Tip#921: Real-Life Heroes in Movies Inspire, Part 3 - The Revenant

I am at the end of my annual Las Vegas holiday vacation and am happy there were many highs and happy times with family, good food and making new friends. It was an amazing journey as always! There were also some lows that were tough but I got through them. I’m sure you can relate to every journey having its highs and lows.

And while on holiday I saw several movies released at Christmas based on true stories such as Joy (see tip#917), The Big Short (see tip#919) and Concussion (see tip#920). And one other film that exemplified a journey with extreme highs and extreme lows was The Revenant.

Revenant definition: one that returns after death or a long absence

The Revenant (2015)

The biographical western film, The Revenant, is inspired by true events of frontiersman and fur trapper Hugh Glass (Leonardo DiCaprio) in 1823 Montana and South Dakota. The breathtakingly beautiful locations are matched only by the brutal elements of nature and man that Glass must endure. Riveting performances by all including DiCaprio, Tom Hardy and Domhnall Gleeson. The stunning filmmaking and cinematography are by the same team from the Oscar winning Birdman. See: movie trailer

The movie hero truly demonstrates powerful examples of perseverance, resilience, courage and indestructible optimism. At the same time I found it painful to watch certain scenes such as Glass’s horrifying bear attack and mauling. And that is only the beginning of relentless adversities he must face in order to survive alone in the cold, desolate winter.

Inspiring Themes:
• Perseverance
• Resilience
• Indestructible Optimism
• Resourcefulness

Though some of the facts of this true story have been embellished and may still be questionable, the movie hero can be inspirational with his incredible inner strength and resourcefulness exhibited throughout his journey. He never gives up and does whatever it takes to survive while helping others along the way.

Every life journey has its highs and lows and cinematic role models are able to inspire and encourage you to persevere in the challenges you face. Let the movie heroes you resonate with motivate you to find your own inner strengths to move forward!

Read more about the facts and fiction of this film here: History vs Hollywood

Related Tips:
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  
Tip#1039: Real-Life Heroes in Movies Inspire, Part 5 - Maudie  
Tip#817: Be Inspired by Amazing True Stories, Part 6 – The Imitation Game

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

GET EMMANUEL’S NEW eBOOK,
MOVIE MESSAGES of HOPE for THE HOLIDAYS:
15 Films for Overcoming Depression & Difficult Times
Only $2.99 exclusively at: www.motivatorman.com

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



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

© Emmanuel Lopez 2016

Tip#920: Learning through Movies, Part 2 - Concussion

It is a year ago this month that I was finally diagnosed with clinical depression and received the proper care I needed. I suffered for over 15 years not knowing what was wrong with me. My symptoms included loss of concentration, heaviness in limbs, hopelessness, withdrawal from activities I enjoyed and the ruminating of negative thoughts that included suicide (see tip#855).

Thankfully, before I was diagnosed, I was able to learn more about my condition by identifying with movie heroes that mirrored what I was experiencing. Films like Groundhog Day, It’s a Wonderful Life, Jerry Maguire and A Beautiful Mind featured scenes of the main character suffering in a depressed state I resonated with. I would also learn how to transform my negative state-of-mind thanks to the strength, courage and solutions these movie heroes demonstrated to free themselves of their challenges.

In my motivational talks I teach people what I learned on how to view movies to identify answers and solutions they are seeking in their own lives, workplace and careers. Films not only inspire and entertain but can help educate and increase awareness of issues in our society, communities, our mental health and even hidden dangers within a profession or sport like football.

Concussion (2015)

The biographical sports medical drama film, Concussion, is based on a true story about Nigerian-born forensic neuropathologist Dr. Bennet Omalu (Will Smith) who discovers a brain disorder killing NFL football players and his fight against the National Football League suppressing his research. This powerful and thought-provoking story features great performances from Smith as well as Alec Baldwin as Dr. Julian Bailes, Gugu Mbatha-Raw as Prema Mutiso, Albert Brooks as Dr. Cyril H. Wecht and David Morse as former Pittsburgh Steelers center Mike Webster. See: movie trailer

Dr. Omalu’s goal and vision was to tell the truth and educate others and help save the lives of football players experiencing years of multiple concussions. This goal continues with this film which explains clearly the causes of what he named chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). In one scene, Dr. Omalu explains how a woodpecker can violently use its head as a battering ram and not suffer injury. Its tongue wraps from the back of its mouth, around the skull and through the nostril acting like a safety belt. This absorbs the shock and protects the brain. The human brain has no such safety belt.

The movie also inspires by showing Dr. Omalu as an excellent cinematic role model. Coming from Nigeria, he pursued his dream to be a valued American citizen and demonstrated passion, perseverance, resilience, courage, leadership, vision and much more. His wife Prema would further inspire with her inner strengths for faith, supportive relationships and indestructible optimism.

This film has also become an invaluable educational tool for NFL players. The NFL Players Association fully supports the film and has been arranging free screenings for as many of the organization’s 12,000 members as possible. To learn more about the hidden story of the NFL and brain injuries check out the Frontline documentary: League of Denial

Inspiring Themes:
• Passion
• Perseverance
• Resilience
• Indestructible Optimism
• Having a Vision & Goal
• Believing & Faith
• Courage
• Supportive Relationships
• Leadership & Teamwork
• Mental Health

It has been said that knowledge is power and movies can help ignite that power. Films can bring life-changing information to your awareness or inspire you to stay strong in the vision or goal you want to achieve. Be educated and motivated by an empowering movie today!

More Articles:
How The NFL Players Association Really Feels About Will Smith's Concussion
How Sony Is Rubbing Concussion In The NFL's Face
The MMQB: Paid to Give Concussions

Related Tips:
Tip#919: Learning through Movies, Part 1 - The Big Short 
Tip#920: Learning through Movies, Part 2 - Concussion 
Tip#989: Learning through Movies, Part 3 - Snowden
Tip#1042: Learning through Movies, Part 4 - Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 

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

GET EMMANUEL’S NEW eBOOK,
MOVIE MESSAGES of HOPE for THE HOLIDAYS:
15 Films for Overcoming Depression & Difficult Times
Only $2.99 exclusively at: www.motivatorman.com

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



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

© Emmanuel Lopez 2016

Tip#919: Learning through Movies, Part 1 - The Big Short

“Schindler’s List proved to me that film has the power to educate the world.” 
Liam Neeson, Actor

In all my PowerPoint presentations for my motivational talks I always use photos and illustrations with text because it enhances the learning experience. And according to the Social Science Research Network, 65 percent of people are visual learners. I’m also a visual learner which is why I love cinema. I feel I can absorb the life and work lessons in the stories more deeply while watching a movie.

Actor Liam Neeson, of the award-winning film Schindler’s List, also believes in the learning value in cinema. He is the Founding Spokesperson for the organization Journey in Film dedicated to educating global understanding through the storytelling power of film. You can learn more about this wonderful organization and see a 1 minute video message from Neeson on their website: Journeys in Film

Over the years I’ve also liked the term “edutainment” because it celebrates a sense of fun in learning. That is my primary objective in all my motivational presentations. Learning must be fun. And this definitely applies to the movie The Big Short which has to be one of the greatest cinematic examples of educational entertainment I’ve ever seen!

The Big Short (2015)

The biographical comedy-drama film, The Big Short, is about three groups of people who predicted the credit and housing bubble collapse of the 2007-2010 financial crisis. They each decide to take on the big banks, expose the fraud and profit from it. This is a highly entertaining and stunning piece of storytelling that also educates you on the complex factors that led to the world market crash. There are hilarious, emotional and highly engaging performances by Christian Bale, Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling and Brad Pitt. Plus several surprise cameos! See: movie trailer

I was extremely riveted to the unfolding story and realized I was slowly understanding the multiple factors that led to the global financial crisis. This very clever film was a creative fusion of documentary style filmmaking using captions, graphs, pop culture images, music, film and TV references. It even featured surprise guest celebrities to explain complex points about investing.

Films based on true stories usually alter facts to enhance the cinematic storytelling and what I loved about this movie is characters like trader Jared Vennett (Ryan Gosling) will suddenly look at you in a scene to explain what is true or changed for the film. This is actually called “breaking the fourth wall” which is when a fictional character becomes aware of their fictional nature, acknowledging they are in a film (or TV show, play or literature) and begin speaking directly to you. Fun stuff!

On another level the movie also presents inspiring life, work and business lessons in the areas of problem solving, perseverance, resilience, morals, ethics, leadership and teamwork. I highly recommend this unique and powerful movie that deserves repeat viewings not only for learning about the 2008 financial crisis but for the dazzling filmmaking style thanks to director and co-screenplay writer Adam McKay.

Inspiring Themes:
• Problem Solving
• Goal setting
• Perseverance
• Resilience
• Morals & Ethics
• Leadership & Teamwork

Learning can be an extremely enjoyable experience if you can discover the methods that capture your attention. If you are a visual learner then movies may be an effective tool to help you understand facts and historical events that you thought you’d never figure out. And if you love films then you can now experience the educational power of cinema in a whole new light!

Related Tips:
Tip#919: Learning through Movies, Part 1 - The Big Short 
Tip#920: Learning through Movies, Part 2 - Concussion 
Tip#989: Learning through Movies, Part 3 - Snowden
Tip#1042: Learning through Movies, Part 4 - Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 

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

GET EMMANUEL’S NEW eBOOK,
MOVIE MESSAGES of HOPE for THE HOLIDAYS:
15 Films for Overcoming Depression & Difficult Times
Only $2.99 exclusively at: www.motivatorman.com

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



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

© Emmanuel Lopez 2016

Tip#918: Cultivate Supportive Relationships, Part 8 - The Intern

“It’s moments like this when you need someone you know you can count on.” 
The Intern (2015)

I continue to receive heartfelt encouragement and congratulations via email, letters, Twitter and Facebook for my CBC Radio interview on the Fresh Air Show (listen here) and for my new eBook Movie Messages of Hope for The Holidays (details here). It feels so empowering to receive acknowledgement for the sensitive work I am doing to increase mental health awareness around depression. It is this kind of support that further fuels my confidence and drive to really help others!

Seeing the movie Joy also revved me up for achieving my work goals in the coming new year of 2016 (see tip#917). And synchronistically I just saw The Intern that felt like part 2 to remind me of the essentials for cultivating supportive relationships!

The Intern (2015)

The comedy film, The Intern, is about 70-year-old widower Ben Whittaker (Robert De Niro) who becomes a senior intern at an online fashion company founded and run by Jules Ostin (Anne Hathaway). What unfolds is a hilarious and inspiring story demonstrating that people at any age can provide great value and service. Wonderful performances by De Niro, Hathaway and a supportive cast that includes Renee Russo, Zack Perlman, Anders Holm and Adam Devine. See: movie trailer

 

At first Ben clearly appears to be an outsider amongst his much younger 20 something co-workers but soon becomes extremely helpful and mentors a select number of colleagues in the open spaced work environment. And though resistant at first to Ben’s presence, Jules realizes his wisdom and old school approach to business and work ethics are invaluable and life changing. In turn he benefits from her entrepreneurial spirit and online expertise.

This film is brimming with lessons for improving the work culture, generational respect and the importance of cultivating supportive relationships. Director Nancy Meyers wrote and directed The Intern as well as four other favourite films like Baby Boom, What Women Want, Something’s Gotta Give and The Holiday. All these films have many life lessons especially with how people are the bottom line in business, at work and in life.

Inspiring Themes:
• Passion
• Perseverance
• Resilience
• Indestructible Optimism
• Acknowledgement & Appreciation
• Leadership & Teamwork
• Entrepreneurial Spirit

The New Year is coming soon so I hope you have an idea of the dreams and goals you want to achieve. Let movies and movie heroes inspire you to remember to find people who believe in your talents and expertise! These supportive relationships will help you find success and enjoy the journey along the way!

And thank you for reading my blog and all your support this past year. I wish you a very Happy New Year and much success in all your dreams and goals!

Related Tips:
Tip#300: Cultivate Supportive Relationships, Part 1 – Top 25 Movies 
Tip#824: Cultivate Supportive Relationships, Part 2 – Bell Let’s Talk Day - Wild Card  
Tip#856: Cultivate Supportive Relationships, Part 3 - Mental Health - John Nash - Welcome to Me 
Tip#859: Cultivate Supportive Relationships, Part 4 – Paper Planes
Tip#886: Cultivate Supportive Relationships, Part 5 - Walk the Line
Tip#899: Cultivate Supportive Relationships, Part 6 – Depression - A Little Chaos
Tip#907: Cultivate Supportive Relationships, Part 7 – Depression - The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2  
Tip#918: Cultivate Supportive Relationships, Part 8 - The Intern   
Tip#1118: Cultivate Supportive Relationships, Part 9 - Alpha 
Tip#41: Recognize The Support Around You - 4 Movie Tips 

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

GET EMMANUEL’S NEW eBOOK,
MOVIE MESSAGES of HOPE for THE HOLIDAYS:
15 Films for Overcoming Depression & Difficult Times
Only $2.99 exclusively at: www.motivatorman.com

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



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

© Emmanuel Lopez 2015

Tip#917: Connecting with Your Inner Child, Part 3 - Joy

“I believe the ordinary meets the extraordinary every single day.” 
Joy (2015)

Whenever I receive an insight from a movie, I feel an emotional charge that moves me. It's like a little tap on my head, heart and gut to pay attention. That moment touches me deeply and I just know I’ve received an answer to solve a situation that I need to remember and focus on after the film is done. And thanks to the Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) work I’ve been doing I’m much more conscious of movie messages that remind me to re-connect with my inner child and core beliefs. This helps me clear hidden blocks and increase my self-worth, confidence and overall mental health to achieve my dreams and goals (see: tip#910).

As I write this I am also thrilled to discover another film on Christmas Day about a female movie hero who reconnects with her inner child with inspiring results. It became an unexpected gift for getting me excited about achieving my goals in the coming new year!

Joy (2015)

The biographical, comedy-drama film, Joy, is about Joy Mangano (Jennifer Lawrence), a divorced mother who becomes a self-made millionaire from her inventions like the Miracle Mop. This fascinating and entertaining journey includes many great performances by Lawrence as well as Diane Ladd, Bradley Cooper, Robert De Niro, Virginia Madsen, Isabella Rosselini, Édgar Ramírez and Isabella Crovetti-Cramp as young Joy. See: movie trailer

This film is overflowing with inspirational insights for anyone who has a vision or dream they want to achieve. You'll see how Joy faces challenges with family, finances and business adversaries and yet demonstrates strong qualities such as perseverance, resilience, optimism, courage, vision and leadership. Ladd’s character as Mimi, Joy’s grandmother also shows how supportive relationships and positive encouragement was important to Joy’s enduring self-worth and self-confidence since childhood.

This movie is also a must-see for entrepreneurs and business owners. Cooper’s character Neil Walker, an executive at the home shopping network QVC, shares inspiring quotes and sales expertise every time he is on screen. And then there are the insights of “The Four Questions of Financial Worthiness” that Rossellini’s character Trudy asks Joy that are meaningful for a lasting, successful business.

As with most films inspired by true stories there are creative licenses taken in order to tell a compelling, cinematic story. There is one scene that really inspired me whether it was true or not. It’s a dream sequence where, after 17 years of hiding from her childhood dreams for inventing, Joy faces her child self who tells her to stop hiding. When she wakes up that is when Joy starts drawing her idea of the Miracle Mop.

Inspiring Themes:
• Having a Vision
• Believing
• Self-Confidence & Self-Esteem
• Passion & Perseverance
• Resilience
• Indestructible Optimism
• Supportive Relationships
• Leadership
• Teamwork
• Sales & Marketing
• Entrepreneurial Spirit

Movies based on true stories often mix fact with fiction. However if the movie hero can inspire you to achieve your dreams and goals then you’ve received a special cinematic gift. The emotional charge you feel could be your answer on the next step to move forward. And if these films can also inspire you to connect with your inner child’s timeless passion, dreams and fearlessness then that is an even greater gift!

See Articles:
• Why Is the True Story of David O. Russell’s Joy Such a Mystery?
• How a single mom turned an ordinary mop into miracles
• How a single mom-turned-millionaire inspired J.Law’s new film

Related Tips:
Tip#906: Connecting with Your Inner Child, Part 1 - Top 10 Movies 
Tip#909: Connecting with Your Inner Child, Part 2 - The Little Prince 
Tip#917: Connecting with Your Inner Child, Part 3 - Joy 
Tip#928: Connecting with Your Inner Child, Part 4 - Hector and the Search for Happiness
Tip#1082: Connecting with Your Inner Child, Part 5 - The Florida Project
Tip#1083: Connecting with Your Inner Child, Part 6 – I, Tonya 
Tip#1084: Connecting with Your Inner Child, Part 7 - Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle 

Tip#494: Keep Childlike Wonder Alive - Steve Jobs – Real Steel
Tip#422: Keep Your Playful Imagination Alive – Imagine That

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

GET EMMANUEL’S NEW eBOOK,
MOVIE MESSAGES of HOPE for THE HOLIDAYS:
15 Films for Overcoming Depression & Difficult Times
Only $2.99 exclusively at: www.motivatorman.com

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



Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Speaker & Resilience Expert
Discover How Movies Inspire Resilience in Your Work & Life!
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2015