REVEALED ... THE MOVIES THAT HAVE HAD AN IMPACT ON KELLY.

Having revealed the movies that had had an impact on both myself and Mr T (see them here & here) I was delighted when fellow blogger and movie buff Kelly over at Kelly's Thoughts & Ramblings, accepted my invitation to post some of the films that had had an impact on her. 

When Tracy first suggested writing a post about films that had affected me in a profound way, I wasn’t sure I could come up with any.  I tend to watch movies for pure entertainment, rarely looking to take anything away from them.  But the more I thought about it, the more I realized there have been a few that made an impression on me… or that, at the very least, have lingered in my mind.  Here are five of them:

1.   Wind River - We like to watch films based on actual events.  Rather than one specific case, Wind River is based on a statistic… or lack thereof.  (a statement which becomes totally clear after watching the movie)  It deals with rapes and murders of Native American women on Indian Reservations and is quite eye-opening, perhaps even more so in light of the current #metoo movement.  The wintertime scenery in the film is stunning, playing on the brutality of the events in the film.

2.   Silence - I am a Christian and I believe that it’s my duty to spread the Gospel of Christ.  That said, I’m not very good at evangelizing (preferring to try and live my faith rather than preach it with words) and often have mixed emotions about proselytizing, particularly as done in centuries past.  This film revolves around two Portuguese Jesuit priests in 17th century Japan - a time and place where Christianity was not accepted or tolerated.  Very difficult to watch in places, it made me think about all the missionaries who have sacrificed their lives to share their beliefs. 

3.   The Apostle - I learned of this film when I read about it in a magazine shortly after its release.  Written, directed, and financed by Robert Duvall, he also stars in the lead role.  When it came out I bought it and watched it several times.  It’s an excellent portrayal of a very real culture in the southern US as well as a moving story of redemption. I need to watch it again soon!

4.   Boogie Nights - Okay, this one probably has some of you snickering, wondering how on earth a film about a porn star could qualify for this post.  Honestly, I only saw the movie once, but I remember being moved by it, feeling pity for the lead character as he struggled with his life, never finding the happiness or satisfaction he long for.  Tragic might be the best way to describe it.  On a side note, the double CD from the film has excellent music!  As for that infamous final scene… no, it wasn’t real.  It was a prosthetic.  

5.   Signs - This is my number one pick of these five.  In fact, it rates as one of my favorite movies of all time.  On the surface, it has everything going for it - a suspenseful (and at times terrifying) sci-fi alien plot, plenty of humor, a sense of pathos, and convincing acting.  But what totally makes the movie for me is how everything comes together in the end.  All the supposed “flaws” - Morgan's asthma, Bo's abandoned glasses of water, Merrill's failed ball career - they all serve a purpose.  Graham says in the movie, “People break down into two groups. … Are you the kind that sees signs, that sees miracles?  Or do you believe that people just get lucky?  Or, look at the question this way:  Is it possible that there are no coincidences?”  Just as Graham concludes, restoring his faith in God, I believe there are no coincidences in life. 

Thanks for that thoughtful and interesting selection Kelly. 

Of the five I have only seen Signs which I agree is a good film and certainly one both Mr T and I have watched more than once, my probably enjoying it more than him.

Whilst I'm not sure Silence is something I'd enjoy, of the others I'd definitely like to see Wind River and  The Apostle and possibly (now you have me intrigued) Boogie Nights.

Like to share the movies that have had an impact on you? I'd love to hear from you so please get in touch.

 & Kelly.