- Forrest Gump - The slow-witted but lovable Forrest knows how to sweeten his life and the life of those around him - like a box of chocolates.
- The Green Mile - A very special prisoner inhabits the prison in which Tom Hanks oversees.
- Big - little boy becomes Big and spreads his brand of childlike wonder to those around him.
- Splash - Tom Hanks rescues a mermaid - 'nuff said.
- Cast Away - Tom Hanks stranded on a desert island with Wilson - a soccer ball.
- The Terminal - you thought your layover was long?
- Sleepless in Seattle - the son of a widower helps his dad find true love.
- You've Got Mail - Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks play battling bookstore owners who unbeknownst to themselves have started an internet romance.
- Joe Versus The Volcano - With the help of Meg Ryan and the spectre of Volcano leap in the offing, Tom Hanks clears his head of a "brain cloud."
- Philadelphia - Lawyer with AIDs battles discrimination
- Saving Private Ryan Vivid portrayal of war.
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Never Cry Wolf
Charles Martin Smith is Tyler, a biologist sent by the Canadian government into the harsh yet majestic beauty of northern Canada. He is there to monitor the habits of the wolf in order to ascertain if the wolves are depleting the caribou. Rescued by an old Eskimo Tyler is taught lessons of survival which aid him in his quest. The gorgeous backdrop lends a spiritual air to the interplay of man and wolf. Laced with humor and sadness, Never Cry Wolf culminates in a stirring final naked romp.
What is spiritual about this movie? The realization that our natural environment is not steel and concrete. Maybe if we spend more time in the woods ala Walden or Emerson it might cause us to take a naked romp through life. So to speak... :)
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A Thousand or More Minds Sending You the Energy of Abundance and Success?
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October Sky
From 1999 October Sky is based on Rocket Boys a true story by Homer Hickam, Jr. This is a heart-tugger about a bunch of kids building a rocket for a science project.
Well, it's 1957 and Hickam (played nicely by Jake Gyllenhaal) and the rest of the coal mining town of Coalwood, West Virginia, have just finished watching the Soviet satellite Sputnik streaking around.
The story pits Homer and his friends against his dad (Chris Cooper) who wants him to eventually become a coal miner. Homer however chooses to follow his dream.
As with the dreams of many, Homer confronts setback after setback. Along with his friends, he is helped by a teacher (played by Laura Dern). If you're looking for a movie about someone willing to overcome some big odds to accomplish their dream this is a good one. Does Homer get the rocket to fly? Watch October Sky to find out.
What is spiritual about this movie? The notion that you can follow your dreams and if you are focused and determined enough that they can lift you, "rocket-like" to unimaginable heights.
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Kung Fu - TV Series.
When you take the pebble from my hand then it will be time for you to leave. Grasshopper. Kwai Chang Caine.
This series is filled with episodes containing life lessons and often featuring future stars. The soft-spoken, iron-willed Shaolin master Caine (David Carradine) wanders the old west dispensing his own brand of justice - justice laced with heart and backed up with years of training in a Shaolin temple.
One of my favorite episodes is Spirit-Helper starring a young Don Johnson (these episodes were filmed in the early 70's) as a young Indian seeking a vision quest. The vision he gets is that of Kwai Chang Caine. Just one of a number of great episodes. Also check out the Brujo, the Soldier, the two-part Cenopath episode - oh heck - check 'em all out.
In the Soul is the Warrior Kwai Chang seeks clues to the whereabouts of his half-brother Danny. While doing so he comes upon a ranch where the owner keeps a pit of snakes to confront his fear. Eventually Caine takes on the snakes without any weapons. That nicely sums up Caine's approach to life - live in harmony with nature and those around you, while upholding justice with force if necessary.
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Have You Taken the Journey to Wild Divine?
It is an experience like no other...
Notting Hill
Hugh Grant plays William Thacker a bookstore owner in Notting Hill in England. One day in pops a famous movie star Anna Scott (Julia Roberts) into his store. An unlikely but spark-filled relationship develops. Rhys Ifans (star of Danny Deckchair) lightens the mood considerably as Hugh Grant's highly eccentric roommate.
What is spiritual about this movie? Notting Hill is farfetched but sweet. It is a testament to the adage that love conquers all - even a relationship between a megastar and an ordinary bloke. But it is also filled with a loving spirit between not only William and Anna but also between Thacker and his family and friends. This sentimenet shines through when Thacker brings Anna over as his date to a birthday dinner at his family and friends house. Not only does Anna Scott the megastar actress fall in love with the simple family of the bookstore owner, but we the audience do as well.
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Door to Door
This movie is based on the true life story of door to door salesman Bill Porter. Afflicted with cerebral palsy Porter uses patience and perserverance to overcome the obstacles he faced in getting a job, keeping it and in making sales. William H. Macy makes a very believable Bill Porter and Kyra Sedgwick does a great job as his helper and friend.
As if Porter's plight wasn't difficult enough he must also take care of his mother (Helen Mirren) who is suffering with Alzheimer's. What gets him through? His mother's admonition to have patience and perserverance - along with his own liberal dose of self-deprecating humor.
What is spiritual about this movie? In a word - perserverance. Bill Porter persisted despite all the odds. Just a little of his abundant never say die attitude would serve us all well.
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Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
Gorgeous green scenery, a heartbreaking love story, and the battle for the Green Destiny sword provide the backdrop to this martial arts masterpiece. The fantastical flying fights were choreographed by Yuen Wo-ping who had worked on the Matrix. One beautiful scene was when Chow Yun-fat's character Li Mu Bai engages in a sword fight with Zhang Ziyi's character Jen amidst the tops of a lush forest. It was just one of a number of brilliant beautiful battles.
Among many highlights of this movie was the strong love story between Yu Shu Lien (Yeoh) and Li Mu Bai. As Li Mu Bai said,"I would rather be a ghost drifting by your side as a condemned soul than enter heaven without you... because of your love, I will never be a lonely spirit."
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This guy not only stars in blockbuster after blockbuster - but many of his films have a warm spirtual feel-good quality to them that make watching him and them a joy. 