Why do movies often make an impression on us?

Cinema has inspired and captivated audiences for a little over a century. We all have important movies that we can’t help but reminisce about. Many movies have made such an impression that I cannot help but rewatch them to bask in the nostalgia I felt the first time I saw them on the silver screen.

We all have reasons why certain movies are so important to us as individuals. Some studies have shown that movies often have a powerful impact on society because they can express vivid emotions that captivate us. Films usually make us empathize with the characters in a story by having them face relatable struggles. These struggles often include themes concerning grief, love, and happiness.

These are common emotions that we feel in our day-to-day lives, and when they are portrayed on the silver screen, we naturally become captivated by how these common emotions play a role in our most beloved stories. It is this human relatability that our most beloved movies express that makes us so attached to their stories. When we see the main characters struggle with the obstacles that plague their journey, we often see ourselves through their struggles, and that makes us feel attached to the story in a meaningful way.

This process of feeling attached to stories through empathizing with the characters’ struggles is why we have movies that are still beloved today. Movies such as It’s a Wonderful Life, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and Star Wars are so beloved because we see ourselves in the downtrodden main character. This attachment to the main character allows us to both want the main character to succeed and feel connected to the story.

Besides connecting us to a film, a movie can also impact us by conveying complex subjects. Some films stick in the viewer’s mind because they bring to light complex themes concerning prejudice, altruism, and redemption. Films that exhibit complex messages or heavy topics can be captivating if executed correctly.

Some beloved films that come to mind that have conveyed complex themes include Stand by Me, The Green Mile, and Schindler’s List. These films and films like them cover very complex subjects such as injustice and loss of innocence (other complex subjects are explored in the movie besides the ones previously stated). Films that address serious topics, such as the ones previously stated, are often very beloved because they mirror society’s problems.

It is this societal mirror that allows films to portray complex ideas, which makes cinema so impactful. When complex themes are expressed through film, they allow us to be an eyewitness to the incredible challenges that some people face day-to-day. Some of the most beloved films convey heavy themes, and it is believed that these films are so beloved because they reflect some of the serious challenges that we face throughout our lives.

In short, what truly makes a movie beloved is up to interpretation. However, it is my belief that a great film is not one where you follow an unbelievable, unbeatable, and unflawed protagonist. Instead, a great film is one where the protagonist is very flawed and confronted with the adversities that come from living.