Lately I’ve been watching a lot more movies as a way of relaxing – but, somehow, even movies seem to hold special messages for my life. So, I decided to find some that YOU might enjoy as part of your reflection on the process of aging.
I’m Not Rappaport (MCA/Universal, 1996)
— This feisty drama revolves around an 81-year-old Jewish radical who is a modern-day Don Quixote fighting injustice. He and his best friend have to stand up for themselves in a society that seems determined to treat elders as if they were invisible.
Men With Guns (Columbia TriStar, 1998)
— A common task in old age is to secure one’s legacy. A wealthy physician in an unnamed Latin American country who is nearing retirement decides to visit the medical students he trained to serve poor villagers in the countryside. His quest opens and softens his heart.
Nobody’s Fool (Paramount, 1995)
— This movie shows that the last stage of life can be one of personal renewal. A crusty and cantankerous handyman in a small town discovers that it is never too late to stir the ashes and light up your life with the glow that comes from love of family and friends.
The Shell Seekers (Republic Pictures, 1994)
— A 63-year-old Englishwoman suffers a heart attack and is compelled to review her life and her view of happiness.
The Straight Story (Walt Disney Home Video, 1999)
— Alvin Straight is a stubborn and highly principled 73-year-old Iowan who sets out on his John Deere lawnmower to visit his estranged brother who has suffered a heart attack in Wisconsin. His deep yearning for reconciliation gives him the energy and strength he needs to fulfill his mission.
Strangers in Good Company. (Touchstone, 1991)
— A group of long-lived women take shelter in an abandoned farmhouse when their tour bus breaks down. While they wait for other transportation, they share the stories of their lives with each other.
Waking Ned Devine (Fox, 1999)
— In this comedy set in a small village in Ireland, two of the town’s elders creatively expand the possibilities for community life.
Great list! There are a few of these I haven’t seen and just added them to my Netflix list….thanks!
I saw Strangers in Good Company about 10 years ago and I LOVED it! I watched it over and over again.. it really touched me. What was great about that movie is the characters were real people (not actors) telling their stories.
Thanks for all the movie suggestions.. it will be fun to go down the list.
With you on the quest…. MB
I’m going to be going down the list as well.
I’m working on a new program on dealing with aging and these movies help stir up some good ideas.
Glad you’re joining me!
Toni