Movies everyone should watch in a lifetime and why part two
This is a continuation article to my other article “Movies Everyone Should Watch in a Lifetime and Why: Part One”.
“The Sound of Music” is one of the best movies of all time, and is a true classic everyone should watch. It takes place during World War II in Vienna, Austria, where convent member Maria is sent to become a nanny to the VonTrapp family, headed by Captain VonTrapp. The movie depicts the real-life story of the VonTrapp family, included with singing, as the movie is famous for its music. The movie is filled with memorable scenes, and a famous storyline that is sure to melt hearts. It does run long, almost three hours, however there is an intermission in the middle and it is worth every minute. “The Sound of Music” is a family movie for families with children over the age of eight. There is one intense scene, however, it is not violent and the movie is overall very family-friendly.
On the opposite end, “The Patriot” is not a family movie, rather it is a violent war movie based during the Revolutionary War. The movie stars Mel Gibson and Heath Ledger as Patriots, who are fighting against the Loyalists, the main Loyalist being played by Jason Isaacs. It is centered on the Martin family (Gibson and Ledger’s family), their fight to survive, and for their freedom in America. There are some very disturbing scenes in this movie, including a fire and shootings, however the message is so real and raw. The entire movie seems like one large blood bath, however there are many moments that have the audience either in tears or smiling. This movie is commonly shown in US history classes, because of the accurate depiction of the Revolutionary War, and is enjoyed by many students.
For all of the science-fiction lovers out there, “Interstellar” is a phenomenal movie. Earth is doomed. The only plant that is still available to eat is corn. A team of scientists, a pilot, and astronauts have two options–1) go into space and solve a physics equation as to how humans can travel across the universe, or 2) find a new planet to inhabit. Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Matt Damon, and Jessica Chastain all star in this race-against-time movie, where time is relative and life will never be the same. As the ship voyages from planets to black holes in space, time flies by on Earth, and the only communication is a video screen. McConaughey watches his children grow before his eyes, grow older than he, in fact, and he sees the gradual destruction of Earth. It is only a matter of time before it is too late.
“Mystic Pizza” starring Julia Roberts is a popular 80s movie about three small town girls trying to navigate their early 20s and what they want with life. Daisy, played by Roberts, has a budding relationship with preppy, rich boy, Charles, while Jojo, played by Lili Taylor, has called off her wedding to Bill, and Kat, played by Annabeth Gish, starts having an affair with the father of the little girl she babysits. The movie centers on the pizza shop at which the girls work, and shows the struggles of feeling trapped while living in a small town. This movie is bound to bring laughter and smiles, as it remains a timeless Rom-Com enjoyed by all ages.
“Saving Private Ryan” has to be the saddest, most graphic war movie ever filmed. The opening half hour takes place on D-Day, and displays the true horrors that occurred on that Normandy Beach. The film then dives into the journey of Captain Miller, played by Tom Hanks, and his group of men as they look to bring Private Ryan, played by Matt Damon, home to his mother, who has already lost three of her four sons during the war. The Spielberg movie brought to life the rawness and disturbing things that occur during a war, captivating audiences and having them realize what a tragedy it is to go to war. This is one of my top five favorite movies, because no matter how many times I’ve seen it, or how hard some scenes may be to watch, it is a reminder of the freedoms for which Americans have fought, and is a reminder always to stay patriotic to honor those who have fought for us.
