There are some movies that stay with you long after you’ve seen them and can actually have an influence on your life. Some time ago, we asked some folks to tell us about the most significant and influential movie they’ve seen, and readers’ response was so enthusiastic that we’ve come up with another batch of “inspired” replies:
Single mom
“‘A Home of Our Own,’ starring Kathy Bates. It’s about a family headed by a single mom with several children. They have almost nothing, they live in a shack, and it’s winter. It taught me to be happy and content with simple things—and that it’s OK to have pride, but we must know when to welcome help.”—Annabelle S. Calumpiano, senior production analyst
“The Jim Henson movie, ‘Labyrinth,’ was my favorite movie growing up—it’s completely phantasmagorical! Hey, it has David Bowie in it! Now that I think about it, it’s probably one of my major influences as an artist. I’d love to create a visual world as complete as Jim Henson’s someday.”—Karl de Guzman, art student
Opportunities
“‘Magnifico,’ written by Michiko Yamamoto and starring Jiro Manio as the little boy in the title role. His family lives in a poor probinsya, and they’re dealing with poverty, a sister with cerebral palsy, and there’s also a scholarship that’s lost. It shows how he tries to help out and how his outlook in life slowly influences the people around him to hope. I was in a blue funk when I watched this movie, but it reminded me of how lucky I actually was to have had so many opportunities.”—Joseph Villanueva, elementary school teacher
“‘Schindler’s List.’ My grandfather was a soldier in World War II, so I had some knowledge of the Holocaust before I watched this movie, but they were just dry facts. Steven Spielberg’s movie brought it all to life for me and made me realize how much we owe to those who have gone before us—and that heroes aren’t saints, but real people who are afraid but still manage to do the right thing.”—Elizabeth Hill, exchange student
“‘Forrest Gump,’ starring Tom Hanks. It’s a movie about a very simple person, and it made me realize that you don’t need to be ‘somebody’ to do something. No matter who you are, you can make a difference as long as you do it right. You don’t need to be ‘known’ to be a catalyst for positive change! Ever since I found out that I was going to be a dad, this movie and what I learned from it has been on my mind.”—Jonathan Bingayan, senior web developer and expectant father
“Hayao Miyazaki’s ‘Spirited Away.’ A beautiful movie with a lot of truths in it. I don’t know how often I’ve watched it, but it really resonates with me, because I first watched it when I was 12, and I identified with the character, who’s also undergoing a lot of changes. I remember I was getting really nervous about high school, and ‘Spirited Away’ made me feel better about everything—and it still does!”—Mia Romero, web designer
“The movie that has had the most significance for me is ‘Titanic.’ In that movie, I learned how love can be transcendent, and how it never lets go. It has inspired me to never stop believing in love, and to never give up on it!”—Wilson Lacbay, graphic artist
Intentions
“Rory Quintos’ ‘Anak’ is the most compelling, touching and heart-breaking movie for me. It’s about a woman who struggles as an OFW and as a mother to give her family a better life. It made me realize how vital family is and how important it is to say, ‘I love you,’ ‘Sorry,’ and ‘Thank you’ to every mother.
“As a son or daughter, you make mistakes and bad decisions; however, no matter what happens, no matter how imperfect you are, your family—especially your mother—will always stay by your side to help you survive and be a better person. Every time I watch this movie (especially the confrontation scene), it brings tears to my eyes!”—Melvin Tordecilla, blogger
“I would say Lino Brocka’s “Bayan Ko: Kapit sa Patalim.’ I watched it back in high school, and it was the first Filipino movie I ever saw—and the first movie that really had an effect on me! I realized that films can be powerful, compelling and real. It was also what made me want to watch more local productions, which is why I’m always lining up at Cinemalaya!”—Joanna Francisco, college student