The term ‘quarter-life crisis’ has been thrown about in recent years to describe the inevitable feeling of helplessness and fear that many youths are experiencing now. So if you are one of the many that does experience that awful ‘What now?’ moment as you contemplate on what lies ahead in the future, here is a list of seven movies that will make you feel better about facing the unpredictable and (mostly) fearful future.
‘Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara’ or ‘You Won’t Get This Life Again’ (2011) Directed by Zoya Akhtar
Ever wanted validation that life is not about living for the future, but that everyone should live in the present instead? Set in a story that follows three friends who embark on a bachelor trip to Spain. Part of the trip involves each individual picking a dangerous (but nevertheless, life-changing) activity for the group to partake, and it’s through this travel experience that all three men realise that there’s more room for them to learn what’s really important in their lives. You’ll definitely learn from it and plus the comedic points in this movie will definitely provide some needed laughs.
The Little Prince (2015) Directed by Mark Osborne
Whenever you need a reminder on what matters most, this animated film based of the iconic 1943 novel of the same name by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry will do just the job. A little girl is instructed to follow a ‘life plan’ drawn up by her ambitious mother with high hopes that her daughter will be enrolled into the prestigious Werth Academy. However, the little girl finds herself veering off the beaten path when her elderly neighbour, an aviator tells her the story of the Little Prince and in the process, shows her that growing up is not the problem, forgetting is.
Silver Linings Playbook (2012) Directed by David O.Russell
So what happens when everything that you’ve ever known and worked for falls right apart in front of your eyes? Enter Patrizio ‘Pat’ Solitano Junior, who attempts to reconcile with his ex-wife after he’s been released from hospitalisation from a mental health facility due to a violent incident. From there, he finds himself reluctantly involved with Tiffany Maxwell, a young widow riddled with depression and relationship issues. Find comfort in the fact that no matter how much of a screw-up you feel like you are, life will always find a way to make it work for you no matter what.
Mary And Max (2009) Directed by Adam Elliot
Arguably the most bittersweet stop-motion film done, Mary and Max serves as a stark reminder to all of us that it’s normal for us as humans to make mistakes at times. A random encounter and an innocent motive driven by loneliness leads to a lifetime worth of connection between a neglected and unloved kid, Mary Daisy Dinkle, and a Jewish atheist ,Max Jerry Horowitz. As the unlikely pair go on to become life long pen pals, their lives take on their own unique points of highs and lows that ends up having a catastrophic and adventitious impact on one another.
Little Miss Sunshine (2006) Directed by Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris
This is for the underdogs who feel that they are getting nowhere near the victory that they wish to have in life - enter a dysfunctional family in Albuquerque who has to go on a last minute road trip when their daughter, Olive, finds out that she’s qualified for a beauty pageant held in California. As the family comes together to make sure Olive makes it in time for the pageant, they too come to terms with their own personal setbacks.
Twenty (2015) Directed by Lee Byeong-heon
A reminder that all of us shouldn’t always take life so seriously, and that it’s alright not to have your life figured even though technically you’re already considered an adult by law. Three guys are stuck trying to figure out what to do with their lives once they’ve graduated from high school. This coming-of-age film gives that comedic reassurance that it’s okay if you have no clue as to what you want to do even if you hit 20; take comfort in the fact that the people around you are probably experiencing the same thing as well. Take note when you are drinking or eating as you watching this film though, as you’re probably gonna end up spitting due to the unexpected comedic moments in this film.
Sunshine Cleaning (2008) Directed by Christine Jeffs
Two sisters find a way to work and piece their life together when an unexpected (and slightly morbid) job opportunity arises. 'Sunshine Cleaning' is the film that gives anyone who feels lost an inkling of what they can do if they feel hopeless with themselves, that no mistake is big enough to really put an entire full stop on life so long as you keep on trying. This is a reminder to everyone that we are in our own 'timezones' when it comes to find success and having it together, so don't compare yourselves to other people so long as you are giving the best that you can in your current situation.
