Top 5 Movies that Influenced Me To Be Who I Am

There are good movies, and there are great movies. But in another category by itself are the movies that stayed with you long after you left the cinema, and have influenced or formed your convictions and morals. Here is my list of the Top 5 movies that have created a profound influence in my life, so much so that I refer to these movies, and scenes in these movies, whenever I need motivation. Take note that these movies aren't necessarily award winners; for some reason, they just have a special place in my heart. Here they are, in no particular order.

1. Alive (1993) - Based on Piers Paul Read's 1974 book: Alive: The Story of the Andes Survivors. This gripping tale of survival tells us the story of an Uruguayan rugby team whose plane crashed in the Andes en route to their match in Chile. The team spent several months on top of the mountain, and had to resort to eating the flesh of their dead companions just to stay alive. They were finally rescued after two of them mustered enough courage, strength, and food to make the journey out of the mountains and call for help.

This was one of the first movies I watched as a seminarian back in 1993, and it taught me a very valuable lesson: never give up, despite one's circumstances, and always persevere. Whenever I am sick, or in pain, or going through a lot emotionally and physically, I remember this movie and tell myself: pull yourself together! If they could survive the Andes, you could survive this!

Memorable quote: "There's nothing more to say. We were brought together by a grand experience."

2. A Love Story (2007) - Starring local stars Aga Muhlach, Maricel Soriano, and Angelica Panganiban, it tells the story of a man searching for love, not only from women, but from his family as well. This film addresses several issues on different levels, and those with relationship and family issues who seek counseling may find answers and perhaps even healing and closure in this brilliant film.

I watched this movie a year after it was released, during the time when I was also seeking love and attention, and have been involved in a string of bad relationships, destroying many friendships and relationships along the way. Needless to say I cried a lot while watching because that time I was able to relate to the main character:

Memorable Quotes:

Aga: Mahal mo ba ako?
Maricel: Sobra...kahit alam kong hindi na tama...
Aga: Mahal na mahal kita, akala ko sapat na 'yun para makalimutan mo kung tama 'to o mali...

3. The Mission (1986) - This film tells us the experiences of the Jesuit missionaries in 18th century South America. Directed by Roland Joffe, the highlight of this movie is the spectacular scenery of nature that is perfectly captured in music by the brilliant Ennio Morricone. The movie centers around the Jesuit priest Father Gabriel, played by Jeremy Irons, and Robert de Niro, who portrays Rodrigo and produces a once-in-a-lifetime performance. They sustain a mission area with the natives up in the mountains, only for their simple lives to be ruined by politics and greed. One of those classic movies I watched as a seminarian, I was deeply inspired to persevere in my life as a seminarian because of this flick. To this day this is the movie that motivates me to continue God's work here on Earth despite the obvious difficulties we face.

Memorable Scene: Rodrigo and Fr. Gabriel climb up the mountain to where the natives are as Rodrigo's penance for killing his brother and for hunting down and selling the natives. Tied to him are the instruments of his sins: his armor, his sword, and other heavy things. He struggles to climb up the slippery mountain but is determined to make in on top. When they reach the top, he is confronted by the natives, but to his surprise, the natives cut his baggage loose and throws it away to the river. He finds release and forgiveness from the very people he has oppressed. It is hard not to cry with De Niro in this scene.

4. Schindler's List (1993) - A must-see video for all pro-lifers. This is THE movie that steeled my determination to save lives through the pro-life movement. Oscar Schindler, played by the great Liam Neeson, is a Nazi party member who saved thousands of Jews from the Holocaust by employing them in his factory.

Memorable Scene: The last scene were Oscar frees his Jews and tries to escape capture. He was given a ring by the Jews where it was inscribed: Whoever saves one life, saves the world entire. His breakdown in the end is the only time he has shown any strong emotion in the movie and will leave you absolutely gutted. Leave it to tough men crying to make you weep like crazy.

5. Kingdom of Heaven (2005) and Braveheart (1995) - Although Kingdom of Heaven had some obvious anti-clerical and anti-Catholic swipes here and there, Kingdom of Heaven and Braveheart have inspired me to fight for what is right, no matter how small or insignificant you are to your enemy. If Schindler's List solidified my intent to become pro-life, these movies fan the fire in my belly to fight injustice and to protect the weak and the innocent.

Memorable quote:

There you have it. My top 5 greatest influences in movies. I hope we never underestimate the power of a good movie. These movies will stay with me forever. Let's do our part to shun bad movies and share the good ones to our fellow Catholics and friends.