5 Greatest Things Movies Taught Us (But We Missed)
Cinema wasn't just entertainment!
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Here's a plot twist you didn't see coming:
Hollywood has been slipping life lessons into popcorn buckets, and we've been too busy munching to notice.
I am not a movie guy, but from whatever I have watched, I can say that those movies were more than just an escape from our mundane reality. They're treasure chests brimming with wisdom, often overlooked amidst the spectacle of special effects and heart-thumping chase scenes.
From the streets of Gotham to the far reaches of the galaxy, movies have whispered secrets of resilience, love, courage, and the importance of wearing your real self in this superficial world.
Yet, somehow, these messages flew over our heads faster than a caped superhero.
We've been fixated on the fantasy, missing the fact that the most profound lessons don't come with a dramatic score or a slow-motion walk.
They come disguised in one-liners, hidden in plot twists, or delivered by a character you least expect.
So, grab your popcorn (again) and prepare for a rerun.
This time, we're not just here for entertainment. We're on a mission to uncover the golden nuggets of wisdom that movies have been trying to tell us all along.
Let's dive in, shall we?
"It's not who I am underneath, but what I do that defines me."
- Batman, Batman Begins
Let's get real for a sec. Ever wonder what truly makes a hero?
It's not the flashy suit or the high-tech gadgets.
Batman hit the nail on the head with a line that sticks with you: "It's not who I am underneath, but what I do that defines me."
Powerful, right?
It's all about actions, not just thoughts or intentions. It's what we do in the real world that counts. Makes you think, doesn't it?
Every single day, we face choices.
To help or not.
To stand up or stay silent.
Batman's wisdom?
It's those choices, those actions, that show the world who we truly are. Not our fears, not our doubts, but our deeds.
Now, you might not be fighting crime in Gotham, but you've got battles of your own.
Challenges at work, goals you're chasing, relationships you're building, or any personal crisis.
In all these arenas, it's your actions that speak volumes.
So, what's the takeaway?
Start small.
Hold the door open for someone.
Lend an ear to a friend in need.
Most importantly, be kind to yourself when no one is. Talk nicely to yourself when someone criticises you or insults you. Don’t keep churning the insult mentally, “How could they tell me this…how could they behave in such a manner…”
Every bit counts.
These actions build up, defining you as a person who cares, who contributes, and who makes a difference.
Batman's message is clear and it's one for all of us. Don't get too caught up in what's underneath.
Instead, focus on what you're doing out there in the big, wide world. Your actions are your legacy.
"Just keep swimming."
- Dory, Finding Nemo
Ever feel like you're stuck?
Like, really stuck?
Dory's (the blue tang fish) got us covered. "Just keep swimming."
Three simple words from a forgetful fish, but man, do they pack a punch?
This isn't just about swimming.
It's about moving forward, no matter what.
Life's got its ups and downs, right?
Sometimes, it feels like you're swimming against the current.
It's tough.
But, it's in those moments, those tough-as-nails moments, that we find out what we're really made of.
Dory, with her endless optimism, teaches us a lesson in perseverance.
Got a problem? Face it head-on.
Feeling down? Don't let it keep you there.
Keep moving. Keep striving. Keep swimming.
It's easy to say, "I'll wait till things get better."
But why wait?
The power to change, to make a splash, is in your fins. Oops, I mean hands. No, I mean in your thoughts.
Every stroke, every positive thought takes you closer to where you want to be.
Think about it. Each small step, each little action, is progress. It's proof that you're not giving up. And that's what counts.
So, next time life throws you a curveball, channel your inner Dory. Embrace the challenge.
Smile in the face of adversity. And just keep swimming.
It's more than a motto. It's a way of life.
A reminder that no matter how hard it gets, you've got what it takes to push through. To keep going. To thrive.
"Oh yes, the past can hurt. But the way I see it, you can either run from it or learn from it."
- Rafiki, The Lion King
Past hits us like a boomerang.
It comes back when you least expect it.
Life's tricky, isn't it? We all have those moments we're not proud of.
Mistakes. Regrets. The "what ifs."
They sting.
Really bad!
But, they don't define us. Not unless we let them.
Rafiki's words are a wake-up call. Yes, the past can be a beast. It can hurt.
But running? That gets us nowhere.
Learning from it, though? That's where the magic happens.
Think of it this way. Every misstep, every stumble, is a lesson in disguise.
They're not roadblocks; they're stepping stones.
Guiding us. Shaping us. Pushing us towards becoming better versions of ourselves.
So, next time you're dwelling on the past, take a step back.
Breathe.
What can you learn from it? How can it make you stronger, wiser, more resilient?
It's all about perspective.
Shift yours.
See the past not as a chain holding you back, but as a ladder helping you climb higher.
And remember, it's okay to look back.
Just don't stare.
Acknowledge it. Learn from it. And then, let it go. Move forward with grace and confidence.
Rafiki's wisdom is a beacon in the dark. A reminder that we have the power to shape our future, one lesson at a time.
"The problem is not the problem. The problem is your attitude about the problem."
- Captain Jack Sparrow, Pirates of the Caribbean
Sounds like a riddle, doesn't it?
But it's pure gold.
Not all life's full of surprises are worthy of welcome. Sometimes, it feels like we're sailing stormy seas without a compass.
It's easy to get caught up, to feel overwhelmed.
But Jack's pointing us to a new map, one that navigates through our attitudes.
Imagine seeing your problems as just...situations. Neutral.
Not good or bad until we decide they are.
For example, imagine that flat tire is just...a flat tire. Nothing more.
It's our groaning, the "Why me?" attitude that turns it into a monster wave.
What if, instead, we saw it as a chance to practice patience, maybe learn a bit about cars, or even share a laugh with the tow truck driver?
It's our attitude, our perspective, that gives them color.
What if we chose to see them as challenges?
Opportunities, even?
Suddenly, the seas don't seem so rough.
It's about flipping the script.
Instead of "Why is this happening to me?" we ask, "What can I learn from this?"
It's not about ignoring the problem. It's about changing our stance. Facing the wind head-on, with a smirk and a plan.
Agree?
"I am Groot."
- Groot, Guardians of the Galaxy
Three words. One profound life lesson.
When Groot says, "I am Groot," he's not just making small talk.
Oh no.
He's reminding us of the superpower of being yourself.
That's right. In a galaxy full of unique characters, Groot embodies the essence of authenticity.
Being true to yourself. Sounds easy, right?
But think about it. How often do we twist into pretzels to fit in or please others? Groot, on the other hand, is unapologetically Groot.
And that’s his real beauty.
Each "I am Groot" is a moment of candor, a nugget of wisdom, shared without pretense.
Despite the dark light-years and cosmic chaos, Groot’s identity remains unshaken.
Imagine that—staying truly you, even when the rest of the world seems to be caught in a storyline too wild to navigate.
So, what does Groot teach us?
A few sweet emotions. Confidence. Grit.
The one-of-a-kind natural light we should all let shine.
Instead of getting lost in translation, "I am Groot" becomes a lifelong challenge.
A message to embrace the special 'you-ness' you bring to the world.
Dare to live out loud, like Groot.
Sprout your own unique self, your special essence, in the grand universe.
Because, just like Groot, you too can make a mighty difference by simply being you.
It's a call to action: Embrace your inner Groot.
Let's have the courage to say, "I am Groot."
And what we're really saying is, "I am me." Unfiltered. Unchanged. Remarkably remarkable.
Final Thoughts
Let's not rush through these revelations as mere viewers but as students eager to learn from the grand tapestry of cinema.
Save this reflection and return to it, much like a favorite film, uncovering new layers with each viewing.
Here’s a brief roadmap to integrating these cinematic lessons into your life:
Step 0 — Detach from preconceived notions about what movies are supposed to teach us.
Step 1 — Start with recognizing the beauty in the mundane, as illustrated by films that turn everyday life into a canvas of wonder.
Step 2 — Move on to understanding the complexity of human relationships, guided by narratives that delve deep into the heart's conundrums.
Step 3 — Progress to acknowledging the resilience against adversity, inspired by characters who triumph over trials with grit and grace.
Step 4 — Reflect on the power of forgiveness and redemption, seen through stories of transformation and second chances.
Step 5 — Celebrate the journey of self-discovery, led by protagonists who find their true selves amidst chaos and calm.
Step 6 — Embrace and integrate these cinematic lessons into your life, allowing them to influence your perspectives and actions in the real world.
This journey through cinema's hidden curriculum is indeed work — the work of personal growth and cultural appreciation.
But as the scenes unfold, and you find yourself growing with each lesson, you'll realize the effort is not just worthwhile but transformative.
👉 If this post resonates with you, forward it on to your buddies!
And please, don't forget to hit that ❤️ button.
If you’re NOT using the app, respond with the word “Awesome.”
It helps others find it on Substack.
Thanks for the support! 🙌