Tip#1026: Movie Message About Purpose, Part 2 - A Dog’s Purpose

Like many people I was very disturbed when I saw a video that’s ignited a controversy about the film A Dog’s Purpose. I was torn about seeing the film even though I was so eager after the heartwarming trailer made me cry. But thanks to my friend, colleague, fellow dog lover and Communications & Relationship Coach, Tammy Cunningham, she encouraged me to read the real story behind the video.

I read two key articles in The Hollywood Reporter and Variety Magazine and it helped me understand the hidden facts about the video and then decided to see the film on opening day at the Yonge Dundas Cineplex theatre. I absolutely loved it and knew I had to make a stand and chose to support the filmmakers. I began posting my rave response and links for the articles (and other positive reviews) on Twitter and Facebook. Here’s what Tammy shared on my Facebook post…

“Thank you for acknowledging and seeing this movie. They deserve our support as they have been victims of gossip that is debilitating to their art, careers and revenue. It is so incredibly unfair. This situation is a prime example of why it's important to fact check first. And always be suspicious of sources. TMZ is not a newsroom, it's snark gossip and editorials. Also, the moment I read that the video was held, I realized that I needed to dig deeper. These are all clues. This situation isn't just gossip, but actual sabotage.” 

With all the current problems in the media about fake news it is more important than ever to learn about the real facts. Not “alternative facts” but real facts. Here are the two articles I highly recommend you read…

Gavin Polone on 'A Dog's Purpose' Outcry, What Really Happened and Who's to Blame: The Hollywood Reporter

American Humane Weighs in on ‘A Dog’s Purpose’: Variety Magazine



A Dog’s Purpose (2017)

The comedy drama, A Dog’s Purpose, is about Bailey (voiced by Josh Gad) a dog whose life is shown from his point of view from birth to death and reincarnated through 5 different dog breeds and genders. This beautiful, funny and highly entertaining, emotional story includes wonderful performances by all the dogs as well as the human actors Dennis Quaid (adult Ethan), K.J. Apa (teenage Ethan), Bryce Gheisar (8 year old Ethan), Britt Robertson (Young Hannah) and Peggy Lipton (adult Hannah). See: movie trailer

The reviews have been mixed but this amazing movie really touched my heart and filled me with hope and feel-good energy. The story is a fantastic metaphor for the lessons about life that humans face and question. It’s also about loneliness and the uplifting power of living a life shared with others. The director Lasse Hallstrom has also directed many of my favourite films such as: My Life as a Dog, Chocolat, The Shipping News, Hachiko: A Dog’s Tale and The Hundred-Foot Journey.

I am eager to see this wonderful movie again mainly because it is such a thought-provoking feel-good film. It’s a good-cry movie too! And also I hope people eventually discover the magic and love exuding from this movie. If you are torn like I was about seeing this film I highly recommend you read the real stories behind the controversies for yourself.

Movies about purpose can give you inspiring messages about understanding your own purpose in life and your work. The stories behind the making of these films can also make you question where you stand with whatever you read, see or hear that is controversial. There is purpose in everything you feel both positive and negative. Let your discoveries make you feel empowered about yourself and what you believe in!

Related Tips:
Tip#607: Movie Message about Purpose - Rise of the Guardians
Tip#1026: Movie Message About Purpose, Part 2 - A Dog’s Purpose



NEED SOME CHEERING UP?
SEE THIS VIDEO NOW: The Best Uplifting Movie Montage with a song written & performed by EmmanueL Lopez

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

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



Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
The Movies-For-Motivation Speaker
Discover How Movies Inspire Resilience & Indestructible Optimism
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2017

Tip#1025: Be Inspired by Amazing True Stories, Part 10 - Lion

Looking back, it has been seven years since my life and business came crashing down due to clinical depression (see tip#400). And it’s been over 25 years since I had been struggling with a mental illness I wasn’t even aware of until 2015. Today I am so grateful I’ve been receiving proper treatment and feeling like my old, joyful, productive self for several months now!

And yet when I discover stories through films of others that persevered through even more painful journeys I am moved to tears at their courage and inner strengths. I become even more inspired and energized to overcome other challenges that come into my life, career or relationships. These movie heroes become cinematic role models reminding me that the impossible can be possible!



Lion (2016)

The drama film, Lion, is based on the true story of Saroo getting lost at 5 years old in India, his journey to Australia and how he searches for his family 25 years later. This highly engaging and emotional story features extraordinary performances by Saroo a age 5 (Sunny Pawar), Saroo as adult (Dev Patel) and his adoptive mother Sue Brierley (Nicole Kidman) See: movie trailer

I was in absolute awe of the initial, harrowing journey of young Saroo and the immense courage he must have had to deal with the challenges you see him face. And then later, adult Saroo demonstrates amazing resilience with the depression, emotional and mental anguish worrying about his real mother and brother. I was deeply touched that this was actually a true story.

Another inspiring aspect of this film was showing the power of internet resources. Saroo is recommended by friends to use Google Earth to track down his hometown and it is breathtaking to witness. I have personally discovered the profound helpfulness of the internet during my years dealing with depression so I was thrilled to learn even more about Google Earth and how this film shows us how to utilize its vast potentials.

Inspiring Themes:
• Passion
• Perseverance
• Resilience
• Indestructible Optimism 
• Courage
• Supportive Relationships
• Love & Family
• Power of Internet Resources

Our personal challenges in life can sometimes feel overwhelming or even impossible to solve. And yet if you can find inspiration to persevere than the impossible can become possible. Find amazing true stories or movies based on real-life heroes to ignite your inner strengths and indestructible optimism. You have the power and courage inside waiting to be released!

Related Tips:
Tip#671: Be Inspired by Amazing True Stories, Part 1 - Stories We Tell
Tip#750: Be Inspired by Amazing True Stories, Part 2 - Heaven is for Real
Tip#791: Be Inspired by Amazing True Stories, Part 3 - Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story
Tip#815: Be Inspired by Amazing True Stories, Part 4 – Star in the Night
Tip#816: Be Inspired by Amazing True Stories, Part 5 – Unbroken
Tip#817: Be Inspired by Amazing True Stories, Part 6 – The Imitation Game
Tip#818: Be Inspired by Amazing True Stories, Part 7 – Big Eyes
Tip#1003: Be Inspired by Amazing True Stories, Part 8 - Hacksaw Ridge
Tip#1022: Be Inspired by Amazing True Stories, Part 9 – Hidden Figures 
Tip#1025: Be Inspired by Amazing True Stories, Part 10 - Lion

Tip#690: Real-Life Heroes in Movies Inspire, Part 1 – Steve Jobs & Apple - Jobs 
Tip#897: Real-Life Heroes in Movies Inspire, Part 2 - Bridge of Spies 
Tip#921: Real-Life Heroes in Movies Inspire, Part 3 - The Revenant
Tip#922: Real-Life Heroes in Movies Inspire, Part 4 - Spotlight  



NEED SOME CHEERING UP?
SEE THIS VIDEO: The Best Uplifting Movie Montage with a song written & performed by Emmanuel Lopez!

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

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



Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
The Movies-For-Motivation Speaker
Discover How Movies Inspire Resilience & Indestructible Optimism
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2017

Tip#1024: Strong Women in the Movies, Part 6 - Women’s March – Made in Dagenham

I am still in a state of profound awe and wonder over the global events of the Women’s March yesterday, January 21, 2017. My heart has been overflowing with emotion from being at the Toronto march and then later seeing all the online photos and footage from around the world in at least 60 countries! Estimates are from 3.6 to 4.5 million people that marched across America making it the biggest protest in U.S. history.

What touched me the most was the deep sense of unity I saw in photos of women, men and, especially kids and youths from different diversities and different cities from beyond the U.S.. There were stunning images from Bangkok, Dublin, Helsinki, Istanbul, London, Madrid, Mexico City, Nairobi, New Delhi, Paris, Progue, Rome, Tel Aviv and so many more! It’s like I was watching scenes from disaster films where a common threat has united everyone to show breathtaking strengths in numbers.

It was also thrilling to see movie stars and other famous people in marches as ordinary folks. The men included Joseph Gordon Levitt, Sir Ian McKellan, Rep. John Lewis, Michael Moore, Jake Gyllenhaal and more. The women included Whoopie Goldberg, Madonna, Cher, Jane Fonda, Ashley Judd, America Ferrera, Emma Watson, Scarlett Johansson, Katy Perry, Yoko Ono, Charlize Theron, Rihanna, Alicia Keys, Gillian Anderson and so many more. One of my favourite photos was of Supergirl actress Melissa Benoist who had a super clever sign and message for the newly inaugurated President!

There were also countless other signage that was creative, clever, hilarious and witty! For example, Princess Leia’s image became a new representative for the new Resistance. Even children looked adorable and profoundly impactful with their personal messages. One of my favourite photos is one with someone dressed as Abraham Lincoln just standing amongst the crowd!

As I savored all these images I realized this Women’s March was about all our equal rights as fellow human beings who are choosing to live in harmony with one another. We were all witnessing events that we hope will create a better world. A world that is more loving and respectful for the children who are our future custodians of our planet.

For me, the word protest use to mean a negative term growing up. But these world events have changed that forever! Protest is really the soulful spark for positive, lasting change. This positive change can also be witnessed in inspiring, uplifting movies.

See global photos: The Guardian
See global photos: The New York Times



Made in Dagenham (2010)

The comedy drama film, Made in Dagenham, is about Rita O’Grady (Sally Hawkins) who be steps into a leadership role to fight for equal pay for women at the Ford Motor Co. plant in Dagenham, England. This entertaining and inspiring film also has great performances by Bob Hoskins, Miranda Richardson, Daniel Mays and Rosamund Pike. See: movie trailer

There are so many empowering, motivational moments and funny ones as well. Once Rita demonstrates her inner strengths and leadership abilities she became a new movie hero for me! She deals with important themes like equality and bullying that, through her perseverance, helped change her workplace in England. And with the support of her work mates Rita’s actions lead to positive change for female workers around the world. There is this inspiring message that appears in the closing credits:

"Two years later in May 1970 the Equal Pay Act became law. Similar legislation quickly followed in most industrial countries across the world. Ford Motor Company Limited went on to effect changes in its employment practices and is now used as an example of a good practice employer." 

Inspiring Themes:
• Passion
• Perseverance
• Resilience
• Indestructible Optimism
• Courage
• Bullying
• Leadership
• Teamwork
• Supportive Relationships
• Strength of Community
• Women’s Rights, Civil Rights

It takes courage to stand up for your rights you know in your heart and gut is the right thing to do. Find that inner strength within yourself when you realize you cannot and will not stand for something or someone standing in your way of living. Be inspired by real life women of all backgrounds both young and old. Be motivated by strong women in the movies you resonate with. They are all mirroring your inner lion that could ignite positive change the world!

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#937: Top 15 Inspiring Women in the Movies – International Women’s Day 2016 
Tip#894: Cultivate Community, Part 11 - Learnography - The Rainmaker



NEED SOME CHEERING UP?
SEE NOW: The Best Uplifting Movie Montage with a song written & performed by Emmanuel Lopez!

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

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



Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
The Movies-For-Motivation Speaker
Discover How Movies Inspire Resilience & Indestructible Optimism
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2017

Tip#1023: The Uplifting Power of Nostalgia, Part 6 – Rocky Balboa & Creed - Double Feature

I recently did a double feature watching Rocky Balboa (2006) and Creed (2015). Or you could call them Rocky 6 and Rocky 7 because they flow seamlessly together! It was an amazing and emotional experience I highly recommend. Seeing Rocky again in both movies go up those legendary steps to the museum really touched me.

What I loved about each film is the memorable music that’s been used since the first Rocky film in 1976. A wave of nostalgic feelings moved through my heart when I heard the iconic training music “Gonna Fly Now” and the quiet piano that, to me, is the love theme for Rocky and Adrian. So even though 30 to 40 years had passed since this music was first heard it elevates the experience of the latest stories and characters being shown.



Rocky Balboa (2006)

The sports drama, Rocky Balboa, is the sixth chapter in the story of boxer Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) now in his mid-fifties and returning to the ring one last time. This highly entertaining film has many life lessons about keeping your heart and passion alive no matter what age you are and to stay resilient despite losing the people you love. See: movie trailer

This amazing movie has several motivational speeches that have become viral online. I highly recommend you see these clips and see the full film itself. Powerful stuff you need to see!
See: Rocky speech to his son

Creed (2015)

The sports drama, Creed, is about Adonis Johnson (Michael B. Jordan), son of legendary boxer Apollo Creed, who finds Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) to help train him to fight professionally. This engaging story brings back the Rocky legend while at the same time introduces us to a new character with his own strengths and challenges to deal with. See: movie trailer

One of the amazing factors about this film is the long takes that follow the characters and action in one continuous shot. One example is Creed’s first professional boxing match that lasts an entire two-rounds. There was no post-production stitching used to connect a series of takes together. Also Stallone gives a stellar performance that won him a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor.

Music can invoke powerful nostalgic memories of growing up. It becomes even more emotional when connected with the sight of movie characters, locations and themes we know and loved over the years. It’s a feel-good energy that can lift us up and feel more positive about our lives and work. Find that feel-good feeling today in a film you love!

Related Tips:
Tip#356: Feel Good from Nostalgia - Big Trouble In Little China 
Tip#631: The Uplifting Power of Nostalgia, Part 1 - Paul Williams Still Alive 
Tip#862: The Uplifting Power of Nostalgia, Part 2 – Jurassic World 
Tip#891: The Uplifting Power of Nostalgia, Part 3 - The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension 
Tip#935: The Uplifting Power of Nostalgia, Part 4 – Logan’s Run
Tip#1019: The Uplifting Power of Nostalgia, Part 5 – E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
Tip#1023: The Uplifting Power of Nostalgia, Part 6 – Rocky Balboa & Creed - Double Feature



NEED SOME CHEERING UP?
SEE NOW:
The Best Uplifting Movie Montage with a song written & performed by Emmanuel Lopez!

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

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



Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
The Movies-For-Motivation Speaker
Discover How Movies Inspire Resilience & Indestructible Optimism
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2017