5 Films About Optimism
Historically, the cinema has been, while an art, a means of dissemination and a reflection of the social values of that historic moment. That is to say, a largely educational medium, with which a large number of things can be transmitted: stories, messages, values … And even a myriad of topics. Today we will talk about 5 films about optimism, which, due to their stories or their characters, radiate this element in their plots.
Before, we will talk about what is meant by optimism. Is it just a spirit of struggle and improvement? Is it a way of living, of seeing life? Or to focus on the good? How can a movie tell us about optimism? Let’s find out!
Optimism: What does psychology say?
Before listing the films about optimism, let’s talk a little about this concept. And, have you ever wondered what optimism is? Carver and Scheier (2001) spoke of dispositional optimism to refer to those generalized positive expectations of outcome, that is, the belief that the future holds more successes than failures.
On the other hand, according to Gillham, Shatté, Reivich and Seligman (2001), optimism includes expectations of control over the results of our actions, expectations about the possibility of achieving positive results in the future, and a certain component of personal efficacy.
The films that we bring you convey a message to us, directly or indirectly, where optimism takes center stage.
Movies about optimism
We leave you 5 films about optimism, about stories as disparate as their own protagonists. With diverse themes and genres, they all share a common characteristic: the allusion to optimism as a way of life. We will also see what grade they have on FilmAffinity, a reference portal for moviegoers and filmmakers.
100 meters (2016)
100 meters is a Spanish film starring Dani Rovira. He plays Ramón, a thirty-year-old family man, who lives for work until his body begins to fail. Ramón is diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and initially collapses. Forecasts indicate that in a year he will not be able to walk 100 meters.
However, thanks to the help of his grumpy father-in-law, Ramón embarks on a journey of self-improvement and optimism, through which he considers running a marathon. Your partner and your child also accompany you at all times. Will it succeed? Don’t miss out on this lively and heartwarming film at the same time!
- Filmaffinity score: 6.6
An Italian in Norway (2016)
Another film about optimism that you cannot miss is this Italian. It narrates the adventures of an official of a provincial administration who is dedicated to the comfortable, but routine task of issuing hunting and fishing licenses. He lives a quiet and comfortable life, at his parents’ house and with a partner with whom he does not consider much in the long term.
The protagonist’s world collapses when the state decides to eliminate the provinces and therefore loses his job. Then he embarks on an adventure in several remote regions of Italy, finally moving to Norway, at a science station at the North Pole. How will your life change? Another entertaining story that you cannot miss.
- Filmaffinity score: 5.6
Grease (1978)
And of course … A classic! Grease , an American film starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John, another that we can include in the list of films about optimism. We set ourselves in the summer of 1959, with Sandy and Danny as the protagonists; The couple has had a romantic summer, but the holidays are over and their paths part.
They meet again, by surprise, at the Rydell Institute, but Danny’s attitude has changed. How many turns can a story take? Fresh, fun and full of music that will make you vibrate, highly recommended.
- Filmaffinity score: 7.4
Run Like a Girl (2019)
Australian film starring Teresa Palmer and Sam Neill. The film is based on a true story full of optimism and a spirit of improvement. It tells the story of an athlete who in 2015 became the first female rider to win the Melbourne Cup.
The main character, Michelle, is the youngest of ten siblings, and from a young age she had to face difficult situations. Even having a hard life, that did not stop him from achieving his dreams.
- Filmaffinity score: 5.7
Life sentence (1994)
A critically acclaimed American film. Starring Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman, which could not be missing from the list of films about optimism.
It tells the story of Andrew Dufresne, who is accused of murdering his wife and sentenced to life imprisonment. Once in the Shawshank jail, he manages to win the trust of the director and the respect of his colleagues, especially Red, the boss of the bribery mafia. A film with great doses of optimism, hard and intense in equal parts.
- Filmaffinity score: 8.6
So, now you know, if you are in a low moment, or if you simply want to see a movie that accompanies your good mood, do not hesitate! Try one of these five; you will not regret it. And if not, think that the cinema is full of films expected to be seen, of all genres and themes. The variety is served!
