Years ago I used to watch movies quite a bit, but now I get more entertainment reading and watching videos on the Internet. I find that Hollywood is pushing a lot more propaganda lately, and I just don't fancy that.
My favorite type of movie is one where the protagonist battles his own struggles or fights off a Goliath as in man vs. himself and man vs. state, respectively.
With that said, below are my top four movies that inspired me towards freedom and left me with a good feeling.
- The Matrix trilogy. This is great as the analogy to our existence is uncanny. Neo, the main character, comes to learn that his entire life is not what it seems and soon discovers how he and all of humanity is living in a matrix. He then must do his best to free himself and his fellow humans.
- V for Vendetta. This is for the voluntaryists out there. It brings you along on a journey where you learn how the state really operates and how evil it can be. The beauty of this movie is that it does not compromise the outcome like the typical American movie where some good cop saves the day.
- Shawshank Redemption. A truly moving story of a man wrongly imprisoned. He struggles with his environment and with his own demons. Again, it portrays how barbaric prison can be and makes you wonder about the nature of our justice system. The movie left me with a sense of never giving up no matter how dire the situation may seem.
- Office Space. This one is more of a comedy, but there is a deeper underlying message there for us. It has become somewhat of a cult classic (released in 1999). Peter, the main character, is sick and tired of his computer programming job and after a hypnotic session sees a new light shone on his life. Watch as he progresses through his company and relationships when feeling more relaxed.
There are many other movies that I have enjoyed over my life, but these are my favorites when it comes to freedom and conquering ones fears. And they are entertaining too!
So which movies make your top 3 or 4 all-time favorites?