Movies/Scenes
Representing
Overcoming Obstacles
- Men of Honor (2000)
- Carl managed to deal with each block put in his way. Finally it came time for the final test for acceptance on the dive team. they were to dive to the bottom of wherever they were and assemble a complicated piece of equipment. As each hopeful found what he needed to work on, a bag of tools were tossed down to him. Carl had been warned to not even show up, because he would not be allowed to pass. He showed up anyway. Suited up, and dove. when he located his pieces, he called for his tool bag. The commanding officer slit the bag before throwing it into the water. The officer of the officer (I don't remember titles) had forbade the commanding officer to allow Carl to pass, much less to pull him up when he was ready. It took Carl more than nine hours in very cold water to accomplish what the others had done in a few hours. But he succeeded. He had assembled his piece perfectly. Though the officer would not assist Carl's ascent from the water, Carl's peers did. Seldom had they ever come to his assistance. There were other major challenges for Carl to overcome, and he met each with determination. The amazing thing was his wholesome attitude through it all. He held true to his course, and he won! He had been true to his father, though his father did not live to see his son's success. (There's lots of Scripture in this story. It's a true story.) (Marcy Keefe-Slager, Jackson, MI)
- The Perfect Storm (2000)
- Erin Brockovich (2000)
- "Erin Brockovich" is essentially a film about empowerment. A mother of three children is unemployed and has no source of income. She decides that she has to find a job at all costs. In her work at a small law firm, she discovers that she has very little respect from the other employees. She comes to believe that the women of the firm are jealous of her physical attributes when she is asked to change to more appropriate work clothing. She dreams of one day having a job where she is respected for what she brings to her position. She dreams of being viewed as a person of integrity. As the story unfolds, Erin develops a friendship with her boss that only strengthens with time because of her hard work and determination to do a good job. He strongly affirms Erin with several votes of confidence. As Erin works on her case, she receives acceptance from her co-workers gradually and also from those whom she wants to sign the petition. She also is required to show some great courage when she receives some threats to her family. Her case in a small California town that is plagued by bad water requires endurance from her and from her children and boyfriend/neighbor. The film depicts a journey of self-discovery for Erin. She finds that there are many obstacles that she must overcome, including dealing with the tension of not being with her children as much as she would like when she is working on her project for the town. The tension between working and not working is a strong one for Erin, who does not have the benefits of child support for her three children. As she gains the trust of the town, a sense of community between these people develops. They begin to understand that all of their medical problems are interconnected and that by joining together as one community they have a greater chance of achieving their goals. At the end of the film, Erin shows great joy at her accomplishments as a person in the working world (not to give away the ending). (submitted by Valerie Lyson Humphreys, Independence MO)
- Angela's Ashes (1999)
- The Straight Story (1999)
- it's a film about aging, what's important, how we change, the power and need for reconciliation, wisdom, the heroic within. it's all shot as thru the eyes of an older person as well so the pace is slow and contemplative. (submitted by Sandi)
- Double Jeopardy (1999)
- Libby overcomes many obstacles in her search to be reunited with her son.
- October Sky (1999)
- Everest (1998-IMAX)
- The grief, the challenge, sacrificial acts
- The Prince of Egypt (1998)
- Simon Birch (1998)
- Amistad
(1997)
- Cinque uses a nail to free himself from his bonds. (see review at Hollywood Jesus)
- The Shawshank Redemption
(1994)
- Andy Dufresne survives and pursues freedom despite obstacles.
- The Fisher King (1991)
- Jack's search for the Holy Grail in the mansion.
- Places in the Heart
(1984)
- Edna and Moze overcome storm and difficulties raised by others in order to bring in the crop.
