Classic feelgood movies to cheer you up
Are the dark nights and grey days getting you down? Maybe it's time to snuggle up on the sofa, turn off the lights and cheer yourself up with a feelgood film. Here are just a few of our favourites.
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The Shawshank Redemption
Stephen King's short story is transferred to the silver screen in one of the finest movies of recent times. Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins) is sent to prison for the murder of his wife and her lover and, through his friendship with long-term inmate Red (Morgan Freeman) and unerring hope, endures the horrors of life behind bars. Poignant and moving, the film serves as a reminder that there is always hope.
Field of Dreams
'If you build it, he will come' - Kevin Costner hears voices and builds a baseball field on his Iowa farm. We know what you're thinking... baseball?! But we guarantee you'll be engrossed as Costner, with the help of a reclusive author and Shoeless Joe Jackson, follows his dream. Though you'll be wiping away a tear at the end, it might just inspire you to follow a dream of your own.
Slumdog Millionaire
A young orphan from the slums of Mumbai comes good when he wins Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? but is immediately arrested on suspicion of cheating. Through the story of his childhood, adventures with his brother and a lost love, the viewer discovers just how Jamal knew the answers. Spectacular scenery, romance, comedy and tragedy... and one final question - does he get the girl?
Dirty Dancing
One for the ladies - Jennifer Grey stars as the young girl falling for dirty dancing Patrick Swayze and growing up in the process. We know it's only a holiday romance but the groovy soundtrack and Swayze's sexy moves mean you too will be having the time of your life by the end... and probably signing up for dance lessons!
The Straight Story
This quiet film by David Lynch follows 73-year-old Alvin Straight on his way to make amends with his estranged, ailing brother. Alvin makes his journey by lawn mower and the gentle pace of the movie allows plenty of time for reflection. Perfectly played by veteran actor Richard Farnsworth, each person that Alvin meets along the way learns a little something from his memories and life experiences. If ever you need reminding what is important in life, just refer back to Alvin's 'bundle of sticks' analogy.
O Brother, Where Art Thou?
Based very loosely on Homer's Odyssey, the Coen Brothers' tale of three escaped convicts on the hunt for hidden treasure in the 1930s sees George Clooney, John Turturro and Tim Blake Nelson faced with sirens, a cyclops, the Ku Klux Klan and a sinister, relentless lawman. But as the blind prophet warns "the treasure you seek shall not be the treasure you find". A stunning soundtrack and sun-bleached scenery form the backdrop for this comic interpretation of an epic journey with one spine-tingling moment of repentance.
It's a Wonderful Life
This Frank Capra classic will, for many, be the ultimate feel-good movie. In the midst of a financial crisis, George Bailey (James Stewart) contemplates suicide but, as his loved ones pray for him, Clarence the angel is sent down to help him realise just how important his life is. If you can see through the tears, you'll realise why this film is loved by so many - an uplifting, life-affirming, heartwarming masterpiece.
What's your ultimate feelgood film? Let us know below...
