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Unlike books and articles, movies have a way of moving people. Ditch the day-long lectures and expensive masterclasses for a two-hour movie instead. Here’s a list of movies where the storyline and layered characters teach important lessons, ideal for an entrepreneur.
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1. The Pursuit of Happiness (2006)
Martin Frohm: [during the interview room, with a panel preset] What if a man walked in here shirtless and I hired him?
What would you say?
Christopher Gardner: He must have had very nice pants.
Based on a true story, Will Smith tries out the role of Chris Gardner.
A troubled salesman who invested all his money in a device called a “Bone Density Scanner”. The device is better than an x-ray and also more expensive, which unfortunately drives the investment south. Running out of money, Chris’ wife leaves him with their son and he loses his apartment. Chris manages to get an unpaid internship as a stockbroker with slim chances of getting a hiring position. Chris simultaneously tries to sell his scanners while trying to outshine his competitors during the six-month training period in the successful company. The hustle and bustle of spending the night in motels, stations and shelters is well summed up by Will Smith. The film proves to be a perfect watch for entrepreneurs to show that it is only after overcoming life’s worst challenges that they emerge at the top.
2. Coach Carter
“The board has sent the message loud and clear. Winning basketball games is more important than graduating from high school and going to college.
I’m sorry, I just can’t accept this message.” ‒ Coach Ken Carter.
Coach Carter brings the real-life Ken Carter story to Polaroid. Unlike popular sports movies, High School Coach Carter, as tried by Samuel L Jackson, insists the team excels on the field and in the classrooms. graduates from his neighborhood end up in jail, and Carter insists that students go to college. As a strict disciplinarian who won several laurels in his time in high school, has his students sign a contract with hard and fast roles on their conduct. Upon learning that the students tricked him into only excelling in the field, locks down the gymnasium and forces them to raise their grades. This alerts the school, their families and their media. The strength of the coach’s decision and his vision for his student inspires viewers to strive to accomplish what they set out to do.
3.Sully (2016)
Chesley Sullenberger: I spent 40 years in the air but in the end I will be judged by 208 seconds.
Clint Eastwood directed Sully, directed by veteran actor Tom Hanks, talks about the miracle performed on New York’s Hudson River. On January 15, 2009, Captain Chesley Sullenburge made an emergency landing on the Hudson River after his engines failed when hit by a flock of geese.
All one hundred and fifty-five passengers survive the dangerous landing thanks to the captain’s skilled experience. What follows after the miracle is an investigation into why the plane did not attempt to land at a closer airport. The film highlights the issues raised against the captain’s experienced judgement. Despite a dazzling investigation, Captain Sully remains confident in his judgment and his decisions. The film is an important lesson in defending yourself and building on your training.
4. Society of Dead Poets (1989)
John Keating “We don’t read and write poetry because it’s cute. We read and write poetry because we are members of the human race. And the human race is filled with passion. And medicine, law , business, engineering, these are noble pursuits and necessary to sustain life.”
A film without cynicism, idealistic and full of hope. Dead Poets Society, led by the late actor Robin Williams as an English teacher who teaches his students to defy tradition and convention. He wants his class to think for themselves and pursue their dreams. The professor’s unconventional methods, such as standing on desks to change perspective and walking in concentric circles to create synchronization and rhythm, leave the class incredibly enthralled and hopeful. The film inspires audiences to recognize their passion and creates a thirst to fulfill their dreams.
5. Erin Brockovich (2000)
Erin Brockovitch: For the first time in my life, I have people who respect me. Please don’t ask me to give it up.
Ed Masry: In a law firm, you might want to rethink your wardrobe a bit.
Erin Brockovich: As long as I have one ass instead of two, I’ll wear what I like if it suits you.
Julia Roberts as Erin Brockovich is an unemployed single mother who becomes a legal assistant and helps bring down a huge corporation accused of polluting the city’s drinking water. Erin is a smart and savvy personality without any academic credentials, who convinces her company boss, Ed, to let her investigate a case she stumbled upon. After discovering the medical records of a community suffering from several medical conditions like cancer, spinal cord disintegration and brain damage. Erin discovers that a nearby Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) plant is responsible for polluting the drinking water, which has resulted in poor health for the residents. She gains the trust of the community to fight against the prosperous society. Ultimately winning the largest direct claim settlement in American history. The realism of the story encourages people to make the most of their skills and not give up on opportunities.
