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My All Time Top 10 Favorite Movies

Jan 20, 2023

Here are my top 10 all-time favorite movies. These movies are captivating and entertaining but also inspiring, they all have a message that can help us in our daily lives, they remind me to never give up on my dreams, to be determined, to be optimistic, to persevere, and to always believe in myself.


  1. The Champ" is a 1979 movie that tells the story of Billy Flynn, a washed-up boxer who is trying to make a comeback in the ring. He is also a single father to his young son T.J, whom he loves dearly. The movie explores the relationship between Billy and T.J and how they both deal with the struggles of living a life of poverty. Billy is determined to make a comeback, but T.J wants his father to quit boxing and focus on providing a better life for them.

Billy's comeback is not successful, and he dies in the ring after a match. The movie ends with T.J visiting his father's grave, and understanding that his father died doing what he loved. The movie is a powerful story about the bond between a father and his son and the sacrifices parents make for their children.

  1. "The Founder"is a 2016 movie that tells the true story of the creation of the fast-food chain McDonald's. The movie stars Michael Keaton as Ray Kroc, a struggling milkshake machine salesman who discovers a small but successful burger restaurant run by the McDonald brothers.

He becomes obsessed with their efficient and profitable business model and eventually convinces the brothers to franchise their restaurant, eventually buying the company from them and turning it into the global empire we know today. The film depicts the ruthless business practices of Kroc and the moral dilemmas he faced in his pursuit of success. The movie is a story of ambition, greed, and the American dream, and how one man's vision changed the fast-food industry forever.

  1. "Joy"is a 2015 movie that tells the story of Joy Mangano, a struggling single mother who becomes a successful entrepreneur. The movie stars Jennifer Lawrence as Joy, a woman with a passion for inventing and a determination to succeed. Despite facing numerous obstacles, Joy never gives up on her dreams and eventually invents the "Miracle Mop," a revolutionary cleaning product that becomes a household name.

The film depicts Joy's journey of self-discovery, her relationships with her family, and the challenges she faced as a woman in a male-dominated industry. The movie is a powerful story of resilience, determination, and the pursuit of the American dream, and how one woman's invention changed the world forever.

  1. "The Green Mile"is a 1999 movie that tells the story of Paul Edgecomb, a death row prison guard in the 1930s, and his relationship with a condemned inmate named John Coffey, who has a supernatural ability to heal people. As Paul and his fellow guards learn more about John's powers, they begin to question the morality of the death penalty and their own beliefs in justice.

The story is set in the fictional Cold Mountain Penitentiary and follows the guards and inmates as they deal with the daily routine of the prison, as well as the execution of the inmates on death row. As Edgecomb and his colleagues come to know Coffey, they confront the humanity and the inhumanity of their jobs, as they see Coffey's gentle nature and his supernatural healing abilities. The film is a powerful story of compassion, redemption, and the search for humanity in the darkest of places.

  1. "Just Mercy"is a 2019 movie that tells the true story of attorney Bryan Stevenson and his fight to overturn the wrongful conviction of Walter McMillian, a man sentenced to death for a murder he did not commit. The film follows Stevenson as he works to uncover the truth and expose the corruption and racism within the criminal justice system. Michael B. Jordan stars as Bryan Stevenson and Jamie Foxx stars as Walter McMillian.

The movie also explores the relationship between Stevenson and McMillian, and how they both deal with the struggles of living with the injustice of the death penalty. The movie is a powerful story of the quest for justice, the fight against racism, and the power of human compassion. It highlights the importance of representation for marginalized communities and the importance of fighting for what is right, even when it seems impossible.

  1. "The Pursuit of Happiness"starring Will Smith: This true story follows the struggles of a single father trying to provide for his family while pursuing his dream of a better life. It's a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of perseverance.
  2. "Scarface"is a 1983 crime drama film stars Al Pacino as Tony Montana, a Cuban refugee who arrives in 1980s Miami with nothing, but through determination and violence, rises to become a powerful drug kingpin. The movie is a retelling of the 1932 film of the same name.

The film tells the story of Tony's rise to power in the Miami drug scene and the brutal violence that comes with it. He starts small, working for a low-level drug dealer, but soon starts his own operation and becomes one of the most powerful drug traffickers in the city. Along the way, he gains wealth, power, and a fierce reputation, but also loses his soul, as he becomes increasingly paranoid, violent and isolated.

The movie is a cautionary tale of the dream gone wrong, and the consequences of unchecked ambition and greed. It depicts the excesses of the era and the violence that came with it, as well as the destructive nature of the drug trade. It's also a character study of a man who rises to the top but ultimately loses everything, including his own soul.

  1. "Seven Pounds"is a 2008  movie that tells the story of Ben Thomas, an IRS agent who has a tragic past and is struggling with guilt. He decides to make amends by using his knowledge of the tax code to track down seven strangers, all of whom he believes to be worthy of a second chance. Along the way, he meets a woman named Emily Posa, who is suffering from a heart condition and needs a transplant. As Ben becomes closer to Emily, he starts to question the morality of his plan and the impact it will have on those around him.

The movie is a story of redemption, love and the power of self-sacrifice. It explores themes of guilt, forgiveness, and the impact of one's actions on others. Will Smith delivers a powerful performance as Ben, as he struggles to come to terms with his past and find a way to make amends. The film also raises ethical questions about assisted suicide, organ donation, and the concept of a second chance.

  1. "Rocky"starring Sylvester Stallone: This classic film tells the story of an underdog boxer who refuses to give up on his dreams. It's a powerful reminder of the importance of hard work and determination.

 The movie is a powerful story of determination, perseverance, and the power of the human spirit. It explores themes of self-discovery, self-belief, and the importance of never giving up. Stallone delivers a powerful performance as Rocky, as he struggles to overcome the odds and prove himself to the world. The movie Is an inspiration to people to chase their dreams and never give up, no matter the odds.

  1. "Coach Carter"is a 2005 drama starring Samuel L. Jackson. The movie is based on the true story of Ken Carter, a high school basketball coach who benched his entire team due to poor academic performance. The film tells the story of Ken Carter, a former professional basketball player who returns to his old high school to coach the basketball team. He's determined to turn the team around and instill discipline and integrity in his players. Despite the initial resistance, he sets strict rules and high academic standards for the team, which leads to a successful season. However, when the players start to struggle academically, Coach Carter decides to bench the entire team, causing a stir in the community and leading to a legal battle.

The movie is a powerful story of leadership, discipline, and the importance of education. It explores themes of sacrifice, responsibility, and the power of setting high standards. Samuel L. Jackson delivers a powerful performance as Coach Carter, as he struggles to balance his desire to win with his commitment to his players' education and well-being. The film is a powerful reminder of the impact that a dedicated and compassionate leader can have on young people and the importance of discipline and education in shaping their future.


 

This column was published by the author in their personal capacity.
The opinions expressed in this column are the author's own and do not reflect the view of Cafetalk.

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