How To Find Meaning in Life Through Cinema: 5 Must-Watch Films

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As humans, we yearn to live with purpose. It gives us a sense of happiness and fulfilment. From personal hobbies to work and travel, various things give meaning to our lives. But sometimes, you find yourself at crossroads where you feel confused about whether what you are doing meaningful contributes to your existence or not.

At this point, you try to seek a source of clarity. Sometimes, watching the right movie can give you exactly what you are looking for. They can inspire and guide you toward choosing the right path.

Many movies deal with the themes of self-discovery and finding purpose. Here are 5 films that you can consider watching at this juncture in your life.

1. Brother Sun, Sister Moon (1972)

This movie, released in 1972 gives you a good glimpse of the life of St. Francis of Assisi. It depicts his life during the initial days of his calling. The movie beautifully shows how he answers his own call for God as well as motivates others around him.

St Francis and his band of brothers aspire to seek the truth. At the same time, they strive to live a simple life of trust in the almighty. The movie showcases how Francis struggles with the demons of his mind in his search for the divine.

After watching Brother Sun, Sister Moon, you'll find yourself becoming more aware of the things you value the most. In other words, you will question your personal motivations and seek to live a more fulfilled existence.

2. Joy (2015)

Joy is a biographical story about Joy Mongano, the inventor of the self-wringing Miracle mop. One of the greatest life lessons it teaches is never to give up. Joy also offers many other lessons, all of which will help you overcome the dilemma you are facing about your life's meaning.

Some worth mentioning insights that this movie gives you is to believe in yourself and work hard without expecting handouts. It also reminds you not to be concerned with the opinions of others and to fight for what you want.

When feeling stagnant in life, movies like Joy can provide a refreshing perspective. For convenient access to this film in HD, simply refer to this guide on Firesticktricks.com. Upon viewing the movie, you're bound to discover renewed motivation and inspiration.

3. The Family Man (2000)

The Family Man will give you a newfound appreciation for your loved ones. You will be reminded not to take anyone and anything for granted. The main character, Jack Campbell, believes that he is living a high life until the Almighty shows him the alternative.

He wakes up as a married man, a role that requires him to develop patience and acquire an acceptance of what is. The film depicts the importance of family love, which makes individuals less self-centered. It also shows how having a kid makes you value different things in life.

On the whole, The Family Man will make you more mindful of enjoying the little things in life with your loved ones. Ultimately, it's all these things that improve the quality of a person's life.

4. Into the Wild (2007)

Into the Wild is a story based on a 1996 non-fiction book by Jon Krakauer. In the movie, Cristopher McCandless, who comes from a wealthy household, graduates from Emory University only to set out on a journey to the Alaskan wilderness.

There are tons of life lessons in this movie that also help with self-discovery. Into the Wild reminds you of the huge significance of natural beauty in life. The film will give you a new appreciation for simply being in nature and witnessing your life in a new light. It also teaches you to open your heart to not only those close to or related to us but also to strangers.

But the biggest lesson that the movie gives is to share your happy moments with those you love. Into the Wild will make you realize that life has meaning only when you share your good and bad moments with others.

5. Waking Life (2001)

Waking Life is a life-changing, state-of-the-art, idealistic film. It is filled with deep conversations about the nature of existence and life. The movie is dreamy yet wildly invigorating.

The main character is a young man who has returned to the town and feels like he is still in a dream. He is met with an accident and spends his time in a dreamy state. This person goes from one to the other place talking about life with strangers.

But he is not the only one talking. The man also listens to a diverse mix of people, all discussing life's purpose. The film isn't funny, sexual, or violent. It's all about pondering over the nature of life and toying with the idea that life itself can feel like a dream.

Summing up

Cinema can instill hope inside you when everything seems futile. The movies listed above can help you with self-discovery and a greater appreciation for the fact that you are alive and get to share your journey with your loved ones. Some of these films help you derive meaning in life from the divine. Yet others do it through nature. Regardless of the medium, these films will linger in your mind for a long time afterward.