The Feel Good Factor
By Hannah Maloco
Monday 2nd November 2009
Monday 2nd November 2009
As the nights get longer and the days wetter the need for home entertainment is on the rise. With its heart warming sentiments and hope filled endings the feel good film is the cuddle, the comfy old sweater or the chicken soup for the student's soul.
So what is the recipe for a feel good film? They may say that laughter is the best medicine but it's not always the comedy of these film remedies that picks us up. Often voted amongst the best films of all time, their inspirational plots and unforgettable characters safely ensure audiences will return again and again for that cathartic comforting experience. In the juxtaposition of heartbreaking plots with uplifting endings, brutality with beauty and despair with hope they offer viewers an escape from their own problems, however big or small. So when life throws you a drama turn to a film to pick you up; in their “happy ever after endings” you will find the warm soulful glow that will keep you smiling until Spring.
The “FeelGoodFilm” Guide to Student life:
When Work Gets You Down: Dead Poet's Society (Peter Weir, 1989)
Robin Williams plays inspirational English teacher John Keating. He guides his pupils in self discovery, transcending the limits of an educational system and conformity. If the pressures of exams or essays become too much watch this film and remember what education is all about.
Movie Mantra: “But only in their dreams can men be truly free. Twas always thus, and always thus will be.”
When You Feel Like Giving Up: The Shawshank Redemption (Frank Darabont, 1994)
A poignant story that proves films don't have to provide comedy or cheese to cheer you up. Set in 1940's Shawshank Prison it tells the story of desire, courage, friendship, and above all hope.
Movie Mantra: “Fear can hold you prisoner. Hope can set you free. ”
When You're Homesick: The Wizard of Oz (Victor Fleming, 1939)
In a world of magic and music “The Wizard of Oz “offers an escape from the monotony of everyday life. Tucked amongst its songs is the search for a brain, a heart, courage, a home and friends. A true “happily ever after” ending to give you a Technicolor glow.
Movie Mantra: “There's No Place Like Home”
When You Think You've Lost Your Purpose: It's A Wonderful Life (Frank Capra, 1946)
A film that signals the arrival of Christmas. Filled with messages of hope, courage and friendship it grips hearts and minds. If you feel you've lost your purpose (or just want some Christmas cheer) then let “It's a Wonderful Life” make you feel important and loved.
Movie Mantra: “No man is a failure who has friends”
When You Wish You Were A Child Again: Toy Story (John Lasseter, 1995)
Forget your troubles and enjoy the award winning characters, animation and humour that make this an unmissable Disney Pixar Film. Re-released in October in 3D Pixar have given you the ultimate excuse to re watch the film and remember why it won a place in our hearts.
Movie Mantra: “To infinity and beyond”
When You Feel You Don't Fit In: Little Miss Sunshine (Jonathan Dayton, Valerie Faris, 2006)
If you feel like you don't belong then you might belong in this family. Both a humorous and emotional portrayal of family life the film offers fantastic acting, direction and characters whilst maintaining an honesty that makes it's message all the more poignant.
Movie Mantra: “Fuck beauty contests. Life is one fucking beauty contest after another. You know, school, then college, then work, fuck that. You do what you love, and fuck the rest. “
When Love Gets You Down: Notting Hill (Roger Michell, 1999)
Choose a Richard Curtis film and you will undoubtedly find your feel good factor. Heart felt but humorous like all good romances true love prevails. So when love gets you down turn to Notting Hill: if Anna Scott (Julia Roberts) falls for William Thacker (Hugh Grant) then yes maybe you too can have your happy ending (but it won't be Julia Roberts).
Movie Mantra: "I'm a just a girl, standing in front of a boy, asking him to love her"”
When Everything Else Fails: Forrest Gump (Robert Zemeckis, 1994)
A film that will make you laugh, cry and love. Perhaps best summed up by the film’s producer Steve Tisch “Forrest Gump isn't about politics or conservative values. It's about humanity, it's about respect, tolerance and unconditional love”. In the simplicity and honesty of Forrest Gump's life we can all find some warmth and comfort.
Movie Mantra: “Life's a box of chocolates, Forrest. You never know what you're gonna get.”