Ever heard the saying, “Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer”? This quote, originally from the movie “The Godfather,” is one of many movie quotes used in real life scenarios.
With Oscar winning movies such as “The King’s Speech” and “Titanic,” it’s hard not to notice the influence of movies surrounding us in our everyday lives.
According to “Cinema Facts,” over 70 percent of Americans go to the movies at least once a year. While some people say watching movies is a waste of time, others have found ways to gain life experience vicariously through them.
Movies aim to apply themselves to real life, to touch the watcher, and to make them feel as if they have been through what the movie was about.
“The movie ‘Saving Mr. Banks’ spoke to me about how the author of ‘Mary Poppins’ tried so hard to keep her characters pure and out of the hands of movie makers. It taught me not to give up on what is dear to you,” said freshman Blake Du Bois.
Disney has been one of the most influential companies for children. From Pixar to Marvel Disney, these movie productions have over 52 million fans.
Disney movies, such as “Beauty and the Beast,” have taught younger girls that looks don’t matter as much as to what’s on the inside. Another example is “Pinocchio,” telling the tale of how spreading lies don’t get you anywhere in life.
Lessons, like those told in Disney movies, can be most helpful at a young age when the child is learning the most.
“When I was younger, I always looked up to ‘Mulan’ because she taught me from a young age that you can do anything you want to with persistence,” said junior Tori Hall.
Although Hall agrees that some Disney movies are sending good messages out to their fans, she feels like some of the older movies don’t have an useful overall message.
“Movies like ‘The Little Mermaid’ and ‘Cinderella’ don’t have inspiring points through them. Although they are fun to watch, they put ideas of changing yourself will get you a man. That isn’t a life lesson that people should be living by,” said Hall.
Hall is makes a good point. Not all movies are movies to live by or take life advice from.
Movies like “Paranormal Activity” and “This is the End” don’t have as valuable meanings to them, along with other movies such as “Titanic” or “The Help.” Because of the lack of a beneficial message, some people say that movies are a waste of time.
Even actor Matthew McConaughey’s mom told him, “Go outside! Don’t watch other people live their lives when you could be out living yours.” It has been said that this advice lead him to a life of acting.
Movies are not the only place where you can learn life lessons. You can learn so much from the world around you, but some people find learning lessons through movies is a way to save the pain and mistakes made in real life when trying to learn them alone.
New movies are produced every year with new meanings and story lines for people to learn by, and will continue to change the view of the world around us and influence us in our everyday lives.
