It’s basic to witness our misplaced faith when the spirit knocks the higher realm and is sometimes funny when people start talking about ‘Conspiracy Theory’ and the ‘most heavy topic’ one can weigh; or probably go on a guilt trip or start a weird conversation with their parents.
Then, there are the ones who laugh at inappropriate times (yeah, it’s HIGHlarious) and the amorous ones (who I really appreciate 😉). Nevertheless, I’ve a special liking, for the ones who sit in awkward silence contemplating ‘what’s next?’.
Though, there is something profound in listening to music, but a little thought-provoking stuff helps.
Here’s a list of 13 movies to watch in ‘High’ Spirit when the abyss haunts you:
- The Fountain:
‘The Fountain’ starring Rachel Weisz and Hugh Jackman was made way ahead of time. The movie explains how to escape one’s mental prison and reconcile with our mortality to fully live in the present. The Fountain is not about the big revelation or unlocking the mysteries of the Universe but to live without them. One of the best movies so far.
- Waltz with Bashir:
An animated documentary by an Israeli film director, Ari Folman where he interviews fellow war veterans of the 1982 invasion of Lebanon to reconstruct his own memories of his experience in that conflict. A masterpiece to watch.
- Witness for the Prosecution:
This is one of the most light hearted courtroom dramas with an unexpected climax. The movie is based on the play written by Agatha Christie. This 1957 movie, stars the most prolific actors of the yesteryears – Tyrone Power, Marlene Dietrich, and Charles Laughton and has a gripping narrative.
- Silver lining Playbook:
An Oscar-winning, 2012 American romantic comedy-drama film written and directed by David O. Russel, adapted from Mathew Quick’s 2008 novel. The story is about Pat Solatano (Bradley Cooper) and Tiffany (Jennifer Lawrence) which sheds light on bipolar mental disorder and beautifully narrates an unexpected bond between the two protagonists.
- Mulholland drive:
A David Lynch movie, Mulholland Drive is a great movie if you understand it. The movie is hypnotic and one has to level up the ‘high quotient’ to apprehend the meaning. The movie has no beginning or end, but a mystery in itself. I strongly recommend it.
**Mulholland Drive is available on Netflix too.
- Children of Heaven:
A film by Majid Majidi from Israel, Children of Heaven captures the absolute essence of childhood. It shows us how a child thrives where adults stumble. The movie depicts the simple purity of connecting to another human being, which was easier back then but seems more difficult now. A wonderful play of love and a great story.
- Pulp Fiction:
No movie so far had such finesse in dialogue delivery as Pulp Fiction, though it carries a lot of racial slurs and fks and sts. The movie requires your undivided attention as it lacks the usual chronology and is one of the best movies to watch in high spirit.
- Samsara:
‘When ‘it’ hits you hard and the human convention stops making sense, Samsara gives it a meaning’. A 2011, American non-narrative documentary created by filmmaker Ron Fricke, Samsara is a global travelogue, critically acclaimed worldwide for being non-traditional, non-verbal piece of work.
- Pineapple Express:
Pineapple Express is incredibly quotable and endlessly rewatchable. This stoner action comedy narrates the story of a lazy stoner (Seth Rogan); marked for death, he runs for his life dragging his dealer (James Franco) and supplier (Danny McBride) with him on a hysterical weed-filled adventure. Watch this for a good laugh.
- Forest Grump:
Forest Grump is a beautifully narrated movie adapted from the novel by Winston Groom. It’s about a man named Forest, who isn’t as intelligent as he should be, however, his presence at a certain turn of events, shaped him into a successful man. The movie stars Tom Hanks, Robin Gayle Wright and Gary Sinise and is counted among the timeless creation.
- Spirited Away:
A Studio Ghibli production, Spirited Away rightfully claims to be one of the best animated movies so far. This Oscar winning movie is crafted around the character Chihiro and her journey in the magical bathhouse. The movie depicts the problem of Consumerism and Identity in a mysterious blend of sorcery, strange spirits and fantasy.
- Call me by your name:
Well, it’s completely a different film and has its own set of influence – a story about two young men falling in love and then having to say goodbye. What makes it special is the sacred space for love it holds for a limited amount of time – required for everyone to go through in their journey. Winner of Academy awards for the best screenplay, ‘Call me by your name’ must be in your watchlist.
- Eraserhead:
This is yet another creation of David Lynch. The movie was released under the horror genre, but it lacks the formula for a horror movie and is too surreal and abstract to classify under any category. The story is about a guy, Henry Spencer, who impregnates his girlfriend and she gives birth to something that doesn’t resemble a human and nothing is made explicitly clear.
WARNING: This movie might rob your brain of sanity, watch at your own risk. 😊