Good Will Hunting (Gus Van Sant, 1997)

 

I’ve heard this movie is a classic, at least that’s what moved me to watch it recently for the first time. And although there are signs throughout the movie that point to an obvious ending, the whole journey was heart-warming.

To see Robin Williams act with ease as a psychologist that struggles with the death of wife while watching Matt Damon’s Will trying the hardest he can to ruin a chance at a better future, is amazing. The relationship between both characters is very well drawn out throughout the movie, starting with scepticism by Will and gradual mentor/student relationship that transforms both of them.

I recommend this movies, if not for the performances by both leads and their amazing chemistry, but the supporting cast as well, with Ben Affleck and Stellan Skarsgard being stand outs, on their own right.

One Life (James Hawes: 2023)

 

Sometimes an action by a single person or a small group of people can have repercussions in the life of many, most of which aren’t even born yet. Such was the case of Nicholas Winton, whose brief work on the brink of the Second World War managed to save the lives of 669 children. These children, as well as their families were under the danger of being exterminated by the invading Nazi regime, having settled on refugee camps after fleeing their homeland.

The movie travels in time between the events prior to the War and the older Nicholas struggling with what to do with his memories, and clearing his office as a way to both, metaphorically and literally, clear his mind. And both actors, especially Anthony Hopkins are incredibly well cast in this role of a man struggling with what he can and has done to help others.

The movie will make you feel this struggle as well as the tension in the past, and the present of the main character, because, although the number of people saved seems little given the result of the Holocaust, in fact, the movie clearly shows the impact of a man and his actions. It will make you reflect on what you, yourself can do to change the world with what tools you have.

Gran Torino (Clint Eastwood: 2008)

 

“Life and death, what the hell do you know about life and death? Death is bittersweet, sort of bitter in its’ pain and sweet in its’ salvation. That’s all that you know about life and death and it’s pathetic.”

 

I’ve heard these words at the beginning of the music video for “Louder” by Dollar Llama for years. Well, Dollar Llama is a Portuguese band that I saw open for the American stoner band Red Fang many years ago, and fell in love with their music ever since. Yet, I did not know that the quote, was from the movie Gran Torino, spoken by Walt, played by Clint Eastwood, to a priest who attempts to get closer to him (a promise said priest had made to Walt’s wife before she died).

I recommend you listen to the song, and the album it comes from: Juggernaut. And, of course, watch the movie.

 Gran Torino is about an aging former soldier and Ford employee who lives in a neighbourhood that is now populated by Hmong immigrants. The Hmong, as Sue (the first neighbour to reach out to Walt in his isolation) explains, were people who fought alongside the Americans during the Vietnam War and, due to persecution, were forced to immigrate to the USA. He is an isolated man surrounded by people who are, themselves isolated.

And so it is Walt, now alone, without his wife (who dies before the movie begins), has to adjust to a new reality and ends up becoming friendly to people, he would once reject due to prejudice. And in becoming closer to his neighbours, he befriends and helps Sue’s younger brother Thou find a job a purpose in a life where he is clearly lost.

It’s a straight story, endearing and about overcoming prejudice to realize that there is more around than you first realized as Walt, finds a new purpose in life and peace with God (something his wife had wished for).