Anyone who knows me, knows that "The Fast and the Furious" movies series is something that lies deep in my heart. I have been watching these movies ever since I can remember. I started this series with my older brother and seeing them every time one came out became a tradition. Not only has "The Fast and the Furious" series taught me a few things about life, but they have also allowed to me grow a bond with my brother that I never thought I would have. My brother and I started a tradition when the second "Fast and Furious" movie, "2 Fast 2 Furious," came out. Throughout my many years of watching "The Fast and the Furious," it has taught me so much. Here are some things that the movie series has taught me.
1. Always pursue what you want
We all know that in the first movie, Brian (Paul Walker) did not stop until he got Mia (Jordana Brewster) to go on a date with him. I mean sure, all he did was pursue a girl, but still. It taught me to always pursue what I want.
2. Always put your family first
In the movie series, Dom (Vin Diesel), always put his family first and this taught me to always put my family first. Since I come from a tight-knit family this was always kind of easy for me to follow, but this movie series has taught me how to do it well.
3. Never turn your back on your family
In the sixth movie, when Letty (Michelle Rodriquez) reappears she shoots Dom in the shoulder and even though she did that, Vin Diesel spit out yet another unforgettable quote: "Never turn your back on family, even when they do." This taught me to always have my family's back, even if we weren't in the best places with each other or even if we haven't talked in awhile.
4. Always be willing to forgive
I mean, if Dom can forgive Brian after finding out he was a cop in the first movie, then I can forgive someone for a mistake they have made. This movie has taught me to always be willing to forgive someone.
5. Always try to see the good in people
Again, if Dom can look past the fact that Brian was a cop and see the good in him, then why can't I see the good in people? This movie series has taught me this more than it has taught me anything else. It has taught me that no matter where someone has come from or what they have been through, you're always supposed to see the good in them no matter what.
6. Live your life a quarter-mile at a time
I mean, everyone knows this famous quote right? "I live my life a quarter-mile at a time. Nothing else matters: not the mortgage; not the store; not my team; and all their bullsh**. For those 10 seconds or less, I'm free." Now some people interpret this different than others. But I interpret it like this: live your life day by day. Don't worry about tomorrow and don't worry about yesterday. Focus on the present day and keep moving on through life and let nothing else matter but the moment you are in.
7. Keep your enemies in your rear view mirror
This is a famous quote from Han (Sung Kang). This quote has taught me to keep the people who bring you down behind you. Never let them get ahead of you or influence you in any kind of way. Keep them in your rear view mirror.
8. Work as a team
We all know that Dom never works alone. Working as a team makes you get things done a lot faster and a lot more precise. It also allows you to get to know people better and be able to form a friendship/family within a group of people who you call your team.
9. Ride or die
This one is simple. Ride or die. Be down to ride no matter what the situation is.
10. Winning is winning
Yet another Vin Diesel quote. This quote has really helped me a lot when I am dealing with school. When it comes to tests and assignments, sometimes I don't always get the grades I was hoping for, but as long as it is a passing grade I just think to myself, "Winning is winning."
12. Never say goodbye
In the seventh movie, which is the last movie Paul Walker would ever film due to his passing away, there is an emotional scene at the end where Vin Diesel walks away and Ramsey (Nathalie Emmanuel) says, "You're not going to say goodbye?" And Vin Diesel responds, "It's never goodbye." Know for all of us true "Fast and Furious" fans this was an emotional one for us. Not only was Vin Diesel talking as Dom to Brian, but he was always talking to Paul Walker in spirit.
There are probably a lot more things that this movie series has taught me, but it would take me days and days to type it out. Overall, this movie series is one the most inspiring things that has ever been in my life. And it has also played a major part of my life.
