What movie has had the most significant impact on your life?

“FRIDA.” Kahlo’s passion, determination and strength are an inspiration to artists and to women.

Sometimes, movies do more than just provide a few hours of entertainment—they actually have a profound impact on a viewer’s life and his way of thinking. We asked some viewers to recall the films that had the most significance for them. Their answers:

“‘I love ‘Frida,’ which dramatizes Frida Kahlo’s life. She had hopes of becoming a doctor, but an accident at 15 made it difficult for her to pursue it. She turned to painting—at first, it was only to give herself something to do during the months that her body was in a cast.

“Kahlo’s passion, determination and strength are an inspiration, not only to artists, but to women, as well. I was at a low point in my life when I watched this movie, and it influenced me to stop feeling sorry for myself—and move on!”—Mara Gonzalez, art student

Adventure

“Movies that we watch as kids stick to us—but, the one that had the most impact on me was the animated feature, ‘The Brave Little Toaster,’ where a bunch of old appliances go on an adventure to find their owner, who had left them behind. It taught me the value of taking care of my things. I had a lot of hand-me-downs when I was a kid, and I always wanted new stuff. But, this movie taught me to appreciate those old things.”—Jacqueline Villalobos, doctoral candidate

“‘Dead Poets Society’ is set in a straitlaced boarding school that just wants kids to conform. Then, Robin Williams’ character starts teaching them to be true to themselves. It gave me the push I needed when my parents were pressuring me to take up engineering in college. I knew it wasn’t what I wanted to do, but I was already thinking of giving in.

“Then, we watched the movie in English class, and it felt like the universe was trying to tell me something—so, I didn’t give in, and I don’t regret it!”—Joshua Ilagan, photographer

History

“Eddie Romero’s ‘Ganito Kami Noon, Paano Kayo Ngayon?’ blew my mind! It made me realize how ignorant I was about our past. It brought Philippine history to life and inspired me to read up on it, and not just memorize names and dates.”—Louis P. Fernandez, law student

“Yojiro Takita’s “Departures” is about a man who gets a job as a mortician. It helped me deal with the grief I felt when I lost my mother. It showed me that there is beauty in death, despite the overwhelming sadness!”—Emjay Polina, engineer