The mastermind behind everyone’s favorite theme park, Walt Disney, once said, “Movies can and do have an impact tremendous influence in shaping young lives in the realm of entertainment towards the ideals and objectives of normal adulthood.” Sometimes we are lucky enough to find a movie that fills us with such joy and life that it inspires us to do something daring or creative. Capturing our spirits and forever holding a spot within our hearts, these movies contain the power to propel us into a new chapter and spark awe into our post-adolescence, pre-adulthood lives.
Unfortunately, eventually the day will come when we all must finally don a cap and gown and graduate from the University of Georgia. "St. Elmo’s Fire," tells the story of a group of seven friends grappling with their lives and evolving relationships with each other after entering the real world. Although it has some seriously somber undertones, this movie will remind you the undying love you have for your friends and make you realize you are living in the good ol’ times right now — appreciate it.
With end-of-the-year madness gearing up right in front of our eyes, it might feel preferable to be in a penitentiary. After watching "Shawshank Redemption," however, you might reassess. Morgan Freeman uses his voice to fill you to your emotional limit. You’ll never be more grateful for your room (even if it is in Brumby) and the freedom we can exercise to pursue any desire. If Morgan Freeman can finally obtain parole, violate his parole by traveling to Mexico, and STILL meet up with his friend on a beach (oops... spoiler alert?) then you can accomplish some pretty great things too.
George Bailey. If you cannot find inspiration from "It’s a Wonderful Life" then it is time to move into a trashcan because you are the new grouch. When an ordinary man realizes that without him, his friends and families’ lives would have been dramatically different, in a bad way, he understands the value of not only himself, but all of his actions. A person and a life are made up of countless moments and decisions that guide you on your path. This movie will make you run down Milledge, or at least speed walk, screaming your love for life and all of its luxuries.
Despite being Orson Welles’ masterpiece and American Film Institute’s top film of all time, "Citizen Kane" might seem like an unusual choice as a “carpe diem” movie. The story tells of a newspaper tycoon that makes it to the top only to find himself on his deathbed. A reporter spends the entire movie trying to uncover the meaning of his final word: "Rosebud." At the end of the movie you see his wealth rot away in his unimaginably large mansion, you understand that “Rosebud” refers to the sleigh from his childhood (Spoiler alert! Sorry!). This movie teaches everyone that the top can be lonely and puts into perspective what is truly important.
As the late and great Robin Williams once said in "Dead Poets Society," “Carpe, carpe. Carpe Diem. Seize the day, boys. Make your lives extraordinary.” We truly live a charmed life here in Athens, Georgia. If you ever need a push to remember that, these movies will surely motivate you to seize the day.
