10 INSPIRING HOLLYWOOD CLASSICS by Sayli Deshpande

Popular for its extravagance and glamour, Hollywood movies are favorites of many of us. Below is a list of 10 such movies that offer astounding performances, amazing direction, breathtaking visual effects and exotic locations, leaving you in awe after watching them.

  
1. Sound of Music: A 1965 American musical drama, starring Christopher Plummer and Julie Andrews is a classic, highest grossing film of all time; destined to become world’s most favorite musical. Based on a true story of Von Trapp Family, the film is filled with some delightful and enjoyable songs. Winning 5 Academy Awards, the film with some breathtaking scenery is a resounding hit and a masterpiece that will never get old.

      2. The Shawshank Redemption: Find incessant motivation and fortitude when the going gets tough is what The Shawshank Redemption makes one understand. It is a tale of two prisoners sharing a special bond that emphasized on the biggest power every human is inherent with i.e. the power of hope. One of the highest rated movies of all time; it is a creation that stands the test of time.

      3. It’s a Wonderful Life: A family drama, It’s a Wonderful Life is a heartwarming and popular film. Five Academy Awards winner it is a tale about a man who comes to realize the worth of his own life. Originally, a flop the film is considered as a classic and it gives out an important message that we all are important and have our role to play in this world.

 4. Forest Gump: A romantic comedy, Forest Gump is a movie based on a novel by the same name written by Winston Groom. Starring Tom Hanks, the character Forest Gump narrates his life story to strangers who sit next to him on a bench of a bus stop. Winner of 6 Academy Awards this movie takes us through the intense American history.

      
5. Life of Pi: Won 4 Academy Awards, Life of Pi is a 3D adventure film based on Yann Martel’s 2001 novel of the same name. Featuring some notable Bollywood stars, it is a story of Pi Patel how at the age of 16 survives a disaster and gets lost in the Pacific Ocean on a lifeboat with a Bengal Tiger, Richard Parker for 227 days. A visual masterpiece!

6. The Pursuit of Happyness: Starring Will Smith, The Pursuit of Happyness is a movie inspired by a true story of an entrepreneur Chris Gardner’s struggle to make a living for himself and his 5 year old son. It is an inspirational and emotionally wrenching tale. It is the self-assurance; faith and love of his son that enables Chris Gardner surmount the hurdles to become a Wall Street giant.

7. Good Will Hunting: Another Academy Award winning flick it is a story about Will Hunting, a mathematics mastermind who seeks guidance of a psychiatrist played by Robin Williams to grapple with his past and contemplate his future. It is a brilliant and captivating movie quite ahead of its time.

8. Bicycle Thieves: A 1948 Italian movie, Bicycle Thieves is a story based on post World War II economy of Italy. An excellent piece from the Italian cinema that earned Academy Honorary Award in the year 1950. It is a story of a father and son who go about looking for their stolen bicycle on the streets of Rome

9. The Terminal:
Directed by Steven Spielberg, The Terminal is a movie about Viktor Navorski played by Tom Hanks who gets stuck in New York’s JFK Airport due to outbreak of a civil war
in his native country. A classic comedy drama by Spielberg and Hanks definitely promises the audience some unique cinematic experience.

10. Country for Old Men: Winning 4 Academy Awards, this movie is based on Cormac McCarthy’s 2005 novel of the same name. A hunter’s life takes a radical turn when he finds out two million dollars while ambling around the trails of a drug deal. It is a perfect cat and mouse thriller with stunning performances by Javier Bardem and Tommy Lee Jones.

Hope you pick up some popcorns and coke and have a great time watching these movies this weekend and find your share of happiness and motivation.