by David Mead
Cinema is a big part of students’ learning. Naturally, there are seasonal blockbusters for sheer fun and entertainment. At the same time, some movies make the biggest impression during studenthood.
We provide the best movies to watch as a student in the following list. If you are already familiar with the movies, it is a great opportunity to revisit a timeless classic. However, if you hear about them for the first time, you may discover a lot of new impressions.
The Shawshank Redemption
The Shawshank Redemption is a recognised classic of US cinema. The movie’s release date is 1994. Frank Darabont directed and wrote the movie. It is based on the 1982 novel of a similar name by Stephen King.
The movie focuses on Andy Dufresne. He is sentenced for the homicide of his wife and her lover, despite claims of innocence. Andy was stuck in a money-laundering fraud for the next two decades, held by the prison warden.
Andy meets a new friend with the nickname Red in Shawshank. Together, they help each other overcome all the difficulties of prison life.
The Shawshank Redemption explores the relations of a person and a system. The movie clashes with these two entities and shows that few people could overcome such confrontation.
At the same time, the movie inspires us to keep fighting and overcoming even the harshest obstacles.
The Library of Congress marked the movie for preservation due to its impact on US culture.
Kingdom of Heaven
Kingdom of Heaven is an epic historical blockbuster by Ridley Scott. The movie release was in 2005. Kingdom of Heaven illuminates the 12th century and the period of the Crusades. A young smith Balian has to leave his homeland and join the holy knights to protect Jerusalem.
The movie takes many real names, events, and locations. There are several historical assumptions and unreliability. You should view it as a romantic image of the Middle Ages and not as a historical chronicle.
At the same time, the movie captures the feeling familiar to any sudden venturing away and proving oneself in an alien environment. Balin is a believable character, and you can easily associate yourself with him.
Besides, there are many masterfully crafted battle scenes and the movie features a talented cast, including Orlando Bloom and Eva Green.
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Forrest Gump
Forrest Gump is a comedic drama by Robert Zemeckis. The movie is based on the novel of the same name by Winston Groom. The movie’s release was in 1994.
Forrest Gump retells the story of his life, sitting on a bus-stop bench, to the strangers who come and go from him. At an early age, Forrest is deemed of below-average IQ. However, this fact does not make the eventful life of Forrest less exciting.
The key idea is that Forrest has an extraordinary view of the world. He is honest and cares for his loved ones and his duties. Forrest’s character brings him to many peculiar situations.
Forrest Gump is a slice of the newest US history. Forrest Gump’s perspective makes events and people look not like we used to see them. The movie explores almost all aspects of human life:
- Politics
- Love
- War
- Self-identity.
It is hard to pinpoint a single element that makes Forrest Gump a great movie. This movie is a very intimate experience. You should try it first hand to understand how it affects you personally.
Dead Poets Society
Dead Poets Society is a sentimental film if you are looking for inspiration. The movie was directed by Peter Weir and released in 1989.
The story of the movie revolves around John Keating, a teacher of English in an elite, all-male school. Keating’s unorthodox educational approach inspires students to look at life differently and view the world through the prism of poetry.
The movie is a romantic manifest that reaches through time and cultures. A student’s life may not always be joyful and pleasant. Yet, Dead Poets Society may grant a sudden inspiration and insight that we lack sometimes.
Seven Samurai
Seven Samurai is a cultural pillar. The movie was directed and co-edited by Akira Kurosawa. The movie’s release was in 1954.
The story tells about a conflict between a distant village and a bandits group. To protect themselves, villagers venture into town to hire samurai.
The simple premise holds a powerful message behind it. Each of the seven samurai is a distinct personality, with motives, fears, and aspirations. Communication between these personalities creates many insightful situations.
Besides, the conflict between villagers and samurai reveals the nature of each side and the true meaning of virtue.
The cultural influence of Seven Samurai cannot be overestimated. The Magnificent Seven is the most prominent example of such influence. Besides, there are many references across multimedia that Seven Samurai inspired.
Blade Runner
Blade Runner is another cult film by Ridley Scott. The movie was released in 1982 and was based on Philip Dick’s novel “Do androids dream of electric sheep?” Blade Runner defined the visual aesthetics of the cyberpunk genre and sci-fi in general.
The movie follows Rick Deckard, a blade runner. He has to hunt down and destroy replicants, sentient androids. However, during this hunt, Deckard questions his morality and humanity.
The movie creates an unparalleled atmosphere of the dystopian future. Social crises mixed with personal tragedies capture your attention almost instantly. You follow the plot in one breath.
The final monologue of the movie antagonist, “tears under the rain,” became a popular pop-culture reference.
Final Words
These movies are great to watch at any time. You may discover them for the first time or come back to them after a while. However, the best time to experience them is during the student years. These movies may give inspiration and courage to venture through life, overcome obstacles, and know oneself a bit better.
