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Good Advice From 10 Good Films

Movies are a great source of information. They teach us about science and love and drugs, and grant us access to other worlds. And by using smart discourse and thought-provoking themes, they can also bestow viewers with some great, memorable life advice. Check out the list below, doodle the quotations in your journal (remember how much fun that was?) and keep them around for the next time life leaves you feeling perplexed.

1. Waking Life (2001)

Filled with talk about dreams, free will, and numerous philosophical matters, Waking Life requires your full attention from beginning to end. The dialogue is amazing and contemplative, but that’s not too surprising since Richard Linklater’s films are almost always driven by brilliant screenplays. Waking Life is particularly eye-opening, however, and there’s something about this film that keeps its intriguing ideas fresh in your mind long after it’s come to an end.

Example: “You want to go with the flow — the sea refuses no river. The idea is to remain in a state of constant departure while always arriving, it saves on introductions and goodbyes. The ride does not require explanation, just occupants. That’s where you guys come in. It’s like you come onto this planet with a crayon box. Now you may get the eight pack, you may get the 16 pack, but it’s all in what you do with the crayons — the colors — that you’re given. Don’t worry about coloring within the lines or coloring outside the lines — I say color outside the lines, you know what I mean? Color all over the page, don’t box me in! We’re in motion to the ocean. We are not land locked, I’ll tell you that.”

2. Frances Ha (2013)

Greta Gerwig’s titular Frances did a fantastic job of conveying just how shitty life can be when you’re in your 20s and confused as hell. Though, her off-beat demeanor and sense of humor keep her going, and provide inspiration for the rest of us who seem to keep getting older without actually growing up.

Example: “Sometimes it’s good to do what you’re supposed to do when you’re supposed to do it.”

3. The Wackness (2008)

The Wackness is tremendously undervalued IMO — it has an awesome ’90s soundtrack, Mary Kate Olsen with dreadlocks, and Sir Ben Kingsley as a stoner therapist who offers some hilarious (and wise) advice to his patient/weed dealer Luke, even though he’s struggling with serious issues of his own.

Example: “Never trust anyone who doesn’t smoke pot or listen to Dylan. Never trust anyone who doesn’t like the beach. Never, ever, ever trust anyone who says they don’t like dogs! You meet someone who doesn’t like dogs, you alert the authorities immediately, and you sure as shit don’t marry them.”

4. The Holy Mountain (1973)

The Holy Mountain is weird and intriguing and beautiful and terrifying, and it has one of the most memorable endings of all time. The symbolism is super trippy and seemingly endless, so if you don’t mind taking your brain on a crazy journey, there’s much to be learned here.

Example: “We shall break the illusion. This is magic! Goodbye to the Holy Mountain. Real life awaits us.”

5. Her (2013)

Depending on how you look at it, Her can either seem like a depressing glimpse into a near-future devoid of genuine human relationships, or it can seem like a hopeful reminder that we should stop worrying, be happy, and live our lives. Both interpretations are valid and worth considering, but the latter will definitely leave you feeling better about general existence.

Example: “I’ve just come to realize that we’re only here briefly and while I’m here, I want to allow myself joy, so fuck it.”

6. Candy (2006)

I think we can all agree that the main takeaway from the oh-so-sad Australian film Candy is ‘don’t do drugs,’ but it also says a lot about second chances, toxic relationships, and self-control.

Example: “If you’re given a reprieve, I think it’s good to remember just how thin it is.”

7. Battle Royale (2000)

Battle Royale can seem like a bleak and nihilistic nightmare — and I mean, I guess it kind of is — but it’s also about redemption and extreme perseverance.

Example: “No matter how far, run for all you’re worth.”

8. Clueless (1995)

For a privileged Valley girl, Cher Horowitz was surprisingly wise. Seriously. She took care of her temperamental father, she went above and beyond when it came to helping her friends, and she was smart enough to reject that snobby Elton when he tried to put the moves on her. Things didn’t always work out particularly well, but her intentions were good, and her frequent, comical observations were actually rather bright.

Example: “It is one thing to spark up a doobie and get laced at parties, but it is quite another to be fried all day.”

9. Precious (2009)

Precious might make you dissolve into a puddle of tears and sadness, but its portrayal of a disadvantaged youth trying to make it out of her awful home situation is beyond inspiring. Gabourney Sidibe’s performance was so touching, and it came as no surprise when she was nominated for an Academy Award for her very first film role.

Example: “The other day, I cried, felt stupid. But you know what? Fuck that day. That’s why God, or whoever, makes new days.”

10. Harold And Maude (1971)

I think we should all aspire to be a little more like Maude because let’s be real: Maude is everything. She’s funny and independent and cultured, and she has the most beautiful outlook on life. And while she gives zero fucks, she’s also incredibly kind and loving. This film is definitely one to watch when you’re looking to reset your feelings.

Example: “It’s best not to be too moral — you cheat yourself out of too much life. Aim above morality. If you apply that to life, then you’re bound to live life fully.”

Article by Nicole Woszcyzna. Follow her on Twitter @nicolewosz.



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