Top 10 Movies

Going to the movies is one of my favorite things to do! There is something so magical about going to see a show at the theater. The experience of entering a new world and exploring the choices and decisions throughout another person’s adventure is exhilarating! I love to become part of their world. I always feel so much wonder and awe after watching a good movie. They change people’s lives! So here is a list of my top 10 favorite movies of all time: 
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Kung Fu Panda
The only comedy on my list, but a really good film if you haven’t seen it yet. The music is by Han Zimmer, the scenery is stunning, and the story is quite good too. I like the idea of judgement in this movie. People are often judged for things inappropriately. As the saying goes: “If you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid”. We all have amazing talents. We are capable of teaching something to someone. Kung Fu is about believing in yourself, and working hard to cultivate yourself. This movie does a great job of showing important values of kung fu.

Lesson learned: Don’t judge a book by it’s cover. We are all made different. We all have value. Be yourself!
 V for Vendetta
"Remember remember the fifth of November
Gunpowder, treason and plot.
I see no reason why gunpowder, treason
Should ever be forgot..."

Every November I try to watch this movie at least once. I love the lesson on how powerful an idea can be, how we should stand up for what we believe in, and I also like that the main character is masked throughout the film.

Lesson learned: Ideas are stronger than men. You can kill a man, but an idea is far more difficult to quench.
The Count of Monte Christo
I read the book on one of my trips. The book was fantastic, perhaps better than the movie, but the story is just too good. I love this film for the feelings it gave me. I felt angry. I felt hurt. I felt sad, and I felt happy. And in the end, I felt….well, I won’t ruin any surprises : ) Please watch.

Lesson learned: Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned.
Batman
Okay, I can’t select one…Batman Begins is a wonderful introduction to Christopher Nolan’s darker Batman saga. The Dark Knight was even better. I like the story of Batman very much in general. I always have. He even made my “top 10 heroes” list: http://www.chrisacrosstheworld.com/top-10-heroes.html

Batman fights for the good of Gotham’s people. Many residents see him as a bad guy or a vigilante, but that never deters Bruce Wayne from doing what is right. I like that a lot. Even if everyone around him hates the Batman, he continues. I guess because Batman is the hero gotham deserves. 

Lesson learned: Do what is right, not because people think it is right. Do what is right because it is the right thing to do. 
The Boondock Saints
Such a fun movie! And I needed to add some Irish love here ^_^ Really cool story. Fun film~ 

Lesson learned: The darkest places in hell are reserved for those who maintain their neutrality in times of moral crisis. Destroy all that which is evil, so that which is good may flourish.  
Equilibrium
In a world without emotion, Christian Bale sees beauty for the first time. I love the art behind this film. The poetry. The gunfu. The colors, although incredibly monotone, carry so much emotion throughout this film. Easily one of my top ten.

Lesson learned: Art makes us human. Expression makes us human. Find beauty in everything.
Fight Club
This film goes on my top ten listed uncontested. Fantastic philosophy. Great actors and acting. A film that makes you think about your life after watching it is always a welcome source of entertainment in my book. Loved it. 

Lesson learned: Don’t let the media control your mind. Don’t let the things you own, end up owning you. 
The Last Samurai
Every aspect of this movie I liked. The acting was fantastic! The music was dramatic. The story was really good. 

I think I liked it a lot because I could really relate to the main character. Tom Cruise came to Japan one type of person, but this country (and it’s people) changed him. I can fully appreciate and relate. I understand completely. 

Lesson learned: Your enemy may not be your true enemy. Every day I should wake up trying to be a better me.
Hidalgo
Adventure! Nature. and a connection between man and animal. I really liked this movie. Viggo Mortensen did a really good job in this film. I can understand a lot of how the main character was feeling throughout this movie. Very cool. Please watch. 

Lesson learned: Never give up! Being wild or different doesn’t make you worse than those born into success. 
Kingdom of Heaven
I love this movie. It stars Orlando Bloom, who is often seen as a kind of “pretty-boy” actor (Legolas from Lord of the Rings, Pirates of the Caribbean), but in Kingdom of Heaven he plays a much rougher character. 

This movie means a lot to me. It is a story about the crusades, but more importantly, the morals of a man. What is right, what is wrong. The main actor is so human. I really love everything about this film. The music. The cinematography. The quotes. It’s so good. 

Lesson learned: Be a good person. No matter what. Only you can be held accountable for your actions. 

Honorable Mentions:

​So that’s my list! I really really love these movies. They inspired, motivated, and encouraged me to keep working hard and pushing forward no matter what. What are your favorite movies? Any suggestions for movies I should add to my list? Let me know on FACEBOOK anytime : )

-Chris 
10 DEC 2015