Movies That Took My Breath Away

Written by: Tereza Lysakova

I really like watching movies. Or let's say, I try to carefully choose the films I watch. I really enjoy art movies and also the independent production. If there is something different and unusual apart from the mainstream, I guess there is a chance I would like it. On the other hand, as a typical girl, of course I like all the classical romantic films and comedies as well.

But in this post, I would like to mention quite specific films that literally took my breath away. Their plots are so charming, and their stories are so sweet, yet simple at the same time. But the emotions they trigger are so strong, I still have these movies in my memories and from time to time, I like returning to them and watching them again. As majority of films just pass by, without any deeper feelings, the power of some of these masterpieces is really undeniable.

Purely Belter

The first movie I will mention is a story that is based on a novel called The Season Ticket, written by a brilliant British author Jonathan Tulloch. This film shows a sweet friendship between two young lads and their dog on the background of a rough northern British industrial town of Newcastle Upon Tyne.

I first watched this film quite a long time ago and then completely forgot about it. And then, as if fate wanted it, I ended up in Newcastle myself. OK, I simply applied for studying there, so not really a fate (but still...). 😊 Anyway, the background of the city itself seemed to be quite familiar even though I have never been there and then I realized I once saw a film that reminded me of this city. I talked to my landlady about it, she then went to her room and returned with a video cassette (yes, a video cassette - it was that long ago) of the film, amused that I remembered something like this. And so, I watched the film again directly in Newcastle.

The film itself is a true expression of pure passion, reflected by an unconditional love for football, and an effort to reach the goals above all the obstacles that life brings. And that there were an awful lot of obstacles! But the boys are fighting bravely, with a perfect ease and a typical British humor, by which they try to conquer the social injustice, family conflicts, illness, and the reality of their everyday life, while the Angel of the North (Google it 😊) is silently watching all this drama. And as the following paragraph contains slight spoilers, please skip to the next paragraph as I really don't want to spoil your own spectator experience.

Simply, British humor in its purest sense. Just imagine two teenagers and a stray dog who just happen to have a brilliant idea to rob the very first building they stop by after the song they are singing is over (the building being a bank by the way), in the quest to get money for their beloved Newcastle United season ticket. Or when the lads pretend to be blind and try to rob, guess, a bookstore. Or when they get a ticket to the football match as a present only to find out that it is for the match of their greatest rival, the Sunderland. And I could continue... This easy rider is brilliantly accompanied by the characteristic northern Geordie accent nicely completing the atmosphere (guess what purely belter means). 😊

If I see a movie that is based on a novel, I usually try to get and read the novel as well (sometimes also the other way round). Not only I have the image of the actors in my mind, but I also like comparing the stories. In this case, the book is really nicely written, and the film story follows the narration very well, but the book ending is a bit harsher than the film adaptation presents and honestly, I liked the film ending a tiny bit better. But both the original novel as well as the film adaptation are very sweet and ... purely belter 😊 Even for someone, to whom football is quite a foreign word.

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty

The second film I will mention here is a nice and rather believable story of a (seemingly) ordinary guy called Walter Mitty, brilliantly played by Ben Stiller. And there are in fact two perks I would like to mention in relation to this film. Don't worry, there won't be any spoilers. I would just like to express the impression I got from this film.

First, I have discovered David Bowie and his amazing music. Of course I knew that this singer existed. I for instance knew his collaboration song with Queen, but I really never had a chance to actually discover his music a bit deeper. But as the Space Oddity (performed by amazing Kristen Wiig) blasted during this fabulous film, I wandered what that nice song actually was (and no, I really didn't know this song before). And so, I have quite unexpectedly discovered the pure perfection of David Bowie music through this story.

And the second highlight I would like to mention is that no matter in which situation you currently are, you (and you only) can actually do something about it. You can break the pattern and do something unexpected. Although I have not travelled to some unknown country (yet), and both Iceland and Greenland sound really tempting, I have started my own blog. Despite the uncertainty, despite the constant doubts and a totally unknown area.

So in case you feel the need to change something, or you've wanted to do something for a long time and haven't found either the courage or support to do it yet, try to watch this film. If it does not instigate the desire and passion, then I am not sure what better would.

Billy Elliot

Last, but not least, I will mention a beautiful film (not only) about dancing, Billy Elliot, where the grace and purity of the ballet dance starkly contrasts with the harsh reality and inhospitality the Northern England (yes, again) during the UK miners' strike in the eighties. Sometimes it happens that due to omnipresent prejudice and unrealistic expectations of others, the dreams and aspirations are suppressed. Luckily, it is not the case of Billy, and so the plan of Billy's father for Billy to become a boxer soon begins to crack and Billy tries (rebelliously) to follow his dream and endless passion, with the support of his amazing dance teacher.

The first time I saw this film was actually also the first time I've been to England. I remember, I did not understand the thick Northern accent that well yet, but I still remember the emotions this film triggered, transferred through incredible acting, dancing, and music. The soundtrack to this film is superb and brought to perfection by incorporating the plot and music of Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake into the story. I laughed, I cried, and I enjoyed every single minute of this masterpiece.

So that's it for today, but I think this topic will continue as there are plenty of amazing movies that took my breath away and created wonderful memories.

So have you watched any of this films or are you triggered to watch any of them based on the descriptions? Let me know 😊

Image credits:
Rudolf Kirchner from Pexels (Image: Iceland)
Mike from Pexels (Image: Angel of the North)
Vladislav83 from Pixabay (Image: Ballet Dance)