Not every movie is created equal. The beauty of creating and directing flicks is the endless styles, themes, and messages that can be created. Some remain timeless and seem to become more relevant as time passes. Others, are simply great films that make you feel good about yourself, life, and the world you live in. Still yet, some capture the exact epochs of your life in such a direct and accurate manner that they leave you feeling nostalgic and emotional. Regardless of what movies you enjoy, there is something for everyone. Here are five films to watch before you turn 30.
- Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
This movie resonates with anyone who has every fallen in love or gone through a horrible break up. After splitting up, Clementine-played by Kate Winslet- signs up for a procedure that will essentially erase all memories of her previous lover Joel, who is played by Jim Carrey. After finding out about this procedure, Joel decide he too will undergo the procedure so that he can also forget about his lost love. As the memories begin to fade, so does their identity and connections they have made to not only their loved ones, but themselves.
- The Breakfast Club
For everyone that has ever struggled in and survived their high school years- which is nearly all of us- the Breakfast Club seems to hit the nail on the head. This classic film captures the angst and awkwardness that high schoolers experience with identity, groups, and authority. When 5 high school students from different cliques are brought together to suffer through a Saturday detention, each member has an opportunity to tell their side of the story so that the others may potentially see each other in a different light. By the end of their punishment, they are slightly changed in their views of themselves, each other, and school.
- The Silence of the Lambs
Although this movie seems to be well known for its scary villains and unsettling subject matter, the film is, overall, a nod to women’s equality. Clarice Sterling, played by Jody Foster, is a top student enrolled in the training academy at the FBI headquarters. After a serial killer begins hunting down and capturing women to use for their skins, Clarice is ordered to interview Hannibal Lector-played by Anthony Hopkins- to try and gleam some insight into the case. As Clarice goes toe-to-toe with Hannibal’s manipulations, she realizes that he has his own plans and ideas regarding her and his own escape.
- The Dead Poets Society
Robin Williams plays John Keating, a teacher in an all boys preparatory school that places a high value on obedience and adherence to its strict high standards and tradition. Using his unique methods and rapport building, John manages to reach the students who are struggling under intense pressure from their families and school authorities. With his guidance, the students are able to build the confidence to pursue their interests and question the concept of absolute obedience to authority.
- Clueless
Although not as deep as many of the aforementioned movies, Clueless showed many what the world of rich, shallow, and socially extravagant life could be in all its brutally honest and conflicting glory. Cher, played by Alicia Silverstone, is the top dog at Beverly Hills high until she gets some competition that forces her to re-evaluate herself, her status, and her love life.
Watch any of these 5 movies for a great evening full of fictional fun.
