Every time I think of the movie “Forrest Gump”, that’s the first quote I hear. Then, “Life’s like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re gonna get.”
Forrest Gump’s (Tom Hanks) life is a testimony to gratitude. He understands his challenges but is not hesitant to live his life to the fullest, including telling his childhood love, Jenny (Robin Wright) how he feels about her.
He gets it. Life gives you what you get, so don’t whine, go for it and make the most of your journey. Thank God for his mother, (Sally Field), she didn’t listen to what the”experts” had to say. She did whatever she had to do to provide Forrest with the foundation that he could do anything. With his braces, he had “magic” legs. Turn every so-called obstacle into an advantage. Once again, attitude is everything!
Forrest is a true inspiration and proof that with support and love we can overcome adversity. Love and compassion make the difference.
Forrest and Bubba
Forrest – Lieutenant Dan
Lieutenant Dan, Bubba, Forrest
Jenny
Little Jenny
Forrest Life Quote
“Run Forrest, Run!”
Little Forrest/Little Jenny
Mama, Jenny, Bubba, and Lieutenant Dan. Forrest loved and was deeply loved by those whose lives he touched.
“Trading Places” (1983) is a tour de force example of Gratitude meets “walk a mile in my shoes!” Dan Aykroyd is (Louis Winthorpe III) the typical “privileged” ivy leaguer with a twist. He’s not as “top drawer” as he thinks and his life is truly in the hands of the callous Duke brothers – Mortimer ((Don Ameche) and Randolph (Ralph Bellamy).
His perfect world is turned upside down by the $1 bet by the brothers to settle the debate of nature vs nurture. Because we’ve got nothing better to do, let’s strip Louis of everything he knows and see if he’ll sink or float.
Randolph and Mortimer Duke
What better “brother” switch than with (Billy Ray Valentine) Eddie Murphy, the wily con man who sees the brothers straight up for what they are – numbers runners.
“Billy Ray”
The parable wouldn’t be complete without the lovely damsel in distress (but in this case with a plan for her own escape). One of my favorite actresses, Jamie Lee Curtis plays “Ophelia”, the classy hooker with a heart of gold.
Jamie Lee Curtis – “Ophelia”
Denholm Elliott – “Coleman”
Louis’s butler/valet, “Coleman” (Denholm Elliott) is hilarious trying to juggle the Duke brothers’ sick plan.
Dan Aykroyd – “Louis”
Louis’s abrupt experiment in poverty forces him to get his nose out of the air and think twice about judging people based solely on their socio/economic situation.
After a stint in jail, being reduced to stuffing a whole salmon into his Santa suit (don’t ask, you have to see) and attempting to take his own life, he realizes how shallow his life has been. By coming together with Billy Ray, Coleman and Ophelia he finds out that it’s friends and the love of a good woman that really counts.
An incredibly important life and Gratitude lesson!
However, if you can get rich with your friends and give payback to those who’ve done you wrong (Dukes) go for it! 😎
The Wizard of Oz (1939) – “There’s No Place Like Home”
Yes, it’s that time of year again with Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and everyone running around like crazy, gearing up for the big day – Christmas! But, it seems every year when I read about shoppers nearly killing each other over a 12-pack of socks or the last $10 cashmere sweater; my heart sinks with the realization that too many of us forget what the holidays should be about; Gratitude.
To quote author Melody Beattie:
“Gratitude turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos into order, confusion into clarity…it makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.”
A classic film I think represents gratitude and appreciation for what we already have is, “The Wizard of Oz”; it’s overflowing with gratitude! Dorothy (Judy Garland) accompanied by her little dog Toto, leaves home seeking a better place, but her journey becomes a revelation of what home really means.
Dorothy and her compatriots – The Scarecrow (Ray Bolger), Tin Man (Jack Haley), and The Cowardly Lion (Bert Lahr) wishing to be more than they perceive themselves to be, learn to appreciate their unique gifts. The Great and Powerful Oz (Frank Morgan) realizes the blessing and value of truth and in this case, the truth truly does set him free.
It all starts with a wish to be “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” and results in unexpected consequences – the terror of being caught up in a twister, inadvertently dropping a house on the sister of the Wicked Witch of the West (oops) and inheriting both the wrath of said Witch (Margaret Hamilton) and a pair of coveted ruby slippers.
Sadly, “Over the Rainbow” doesn’t materialize into the idyllic place of which Dorothy sings, her personal vision quest. Dorothy’s longing for home dovetails with the desires of The Scarecrow, Tin man, and The Cowardly Lion. These three, also wishing for what they believe they don’t have – a brain, a heart, and courage – join the quest to the Emerald City to finally have their dreams realized through the power of the omnificent Wizard of Oz.
The trio’s perilous journey to get Dorothy home leads to the self-realization that they possessed the traits they sought all along and didn’t really need the wizard to bestow these attributes upon them.
Dorothy also learns a valuable lesson we all tend to forget, “there’s no place like home” and if we can’t find what we’re looking for there, then we won’t be able to find it anywhere. Home exists within us and it’s our outlook and attitude that dictates whether it’s a black and white existence filled with worries and that ole Gulch “heifer” or a technicolor world filled with musical munchkins and the love of three very special friends.
With Gratitude, we can appreciate and give thanks for the joys and blessings in our lives because the truth is we could be far worse off. My spiritual goal every day is to be mindful and thankful for the bounty which I’ve already received.
iheartfilm is dedicating the month of November to the lesson of Gratitude in films; the quality of being thankful.
“Trading Places” (1983) is a tour de force example of Gratitude meets “walk a mile in my shoes!” Dan Aykroyd is (Louis Winthorpe III) the typical “privileged” ivy leaguer with a twist. He’s not as “top drawer” as he thinks and his life is truly in the hands of the callous Duke brothers – Mortimer ((Don Ameche) and Randolph (Ralph Bellamy).
His perfect world is turned upside down by the $1 bet by the brothers to settle the debate of nature vs nurture. Because we’ve got nothing better to do, let’s strip Louis of everything he knows and see if he’ll sink or float.
Randolph and Mortimer Duke
What better “brother” switch than with (Billy Ray Valentine) Eddie Murphy, the wily con man who sees the brothers straight up for what they are – numbers runners.
“Billy Ray”
The parable wouldn’t be complete without the lovely damsel in distress (but in this case with a plan for her own escape). One of my favorite actresses, Jamie Lee Curtis plays “Ophelia”, the classy hooker with a heart of gold.
Jamie Lee Curtis – “Ophelia”
Denholm Elliott – “Coleman”
Louis’s butler/valet, “Coleman” (Denholm Elliott) is hilarious trying to juggle the Duke brothers’ sick plan.
Louis’s abrupt experiment in poverty forces him to get his nose out of the air and think twice about judging people based solely on their socio/economic situation.
After a stint in jail, being reduced to stuffing a whole salmon into his Santa suit (don’t ask, you have to see) and attempting to take his own life, he realizes how shallow his life has been. By coming together with Billy Ray, Coleman and Ophelia he finds out it’s friends and the love of a good woman that really counts.
An incredibly important life and Gratitude lesson!
However, if you can get rich with your friends and give payback to those who’ve done you wrong (Dukes) go for it! 😎
iheartfilm is dedicating the month of November to the lesson of Gratitude in films; the quality of being thankful.
“Run Forrest, Run!”
Every time I think of the movie “Forrest Gump”, that’s the first quote I hear. Then, “Life’s like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re gonna get.”
Forrest Gump’s (Tom Hanks) life is a testimony to gratitude. He understands his challenges but is not hesitant to live his life to the fullest, including telling his childhood love, Jenny (Robin Wright) how he feels about her.
He gets it. Life gives you what you get, so don’t whine, go for it and make the most of your journey. Thank God for his mother, (Sally Field), she didn’t listen to what the”experts” had to say. She did whatever she had to do to provide Forrest with the foundation that he could do anything. With his braces, he had “magic” legs. Turn every so-called obstacle into an advantage. Once again, attitude is everything!
Forrest is a true inspiration and proof that with support and love we can overcome adversity. Love and compassion make the difference.
Forrest and Bubba
Forrest – Lieutenant Dan
Lieutenant Dan, Bubba, Forrest
Jenny
Little Jenny
Forrest Life Quote
“Run Forrest, Run!”
Little Forrest/Little Jenny
Mama, Jenny, Bubba, and Lieutenant Dan. Forrest loved and was deeply loved by those whose lives he touched.
iheartfilm is dedicating the month of November to the lesson of Gratitude in films; the quality of being thankful.
This is a re-post from last year. It so fits the theme of gratitude and is my official movie to kick-off the holiday season. We lost Maureen O’Hara (Doris) last month (more on the late actress here) so this is also a tribute to her career and role in this holiday classic. Enjoy!
Today marks the start of the holiday season, but it doesn’t officially kick off for me until I’ve watched the Thanksgiving Day Parade and one of my favorite holiday films, Miracle on 34th Street (1947).
Until I see Santa arrive at the end of the parade there can be no Christmas Tree, tinsel, ornaments or stockings. This has been a tradition of mine since I was a kid. Without a doubt, Edmund Gwenn is Santa Claus. No matter what other films he’s made, each character turns into Kris Kringle. (he won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor) Gwenn played a cockney assassin in Hitchcock’s Foreign Correspondent in 1940, but all I could scream was “Santa, don’t throw that man off the ledge!”
Natalie Wood was precious as Susan, the precocious daughter of Maureen O’Hara (Doris) who doesn’t believe in fairy tales and attends a “progressive” school. Natalie Wood had an illustrious career until her death in 1981. She was able to make the transition from child star to ingenue starring opposite James Dean in Rebel Without a Cause (1955) and Warren Beatty in Splendor in the Grass (1961). Known as a loving, giving person, as well as a star, she’s always had a special place in my heart.
Doris is cynical as a result of a bitter divorce so she’s raising her daughter to be practical and sensible. None of this believing in fairy tales and Santa crap. All was going well until Doris – the Macy’s parade coordinator – asks Kris to replace the drunken Santa originally set for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade. Kris is a big hit and becomes Macy’s official Santa resulting in a personal relationship with Doris and Susan.
Kris is an immediate influence teaching Susan it’s okay to pretend after she tells him the other kids don’t play with her because she won’t join in their game and act like a zoo animal.
The production took flack from the Catholic League of Decency because how dare you depict a divorced woman with a successful career and a young child as a “normal family.” Yep, 1940’s mentality and morality were hard at work.
Susan learning to act like a monkey!
Just as Doris is learning to have more faith in life and Susan is embracing imagination, Kris’s sanity is questioned and a legal battle ensues to prove that not only is he sane but the one and only Santa Claus. Fred (John Payne) who is Kris’s lawyer and Doris’s boyfriend, understands the importance of the spirit of Santa especially in the lives of Susan and Doris.
Kris is exonerated and Christmas day has arrived. Susan has asked for a very special present and is disappointed at the Christmas party to see it isn’t under the tree. Doris, in a refreshing change of heart, tells Susan she must have faith.
But, Santa Claus moves in mysterious ways and in the end teaches them both the true value of faith and miracles.
iheartfilm is dedicating the month of November to the lesson of Gratitude in films; the quality of being thankful.
“Trading Places” (1983) is a tour de force example of Gratitude meets “walk a mile in my shoes!” Dan Aykroyd is (Louis Winthorpe III) the typical “privileged” ivy leaguer with a twist. He’s not as “top drawer” as he thinks and his life is truly in the hands of the callous Duke brothers – Mortimer ((Don Ameche) and Randolph (Ralph Bellamy).
His perfect world is turned upside down by the $1 bet by the brothers to settle the debate of nature vs nurture. Because we’ve got nothing better to do, let’s strip Louis of everything he knows and see if he’ll sink or float.
Randolph and Mortimer Duke
What better “brother” switch than with (Billy Ray Valentine) Eddie Murphy, the wily con man who sees the brothers straight up for what they are – numbers runners.
“Billy Ray”
The parable wouldn’t be complete without the lovely damsel in distress (but in this case with a plan for her own escape). One of my favorite actresses, Jamie Lee Curtis plays “Ophelia”, the classy hooker with a heart of gold.
Jamie Lee Curtis – “Ophelia”
Denholm Elliott – “Coleman”
Louis’s butler/valet, “Coleman” (Denholm Elliott) is hilarious trying to juggle the Duke brothers’ sick plan.
Louis’s abrupt experiment in poverty forces him to get his nose out of the air and think twice about judging people based solely on their socio/economic situation.
After a stint in jail, being reduced to stuffing a whole salmon into his Santa suit (don’t ask, you have to see) and attempting to take his own life, he realizes how shallow his life has been. By coming together with Billy Ray, Coleman and Ophelia he finds out it’s friends and the love of a good woman that really counts.
An incredibly important life and Gratitude lesson!
However, if you can get rich with your friends and give payback to those who’ve done you wrong (Dukes) go for it! 😎
iheartfilm is dedicating the month of November to the lesson of Gratitude in films; the quality of being thankful.
“The Nutty Professor” (1963) (loosely based on Robert Louis Stevenson’s “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde”) is a classic tale of insecurity, social ineptitude and wanting to be somebody, anybody else. Professor Julius Kelp (Jerry Lewis) is a sweet but awkward, book type that is constantly blowing up his lab (and students) to the frustration of Professor Warfield (Kelp’s boss). Fed up with his lot in life, Kelp decides to take matters into his own hands. He has to learn the lesson of Gratitude the hard way.
Professor Kelp
Professor Kelp goes to extremes to become the “big man” someone no one would dare bully because he’s the typical “90-pound weakling” getting sand kicked in his face at the beach.
Being a Science Professor, he comes up with the ingenious idea to concoct a potion which will turn him into the suave, ladies man that commands a room. Enter alter ego, Buddy Love. Buddy is the complete opposite of Professor Kelp. He’s a rude, ego maniac who thrills the kids at their hangout the “Purple Pit” with his musical prowess singing and playing “That Old Black Magic” on the piano. There, as Buddy Love he can hook up with one of his students, Stella Purdy, (Stella Stevens) who he’s secretly had a thing for.
Buddy Love
“The Purple Pit”
However, Kelp collides with his alter ego when his formula wears off while parked with Stella after they leave the “Purple Pit”. The next morning he’s left with the most horrific hangover in the annals of hangovers.
Kelp’s Hangover
Professor Kelp’s whole world comes crashing down when he’s told he must be a chaperone at the graduation dance while he’s also supposed to perform as Buddy Love.
Graduation Fun
Graduation Dance
This is when he publicly learns the lesson of Gratitude. His Buddy Love formula wears off at the beginning of his graduation performance and he’s forced to confess his deceit and mistake of trying to be someone else. He’s learned to be thankful and appreciative for his true self.
Moral of the story, love yourself. If you don’t, how can you expect anyone else to.
iheartfilm is dedicating the month of November to the lesson of Gratitude in films; the quality of being thankful.
The Dickens’ classic, “A Christmas Carol” is brilliantly updated in this 1988 adaptation – “Scrooged.” The hilarious Bill Murray stars as the infamous”Scrooge” aka Frank Cross. “Scrooge” has messed over everyone in his life, his employees (Bobcat Goldthwait) (Alfre Woodard), his brother (John Murray – Bill’s real-life brother) and especially his one true love, Claire (Karen Allen).
Claire
Frank Cross (“Scrooge”) represents everything that’s wrong with thoughtless people. He’s an angry, bitter, selfish a-hole. By grace, he’s given the opportunity for a second chance at life with the help of ghosts from “Christmas Past” (David Johansen), “Present” and “Future”, re-visiting the good, the bad and the ugly of his life. A hardcore lesson in Gratitude!
My favorite ghost has got to be (Carol Kane) as the “Ghost of Christmas Present,” When she knocks Bill Murray upside the head with that toaster, I’m cracking up right now just thinking about it!
The ghosts do a phenomenal job because ultimately Murray gives his testimony and not only feels Gratitude but tells people if you want to understand what being thankful is all about, give back, “make your miracle happen.” It’s an incredibly moving moment.
“God Bless Us Everyone” – Tiny Tim
“Think of your fellow man, put a little love in your heart.”
iheartfilm is dedicating the month of November to the lesson of Gratitude in films; the quality of being thankful.
“Run Forrest, Run!”
Every time I think of the movie “Forrest Gump”, that’s the first quote I hear. Then, “Life’s like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re gonna get.”
Forrest Gump’s (Tom Hanks) life is a testimony to gratitude. He understands his challenges but is not hesitant to live his life to the fullest, including telling his childhood love, Jenny (Robin Wright) how he feels about her.
He gets it. Life gives you what you get, so don’t whine, go for it and make the most of your journey. Thank God for his mother, (Sally Field), she didn’t listen to what the”experts” had to say. She did whatever she had to do to provide Forrest with the foundation that he could do anything. With his braces, he had “magic” legs. Turn every so-called obstacle into an advantage. Once again, attitude is everything!
Forrest is a true inspiration and proof that with support and love we can overcome adversity. Love and compassion make the difference.
Forrest and Bubba
Forrest – Lieutenant Dan
Lieutenant Dan, Bubba, Forrest
Jenny
Little Jenny
Forrest Life Quote
“Run Forrest, Run!”
Little Forrest/Little Jenny
Mama, Jenny, Bubba, and Lieutenant Dan. Forrest loved and was deeply loved by those whose lives he touched.
This site is about how to live our life in a meaningful way by accepting complete surrender to the Almighty with purity of mind and character. It is about the eternal religion of the world i.e. Hinduism which is very liberal to anyone because there are many branches or methods to get the divinity to turn our life into an ever blissful one.
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