There are two constants in life: change and people’s resistance to change. Even if we attempt to stand still, change is occurring, be that to our own bodies, the people around us, or our life situations. Some of this change we don’t even notice happening because it is so subtle and slow. This kind of change actually makes it easier to adapt, but sometimes we’re not adapting and don’t realize it is progressing until it reaches a point and, boom, there it is! And like a sudden change, which hits us like a brick, it stands out.

Change is a double edged sword. It can hurt, scare us, cause us to grieve. Change can also give us something that is so much better than what we had before. Ironically, the change that hurts at first is sometimes the change that in the end we realize has made our lives better.

The Films

SHIRLEY VALENTINE As we grow older, many of us find ourselves caught in a way of life that is safe but also empty and unfulfilling. Shirley Valentine is a movie about a middle aged woman and her husband who have grown into a routine and have become unhappy people. What is special about this movie is that we’re able to see how the wife, Shirley, was destined to become this discouraged person and why, when given the opportunity to do something she has always wanted to do, she resists the chance. In finally breaking out of her rut, she makes some mistakes but begins to realize what has happened to her life over her adult years and what she can do to reclaim it. After watching this movie think about your own ruts, consider the things you’ve wanted to do but haven’t, and ask yourself what are the real reasons for not taking good risks.
Paramount Pictures
Rated R by MPAA.



©Touchstone Pictures. All rights reserved.

PHENOMENON Too often it happens that when a person begins to make changes to better him or herself, many friends and even family members can be put off. Some are even threatened by the differences they see developing. People are often unsupportive and even hostile of others who develop new talents or abilities that make them distinctive. This is especially true with things they do not understand nor appreciate. Phenomenon is a powerful allegory of what happens to an ordinary man, George, who begins to suddenly display remarkable mental abilities. Despite his desire to use his new capabilities to help his friends, many are put off and even discount his feats as parlor tricks. While many run away, a few remain supportive even if they do not understand what George is doing. This is a excellent movie for anyone who has felt rejected or misunderstood as they have attempted to improve themselves.
Buena Vista Home Video
Rated PG by M.P.A.A.

EDUCATING RITA This is a movie about a young woman who wants to do something that no one in her family or in her social circle has ever done: Attend college. In her world women get married young and have babies. When she signs up as a part time student, her husband doesn’t understand, and she is assigned to a tutor who is anything but enthusiastic (in America we would call him an academic advisor). She is poorly prepared for college, naive, and stands out from the other students by being quite different. The experience is hard but she is determined and has a real desire to learn. Watching Rita we can observe the risks that one must often face when pursuing some important goal and the commitment one must make. This film also shows that when we attempt to make a change other changes often occur that no one could have anticipated. It is impossible to know what might have happened if we had done nothing because everything has unforeseen consequences. All we can say is that all things, including good change, have a rippling effect on our lives to which we must adjust. And in adjusting we often grow more mature and wiser.
RCA Columbia Pictures Home Video
Rated PG by M.P.A.A.

Please note: More movies are being added to this page.  Check back soon.

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