Selections of Lessons from Movies

Trying to become the ideal adult, only to realize that no matter your age, the fear of the unknown never truly fades? With limited life experience, we struggle to survive in an ever-changing world. We become parents, yet still carry the weight of our own upbringing. Here are five soul-nourishing cinematic “coming-of-age remedies” to help you rediscover your original self and strength—bring along your inner child and taste the essence of growth: Yi Yi, a Taiwanese New Wave masterpiece, reflects the quiet milestones of growing up. When dreams fall apart, All About Lily Chou-Chou captures the angst of disillusioned youth. Lost your way? Get gloriously drunk with Another Round, the Oscar-winning Danish hit. Feeling bound by your roots? Draw rebellious inspiration from Afghanistan’s maverick filmmaker in Nothingwood. And if loneliness creeps in, turn to the extraordinary lives of creators like Cheng Wen, Steve Jobs, Yayoi Kusama, and Agnès Varda. Sometimes, growing up isn’t about letting go of your inner child—but learning how to walk with them.

To be or not to be.

Life is full of choices—some big, some small. We choose one path and let go of another, or sometimes, we hesitate... Some choices are mere passing moments, while others shape our lives forever. As actors, much of what we do is also about making choices. Try this in one rehearsal, try that in the next. Hesitation happens too. There’s no right or wrong—only whether it works, moment to moment. Some choices come from instinct, some from reason... Ah! To be or not to be. In this grown-up world where there are no perfect answers, maybe that’s what makes being alive so endlessly fascinating.

France: The Art of Romance

Classic!

What makes a classic a classic is its ability to awaken a sense of longing for times past. Timeless and ever-enchanting, classics are meant to be savored, again and again.