Tip#930: Strong Women in the Movies, Part 4 – Mary Kom

As of this writing it is a chilly February morning and I’m feeling high symptoms of the winter blues that I usually feel at this time. Key symptoms are loss of concentration, feelings of hopelessness and heaviness in the arms and legs. Winter blues is also known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and is a form of depression. And since I’ve been diagnosed with a clinical depression called dysthymia (persistent depressive disorder) it’s hard to identify if I’m feeling one or the other (see tip#855). Either way movies are always the perfect antidote for lifting my spirits and re-activating my indestructible optimism!

Recently on an extra cold day my intuition told me to finally see the biographical film Mary Kom. This inspiring film not only introduced me to an extraordinary woman but also to the beautiful land of Manipur in northeastern India. Seeing the rich colours of the fields and mountains was like a delicious mug of hot cocoa that my eyes and soul drank in deeply. The film took me away on a mini vacation and the movie hero gave me many life lessons to persevere in the low energy and heaviness of the day I was having.

Mary Kom (2014)

The Indian biographical sports film, Mary Kom, is about Indian boxer Mary Kom (Priyanka Chopra), a poor rice farmer’s daughter coming from the small village of Manipur to become an Olympic bronze-medalist and a five-time world champion. Based on the true story of a women still competing today it is a powerful and motivational film for women and girls of all ages and all cultures. See: movie trailer

This movie is inspiring in so many ways such as facing career and life challenges while following a passion, dream or goal. Since childhood Mary showed persistence and tenacity for standing up for herself and later for learning the sport of boxing. And despite the negative, unsupportive attitude of her father, the boxing commission and the Indian culture she lived in, she perseveres with all her heart and soul. Ironically, Mary’s most challenging opponents were actually outside the ring.

There is also a great love story here. Mary learns how to find a balance of having a family and a career thanks to the loving support of her best friend and husband Onler (Darshan Kumaar). His wisdom and consistent encouragement is inspiring to witness! She also had the support of her coach, trainer, teacher and mentor Narjit Singh (Sunil Thapa) showing that success is always a team effort.

Inspiring Themes:
• Courage
• Confidence
• Following a Passion
• Persistence & Perseverance
• Resilience
• Indestructible Optimism 
• Leadership
• Supportive Relationships
• Work/Life Balance
• Community

This boxing story may have similar elements already seen in Hollywood movies like Million Dollar Baby or Rocky and yet it is the music and settings within the Indian culture and location of Manipur that makes this film so unique. It gives people around the world a taste of daily life, traditions and community of a beautiful land!

So when you are feeling down, discouraged or dealing with winter blues or depression remember to lift yourself up with an inspiring movie. You may even discover a strong women character that could motivate you by their story of courage. Let these movie heroes help you follow your passions. Let them show you how to tap into your inner strengths and face your opponents in life and at work with overflowing confidence!

“Girls just have to get the same chance and opportunity and they will top every field, not only sports.”
Mary Kom (2014)

Related Tips:
Tip#754: Strong Women in the Movies, Part 1 - Belle 
Tip#860: Strong Women in the Movies, Part 2 - Spy 
Tip#929: Strong Women in the Movies, Part 3 - Aliens 
Tip#930: Strong Women in the Movies, Part 4 – Mary Kom 
Tip#968: Strong Women in the Movies, Part 5 - Erin Brockovich  
Tip#1024: Strong Women in the Movies, Part 6 - Women’s March – Made in Dagenham
Tip#501: How Women in Movies Inspire a Leadership Mindset 

LISTEN TO EMMANUEL’S CBC RADIO INTERVIEW
on MOVIE MESSAGES OF HOPE: Fresh Air Show 14 minutes 

Remember How Movies Can Help You: 
A) Entertain & Escape 
B) Re-energize & Release 
C) Inspiration & Motivation 



Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Speaker & Movie Blogger
 Discover How Movies Inspire Resilience & Indestructible Optimism
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2016