When I see myself these days, I realise how self disciplined I have become. I assure you, this is not a narcissistic post! So, self discipline helps you achieve a number of goals which you may or may not write and work to achieve it. Simplest of things like getting the “cooking for the day” out of the way is a goal for me.Keeping aside all that I did or did not do during this Lockdown, I managed to “pick” what I wanted to watch as entertainment. I made a promise to myself that I would not binge watch because it is a trap- an endless pit! With gratitude that we have Internet and an overflowing digital content, I watched movies only on the weekends and on days when I really wanted to escape reality!
So here comes my list of movies that touched me to the core ( and I will tell you why) interspersed with series that makes my 45 minutes mandatory daily entertainment. I am not adding documentaries because to me that is a different genre.
Onward – An animation can lift your mood any day. A simple story of a boy elf who will do anything to spend a day with his dead father. Be amazed at how the story is handled. A tad loud for my liking but then we are talking boys here!!
Parasite – The Oscar winner – had missed it when it was released. The satire is just too hard to miss. At the end of the film, you are left asking yourself if you feel funny, sad or just angry with what you just watched.
Togo – I am crazy about true stories and if it is about a dog then it is a clear winner. While Hachiko remains my all time favourite ( watched it 15 times already!), Togo is the untold story of an Alaskan dog. If I say more, I will be spoiling it. Watch it for Togo, watch it for love and watch it for determination.
Breakthrough – A story that reaffirms my thought that there is magic and miracle. Things that are undefined, illogical and yet real. A true story about survival and miracle. If you are too logical and think that there is no goodness left in this world, then you ought to watch this.
Gifted – Kids! I love them!! This one is just too good. Story of a prodigious child who is torn in a custody battle. You have to watch it to see how this custody battle is different and how relationships are left best undefined.
Carrie Pilby – If her eyes don’t attract you, then nothing will. Socially awkward high IQ kid – the life of a 19 year old. The humour and pain is handled so well. I could almost reach out to her and hug her.
A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood – True story about a journalist whose life turns when he interviews a well known kids TV show host. Apart from being narrated so beautifully, Tom Hanks is a pleasure to watch. Devour this beauty if you want to see how we,at the core are simple, the world complicates us. Double it up with the original written article featured by Esquire magazine back in 1998. Guaranteed that your heart will turn into a pudding.
Let me also recommend some really interesting series that I watched thanks to friends who told me about it.
Modern Family – a chance discovery by my 15 year old. An award winning series and I can tell you why. Each 20 min episode can leave you with guffaws and a pain in your tummy while you laugh. Wit, humour and sarcasm – just my kind of dish!
Unorthodox – A limited series based on the life of the Hasidic Jews in the US. I have not read the book (by the same name ) and I wish I had. The daily struggles of being woman belonging to the community and her urge to do more. A huge revelation for me.
After Life – British humour, ace acting and a reaffirmation about people needing love and the prime aim of life is “Being Happy”. The story of a widower who is also a journalist and how he handles his wife’s passing away.
Entertainment has always been a huge medium to handle issues and feelings. The characters have a huge responsibility of conveying exactly what is required. The pandemic will take time, people will realign to a new normal but ensure that whatever you are feeding your mind helps you to “feel” good about yourself. The list is personal – after all each one has their own choice. But if you do watch even one of the above on my list, you will be reassured that as human, you can be humane too!
Image Courtesy – Netflix, Disney Hotstar, Amazon Prime