Tip#434: Inspiring Movies That Never Won An Oscar – October Sky

Today is the 83rd Academy Awards telecast and I am thinking about great, inspiring movies that never won any Oscars. These are powerful films that somehow touched you deeply or inspired you to go after your dreams and goals.

Over the years I'd be recommended movies I hadn't seen that are highly motivating. The latest came from a high school teacher who has seen the film October Sky 10 times and shown it many times to her classes. That alone told me that this movie had many powerful lessons to teach despite not winning any Oscars.

And the film had an emotional impact too. When I finally saw it with a guy friend we both found ourselves sobbing intensely during some of the end scenes of the father and son relationship.

October Sky 1999

The movie October Sky is based on a true story of Homer Hickam (Jake Gyllenhaal) who, at the age of 17, discovers a passion for rocketry. He was inspired by the launch of the Russian satellite Sputnik 1 in 1957. Homer faced many forms of adversity but he was resilient enough to follow his dream and eventually became a NASA scientist.

The film's lessons include persevering with a passion despite others who oppose your interests. In this case Homer's father (Chris Cooper) insists that he follow in his footsteps and work in the town's coal mine. The film also shows how following a passion can quickly attract liked-minded people to help you achieve your goals such as Homer's teacher (Laura Dern).

Everyone has favourite movies that may not be shared by others. And not all movies have won awards. What matters is that you discover films that lift you up and that have the magic to activate your passion, confidence, optimism and drive. And enjoy your favourite movies over and over again. This is one, empowering way to bring out your best!

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Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Superhero at Your Service!
Professional Speaker & Movie Blogger
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2011

Tip#433: All Are Winners – 83rd Academy Awards – The King's Speech

The 83rd Academy Awards is just days away and so far I've seen six of the 10 movies nominated. Of those six I am rooting for The King's Speech to win best picture. It has 12 Oscar nominations in total.

Nominees for Best Picture:
Black Swan
The Fighter
Inception
The Kids Are All Right
The King's Speech
127 Hours
The Social Network
Toy Story 3
True Grit
Winter's Bone

The King's Speech 2010

The movie The King's Speech is based on a true story of an unorthodox speech therapist Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush) who helps King George VI (Colin Firth) overcome his stutter. Logue's techniques for helping the King are fascinating, humorous and exciting to watch.

One of the many aspects of this movie that inspired me most is the message that Logue is not a registered doctor. This causes the King and his counsel to insist on dismissing Logue's services. What stops the King from doing so is Logue's confidence in demonstrating that his techniques actually produce amazing results.

Two Inspirations

This message inspires me on two levels. First that professional speakers, such as myself, only graduated from "The School of Hard Knocks" and yet have the ability to help people empower themselves in their lives and careers. Secondly the therapeutic healing I've been receiving included some individuals who are not registered therapists. And yet they have helped me uncover and purge deep issues blocking my path.

Whatever movie wins best picture at the Oscars they are all winners. If you have been inspired or motivated by any of the nominees then it is a WINNER for you. And if a movie is based on a true story it may even speak more loudly and clearly to your spirit. Let these movies lift you up high!

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Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Superhero at Your Service!
Professional Speaker & Movie Blogger
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2011

Tip#432: Experience Animated Magic - The Illusionist 2010

Recently, I was so surprised to see the Oscar nominated movie, The Illusionist. A friend recommended it at a time when my spirit needed re-energizing and suddenly I was transported to the rich and colourful animated worlds of Paris, London and the highlands of Edinburgh, Scotland.

This film felt so magical that it reaffirmed why I loved movies so much. The whimsical world I was immersed in was filled with vibrant characters, tasty colours and an incredible attention to detail. Plus the movie viewing was made even more enjoyable in the company of a good friend I hadn't seen in awhile.

The Illusionist 2010

The animated feature The Illusionist is about a French illusionist (Jean-Claude Donda) finding work by traveling to Scotland. There he meets a young woman named Alice (Eilidh Rankin) who joins him on his adventures. The movie has very little dialogue and is told mostly in the gestures and expressions of all the wonderful characters.

Set in the late 1950's the movie is a story about the human condition dealing with unexpected transitions and of feeling obsolete. The illusionist faces competition with the rise of rock and roll acts while we see the introduction of light bulbs replacing candles and of the television. The results are funny scenes mixed with melancholic and sad moments.

"Some transitions are smooth and painless; others are painful and cruel."
The Illusionist review by Derrick Bang on Film

This movie may not be for everyone and yet it touched me so deeply that I am rooting for it to win the Oscar next Sunday over my other favourite How To Train Your Dragon. Read a wonderful review on Derrick Bang on Film. Also read Harry Knowles rave review and beautiful insights at Ain't It Cool News.

Discover movies that will transport you to a rich new world for an hour or two. Immerse yourself with the re-energizing power of cinema. Whether the movie is live action or animated they can be a tremendous, magical source of inspiration!

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Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
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© Emmanuel Lopez 2011

Tip#431: Recognize Your Friends AND Foes – The Fighter

We all have friends and foes in our lives. And it is so important to make the distinction of who is who. Whether your relationship is a friend, family member, colleague at work, roommate or schoolmate be clear whether they are SUPPORTIVE of you and your dreams and goals.

I recently experienced a volatile turn with a current relationship. It started out very positive with strong indications of a supportive friendship and yet we've had several intense altercations. It felt like this person kept throwing verbal punches and kicks to my head. I did my best to stand my ground.

The Fighter 2010

The movie The Fighteris based on a true story about professional boxer Micky Ward (Mark Wahlberg) and his older half-brother Dicky Eklund (Christian Bale). Their relationship is both loving and supportive and yet Dicky’s self-destructive addiction destroys their professional relationship.

I found it interesting that the movie title makes you think it refers exclusively to Ward's character as a boxer. And yet when you watch the film you will see that everyone is fighting with someone! It is then fascinating to watch how they resolve their differences through a common goal. Seeing them finally transform into a loving family is inspiring.

A Harmonious Relationship

Somehow I am confident that everything will work out with my situation. My indestructible optimism is helping me stay positive and not focus on negatives. I'll do everything I can to create a harmonious relationship. The underlining gift is that it reminds me of the many golden friendships I've cultivate over the years. The toxic people I encounter help me to see what I want AND don't want in my life.

Do your best to recognize the true friends and foes in your life. Stand your ground when you feel like you're being pushed around. In the end let your unpleasant interactions and foes show you what you want AND don't want in a relationship.

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Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
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Professional Speaker & Movie Blogger
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© Emmanuel Lopez 2011

Tip#430: Synchronicity Stories – Let Go and Upgrade Your Life – Cedar Rapids

While moving to my current home near High Park I experienced a profound synchronicity. It had to do with letting go of an old chest of drawers that was a hidden anchor keeping me stuck in the past.

For years I've had a solid wood chest of drawers that came with me through the last 3 moves of the last 9 months (see tip#426). It never, ever occurred to me to get a new one until I was about to move 2 weeks ago. It suddenly dawned on me that I had been carrying this dresser with me since my teenage years. I felt a wave of emotions like shock, embarrassment and then happy resolve. It was time to let go.

So I went to Ikea and saw an ideal and more "manly" dresser and planned to return to purchase it. On the way home I remembered that people post used Ikea furniture on Craigslist and checked it out. To my surprise the exact dresser and colour was on sale for almost half the selling price AND still available.

The synchronistic jolt I received next was that I had to go to Don Mills and Finch area north of Toronto to pick it up. I got chills up my spine. This location was practically next door to where I grew up and got my original chest of drawers. I felt a deep feeling that I was letting go of an old part of me in order to upgrade to a new, adult life.

Cedar Rapids 2011

The comedy Cedar Rapids is about a naïve, boyish insurance agent named Tim Lippe (Ed Helms) who is sent to represent his company at a conference. He encounters many colourful characters including his hotel roommates Ronald (Isiah Whitelock Jr.) and Dean (John C. Reilly). Together with another convention attendee, Joan (Anne Heche) Tim faces a series of life changing issues that help him "grow up" fast.

Tim learns to break out of his sheltered shell and adolescent mindset by socializing, learning to drink and experiment with drugs. This "rites of passage" story reminded me of The 40 Year Old Virgin where the movie hero must let go of a boyhood mentality that was holding him back in many areas of his adult life.

Take Action

Take a look around your home and see if there are old items or furniture you've been carrying for years. Be open to the idea that they may represent an old life that must be let go of. Believe that letting go will free you for new opportunities and experiences. It's always good to upgrade the quality of your life. Are you ready to take action today?

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Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
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Professional Speaker & Movie Blogger
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© Emmanuel Lopez 2011

Tip#429: Cultivate A Team Spirit Mindset - Rescue Dawn

I am enjoying Jesse Wente's Sneak Preview movie series at the TIFF Bell Lightbox. As I shared in tip#411 these screenings are soon to be released movies and you only know what it is when Jesse comes on stage to announce it. It's become a fun way to start off a Sunday morning.

Recently I loved a sneak preview of Cedar Rapids fresh from the Sundance Film Festival. I'll be blogging about it soon. That same afternoon I went to see The Way Back a 2nd time (see tip#425) which I first saw last month at the Sneak Preview. Jesse mentioned a similar movie called Rescue Dawn and since I resonated with the team spirit aspect of The Way Back I checked out this other film.

Rescue Dawn 2006

Based on a true story, the movie Rescue Dawn is about American pilot Dieter Dengler (Christian Bale) shot down and captured during the Vietnam War. He survives through an amazingly optimistic attitude and by creating a team spirited group of the other prisoners.

Dengler was mersmerizing to watch as he stayed positive and resilient despite being tortured. He was able to motivate the other prisoners and strategize a successful escape. Dengler surprised the prisoners (and myself) with how knowledgeable and inventive he was. For example, he was able to fashion a lock pick from a nail so in evenings they were free to plan and prepare their escape.

The teamwork in this movie did remind me of The Way Back film. It further inspired the idea that any challenge one faces is much better solved when working with others. Team spirit with my friends and family is what helped me stay resilient having moved 3 times in 9 months after the financial collapse I experienced last year.

Learning From Each Other

Be open to meeting new people that have different backgrounds, skill sets and interests. If you feel a genuine connection with someone then cultivate a friendship. You could be learning much from each other.

And sometimes these friendships will be of great value one day if one of you is caught in a difficult life or career challenge. Their unique skill sets or interests could rescue you or yours with them. Either way, do your best to build a TEAM SPIRIT mindset both in your career and life journey. This way everyone wins!

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Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
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© Emmanuel Lopez 2011

Tip#428: Synchronicity Stories – It's In The Cards – The Karate Kid 2010

I'm now in my new home where I also have a brand new roommate. I already feel it's a magical and mystical phase for rebuilding my life. It's like a combination of fate and each of our intentions have brought us together for accelerated healing and mutual motivation.

This synchronistic story is an example of the uncanny events unfolding. On the day I moved in with my roommate she was compelled to pull an inspirational card message for me from her Earth Magic Oracle Cards. It is a set of 48 cards comprising of illustrations and titles such as: WIND-Activation, CAVE-Sanctuary and DAWN-New Beginnings.

She shuffled the cards and pulled out LAKE-Stillness. She then read the meaning from the guidebook that said it is critical for me to seek stillness and clear my mind. We both felt a connection with the message. I was then compelled to pull a card message for her. I shuffled the cards and pulled one out. Time stood still and my jaw dropped.

I pulled the exact same card, LAKE-Stillness. We both got shivers up our spines and expressed awe and other wide-eyed reactions. Remember there are 48 different cards so for each of us to pull identical cards told us that something profoundly amazing was happening. We were in synch for helping one another.

The Karate Kid 2010

The movie The Karate Kid is a remake of the 1984 film and celebrates the same themes of finding one's courage and of learning what you need to know. 12 year old Dre (Jaden Smith) moves to China from the US with his mother and soon finds himself the victim of local bullies. He then discovers an ally and mentor in the apartment handyman Mr. Han (Jackie Chan).

Mr. Han teaches Dre the art and discipline of Kung Fu which helps him overcome his fear of bullying and angst living in a new land. Later when Mr. Han reveals his own personal pain and suffering it is Dre that lifts Mr. Han up. They were both teacher and student for each other. They were meant to meet and help one another at that point in time.

Believe

This film turned out to be the first movie my roommate and I would watch together and felt like a sign from the universe for how we would both be teacher and student for one another. We were meant to connect. It was in the cards!

Believe in synchronicity and that YOU WILL cross paths with just the right people you need to connect with. Believe in magical meetings that can fill you with excitement, wonder and the opportunity to achieve your dreams and goals.

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Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Superhero at Your Service!
Professional Speaker & Movie Blogger
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2011

Tip#427: Be The Change You Want to See In The World - Groundhog Day

As I write this post a snowstorm has moved in here in Toronto. Public schools are already closed and over 300 flights are cancelled at Pearson International Airport. And I'm happy and grateful to say that I'm safe and sound writing from my new home near High Park having moved in well before the storm. Today is also Groundhog Day which is one of my all time favourite movies.

In the movie Phil Connors begins his wild time loop experience when a snowstorm keeps him trapped in the town of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania on Feb. 2nd Groundhog Day. My recent move to a new home is my 3rd in 9 months so if I am caught in my own repetitive time loop then I am in good company with Connors.

In the movie, Connors demonstrates how to seize the hidden opportunities of what appears to be a hopeless situation to be trapped in. This movie hero inspires because he:

• Learns how to break out of destructive behavioural patterns
• Makes time to explore personal interests resulting in new skills
• Becomes a thoughtful, altruistic person
• Learns how to love someone unconditionally

Groundhog Day 1993

The movie Groundhog Day is about a weather reporter Phil Connors (Bill Murray) who finds himself living the same day over and over again. At first he is confused but then begins to take advantage of the situation for selfish reasons. Later when he struggles to break out of this time loop Connors slips into a depression.

It is only when Connors surrenders to his situation does he initiate positive change. He begins to focus on helping others and explores personal interests and passions he never found time to indulge in. Connor eventually transforms his outer reality by going inwards.

If you are finding yourself trapped by a snowstorm or any seemingly hopeless situation remember there is always a silver lining of self-discovery. The key is to surrender to the situation and find the golden opportunity for personal development and bringing out your best.

Celebrate Groundhog Day today by seeing the movie and the idea that YOU can change your world right now! Happy Groundhog Day!

"Be the change you want to see in the world."
Mahatma Gandhi

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Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
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© Emmanuel Lopez 2011