Ok, I lied. I couldn’t decide on a “Top 5”, so there’s actually seven.
I haven’t spent much time editing this post. It’s just what I jotted out into my phone notes one night when the thought popped into my head. Here are some of my favourite childhood movies and some of the lessons I reckon they’ve taught me. I’ve watched most of them back since becoming a parent myself and I’ve even made my kids watch them. All bar one…
Mrs Doubtfire (1993)
This movie ruined me. I hadn’t realised how much emotion I still held about the separation and divorce of my parents, when I was 5, until I re-watched this movie. Robin Williams always reminded me of my own Dad. His sense of humour and open affection. I sobbed when he couldn’t see his kids anymore, just like I did when I was a child.
The moral of this story was not to pretend to be someone who you are not. It’s never going to end well. People will get hurt including yourself. Also, divorce and separation with kids is really hard for everyone involved.
Fern Gully (1992)
I grew up loving all animals. I remember having a funeral for a moth when I was only little. I picked flowers and popped them on its grave. I loved fairies too. Still do. The idea of magical nature spirits flitting around bringing life and beauty to our earth is something I cherish. I was so devastated by this movie – that trucks and chainsaws could come into the forest and destroy in a few moments what took nature hundreds, if not, thousands of years to create. I also loved “Batty”, voiced by Robin Williams.
The moral of this story was to care for the Earth and that nature is resilient, but we need to help it out too.
Drop Dead Fred (1991)
This one taught me about finding the fun and silliness in life. Poor Elizabeth (Lizzy), her mother was so cold and serious. And Lizzy, she just wanted to play. Even as a grown woman she was still trying to tap into that inner child, about to marry a man who her mother approved of, but who didn’t care about her or treat her right at all. Oh, there are so many moments I still laugh about with this film. I loved it. Still do.
The moral was to play, listen to your inner child and live with all your heart.
The Wizard of Oz (1939)
The moral of this story was that “there’s no place like home”. It’s true that no matter where you go, there you’ll be. The same characters (dynamics) will play out in any story you try to create, if you are simply trying to run away from it all. You can’t outrun yourself. Eventually you must be content with who you are and where you’ve come from. From that place, you can create a beautiful life.
Hook (1991)
Oh, this is magic! The story of Peter Pan and Wendy. Their great love, and the lost boys. The magic of their food fight, which made me want to have a food fight when I grew up (which I’ve done now – yay!!).
The moral of this story was not to let the beautiful moments pass, by getting swept up in the busyness of life. Remembering your inner child. Your crow (voice) and how to fly and have fun! Don’t let fear stop you from having adventures in life or standing up for those you love.
The Little Mermaid (1989)
The more I watch this as an adult the more I can empathize with Ariel’s father, King Triton. He was only trying to put boundaries in place to keep his daughter safe. But as a child, I loved Ariel (Arr-eee-yell – make sure you roll the “r” in a Caribbean accent). She was brave and adventurous. She went where no-one dared to go, and she’d risk everything to follow her heart and her dreams. Luckily her Dad bailed her out in the end ‘cos she made some pretty crazy choices, but it all worked out.
I think the moral was, “do what you want and hopefully your Dad will bail you out in the end if it goes pear shaped!”
The Adventures of Milo and Otis (1986)
Some friendships are so unlikely, but the common ground is love for one another and memories made through life’s adventures. There will be times when you drift apart, but you will drift back again. Life has its season’s, but love will endure. Also, don’t jump in random boxes that are floating on the river, you never know where you’ll end up and what sort of shit you’ll face!
The Moral of My Story…
In a nutshell, the lessons that I’ve learnt from watching these films, time and time again, are…
Be true to yourself. Take care of nature. Have fun. Love where you’re at. Don’t let fear stop you from having adventures. Be good to your Dad, you’ll need his help. And make beautiful friends and memories along the way.
What were some of your favourite childhood movies? And what do you think they taught you? I always love hearing from you.
Much love,
MumOf3WRs