Movies start your New Year off right and on the path to success
By DEVANSHI AGNIHOTRI —- [email protected]
As the new year has started, many of us have been experimenting with new habits and regimes to achieve our New Year’s resolutions, but the commitment can get overwhelming. Here are a few movies that embody the hard work and dedication to inspire you to get back on track.
The first movie that describes perseverance in a unique way is “Forrest Gump,” which follows a man named Forrest Gump who has experienced various lives, reliving these experiences while he passes time waiting for the bus. He played college football, joined the U.S. Army fighting in Vietnam, received the Medal of Honor and captained a shrimp boat — just to note a few of his accomplishments. Gump later proposes to his childhood love, Jenny, but once she rejects the proposal, Gump runs around the entire country while distraught. But eventually, Gump comes back and everything falls into place.
In the film, Gump proudly acknowledges that he has always strived to live a life full of experiences, even if they weren’t necessarily easy. “Always be able to look back and say, at least I didn’t lead no humdrum life,” he said. This film emphasizes the importance of finding your true meaning in life, and being fearless of a new experience despite what others may say. Regardless of the obstacles in Gump’s life, such as his friend Benjamin Buford “Bubba” Blue passing away, he managed to push forward and leave no dreams unattended. For example, he ended up captaining the shrimp boat despite it being the dream he shared with Bubba.
Another movie that many of us need to manifest is “Legally Blonde,” a film that follows Elle Woods, a fashion merchandising major. Her boyfriend, Warner Huntington III, will attend Harvard Law the following year but abruptly breaks up with her. In order to get Warner back, Elle aims to follow him there after studying and passing the law school entrance exam. Once they run into each other, Warner is shocked to see her, but even more shocked to find out that she attends the university. He questions her ability to get into the law school program to which she delivers the iconic response —- “What, like it’s hard?” After working to be with Warner, she slowly realizes that he will never want to be with her, so it is time to make a name for herself, which she does by being invited to one of Boston’s best law firms after many doubting her ability to succeed in the industry. This movie is sure to make you laugh and feel inspired to go after what you want, even if you are told otherwise. In 2025, we could all use a little more confidence. No dream was too big for Elle Woods, so why should it be different for you? Every time she formed a new goal, she put in all the necessary work, and marked the goal off her checklist.
When thinking of inspirational films, “Ratatouille” definitely fits the bill. Through the way Remy, the rat, gains inspiration from French chef Auguste Gusteau and maintains his passion for cooking despite the rest of the rats ridiculing him for not scavenging for garbage with them. But, Remy keeps his mind set on what his heart desires and eventually opens “La Ratatouille,” a bistro that welcomes both rats and humans.
One notable quote that guides Remy in the right direction after being discouraged is from Chef Auguste Gusteau: “You must be imaginative, strong-hearted. You must try things that may not work, and you must not let anyone define your limits because of where you come from. Your only limit is your soul.” We are the only people that can hold us back. So, this year, do whatever your heart desires and take on the challenges others have scared you away from. If Remy, a rat, can cook in a kitchen and open a bistro, there is no reason for you to let your dreams go.
If you feel the load of this quarter getting heavy, just take a moment, sit back, turn on one of these movies and let your imagination fly. Remember how Forrest Gump, Elle Woods and Remy achieved their biggest dreams that even us, as the audience, couldn’t believe. They ignored the people (and rats) who doubted them, and continued living their life the way they saw best. So, take a deep breath and stay on track!
Written by: Devanshi Agnihotri — [email protected]
This post was originally published on here
