New Jersey due to a violent and corrupt union boss. A priest, a girl friend and Terry’s brother engage in the pursuit of justice, issues of loyalty and addressing power. A landmark film on a social issue.
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. 1975. USA
A powerful story of an independent spirit facing the oppression and control of a mental health institution in Oregon. McMurphy acted insane to avoid prison but found himself up against the head nurse, who maintains total control over every patient. The patients must face themselves and institutional life.
Paris Texas 1984. Germany/USA.
Travis wanders out of the Texas desert after disappearing for four years. A German doctor finds him enabling him to go in search of his past and present. Travis contacts his wife and brother as he comes face to face with social dynamics. Film explores identity, memory and reconciliation. Haunting music.
Piano. 1993. New Zealand
In the 19th century, a mute Scottish woman emigrates to New Zealand to submit to an arranged marriage She brings her piano with its significant symbolism – from isolation on the beach, a means for sensual communication and a point of refuge.
The Diving Bell and the Butterfly. 2012. France
Jean-Dominique Bauby, 43, suffers a massive stroke triggering locked-in syndrome. He is paralysed except for an eyelid but remains mentally alert and aware. Editor of Elle, a leading French fashion magazine. He learns to dictate his memoir – one letter at a time. Film explores despair, acceptance and determination.
2001. A Space Odyssey 1968. USA
Film investigates the relationship of human evolution a d artificial intelligence in a space flight to see a black monolith. HAL (name of AI computer) is capable of speech and human-like interactions and seems to know everything going on in the spacecraft. Then comes the doubt and struggle between human and Hal. Minimal dialogue allows visuals and music to convey a depth of inquiry.
Remember to reflect on important themes running through the film.
Enjoy plus reflection and insight.
I might add:
The 2020 German/American documentary film "Aware: Glimpses of Consciousness," which follows six brilliant researchers approaching the mystery from radically different perspectives. The film opens as a science film but emerges beyond the explicable.
And last year's amazing film called "Perfect Days." about a Japanese man who lives his life in simplicity and tranquility. He lives in the present moment and sees the deep beauty in life.