How Movies Opened My World!

Before all the pandemic stuff, I wasn’t really into movies. Yeah, I’d hit up the movie theater every now and then, catch a flick—you know the drill. But who would’ve thought that this whole movie thing would turn into a whole new adventure for me? It’s like I stumbled upon a treasure chest of storytelling that I never really paid attention to before.

Back in the good ol’ days before COVID took over, my movie journey was pretty much Tamil, Malayalam, a few Hindi, and English movies—that’s about it. I wasn’t really digging too deep into the movie world, just dipping my toes here and there.

Then came the pandemic, and there I was, chilling in my little place with not much to do. I started watching those fun reality shows from way back when, you know, the ones that give you a good laugh. But then a buddy of mine swoops in with some movie recommendations, like “Badhaai Ho,” “Chhichhore,” “Dia,” “Dream Girl,” “The Girl Next Door,” and even some classics that were older than my grandma. I’m thinking, “Alright, let’s give these a shot.

And holy smokes, that’s when the whole game changed. Suddenly, I’m not just watching these movies; I’m diving headfirst into their worlds. I’m paying attention to the plot twists, the cool dialogues, the music that hits you right in the heart, and those scenes that make you feel like you’re right there with the characters. It’s like I’m on a movie marathon, binge-watching like there’s no tomorrow.

What’s crazy is how these movies were totally different from the usual stuff I’d seen before. They had these wild storylines that took me to places I never even imagined. It was like peeking through a secret door into a whole new universe that I never knew existed.

I’m not exactly a global movie buff, but I’ve got a taste for Hollywood, Indian, French, Chinese, Thai, and even Korean and Japanese films. And let me tell you, it’s like a burst of happiness hit me when I started exploring movies from all these different corners of the world. It’s like a shot of dopamine for my curiosity.

It’s really cool how some movies take you into completely different cultures. Just imagine: the main character decides to move to a new place, and all of a sudden, you’re right there experiencing the vibe and way of life of that place. Think about movies like “Into the Wild,” “Emily in Paris,” “Perfect Pairing,” “Queen,” “Falling Inn Love,” and a bunch of others (you know, the ones that are almost at the tip of your tongue but not quite). It’s like finding a hidden treasure chest filled with all kinds of different cultures and exciting stories.

Certain movies have played a crucial role in shattering stereotypes, while others have bravely tackled taboo subjects. I’ve come across films that opened my eyes to the fact that some issues aren’t as monumental as they might seem, urging me to view them from a different angle. Titles like “Sex Education,” “Sky Castle,” “Aruvi,” “Piku,” “Super Deluxe,” and “Modern Love” have been particularly impactful in this regard.

Several movies have played a significant role in deepening my understanding of trauma and addressing societal issues. Films like “Beef,” “Tamasha,” “Dear Zindagi,” “The Great Hypnotist,” “Kill Me, Heal Me,” “It’s Okay to Not Be Okay,” and “It’s Okay, That’s Love” have been powerful tools in shedding light on these important subjects.

There were instances when I experienced deep emotional lows, causing me to question whether I was the only person undergoing such hardships in the world. During these contemplative moments, specific series such as “My Mister,” “Liberation Notes,” and the impactful film “Parasite” emerged as sources of solace. Collectively, these narratives illuminated the fact that although my struggles were deeply personal, they were not singular, thus dispelling my feelings of isolation and reaffirming a profound connection to the broader human experience.

Back in the day, I’ll admit I was a bit naive. But you know what they say – life isn’t just rainbows and sunshine. It was these shows that truly opened my eyes to the shades of gray in people’s characters. From the glitzy world of “Celebrity” to the intriguing dynamics of “Mukuthan Unni Associates,” the gripping twists in “World of Married,” and the intriguing choices in “The Menu,” – they all hit home a powerful message: people aren’t always what they seem.

Some movies really capture the heart of what it means to be a woman. Like in “Aval Apdithan” and “Kalyana Agathigal,” they dive deep into women’s lives, showing all the ups and downs they go through. Then there’s “Queen,” where the main character goes on this big journey of finding herself, and “The Intern,” is all about how different generations connect. “Magalri Mattum” and “Iravi” also add their own spin to this theme. These films paint a vivid picture of what it’s like to be a woman, making you really feel their stories.

Specific movies hold a remarkable capacity to kindle my imagination and infuse life with hope. Works like “Tenet,” “Inception,” “Dead Poets Society,” “Chef,” “Good Will Hunting,” and “The Shawshank Redemption” possess the unique ability to transport me to uncharted realms of possibility. Through their captivating narratives, they awaken a sense of wonder, nurturing my capacity to dream and cultivate optimism for the future.

Some shows work wonders in helping me unwind, acting like a delightful dessert after a demanding day. I find relaxation in watching a few episodes of well-loved series such as “The Big Bang Theory,” “Young Sheldon,” “Friends,” “Suits,” and few old Tamil movies (“Mouna Ragam,” “Minnale,” “Suriyavasam.” etc) These shows create a cozy atmosphere, enabling me to escape into their familiar and comforting worlds, providing a much-needed respite for my mind.

Countless movies spring to mind that I’d love to reference, yet they seem to slip my memory as I put pen to paper. It’s intriguing to ponder how my perspective on these films might have diverged if I had been born in a Western country rather than my small Indian hometown. Equally captivating is the thought of how my outlook would differ had I grown up in a remote and less-exposed place where access to cinema was limited. Our origins undeniably shape the lens through which we view the captivating world of movies and their narratives.

When our perspectives, opinions, and beliefs are molded by a confined circle of individuals, societal norms, and limited exposure, it raises an important question: how can we confidently determine what is right or wrong?

Cheers!

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