Five films to get you through finals week
A look at the best movies to inspire you for that last push
Whether you’re a senior wanting nothing more than to simply pass your final classes before graduation, or a freshman who’s just getting through their first round of generals, finals week can be a scary time. Tests will drain you, papers will leave you broken and desperate, and group presentations will bring out the worst in everyone. With all of that in mind, here are five movies to offer up some inspiration this finals week—assuming you find the time to watch them, of course.
Seabiscuit (2003)
Based on a true story (and way better than Secretariat), Seabiscuit is a movie about a horse that was too small and a jockey that was too big. Not only is this an underdog story, but it is also a story full of people who continue on after tragedy, including Jeff Bridges’ character, who loses a son early on in the film, and Tobey Maquire’s character, who comes of age during The Great Depression.
Rocky (1976)
You saw this one coming, didn’t you? There were a lot of sports movies fighting for their spot on this list, but Rocky beat out them all. Winner of three Oscars, Rocky is the classic inspiration story. From the story to the soundtrack, Rocky will help you get through that studying marathon.
Slumdog Millionaire (2008)
Starring Dev Patel is the movie Slumdog Millionaire. The film focuses on Patel’s character, Jamal, an orphan who manages to win a million dollars and the girl of his dreams through a game show. It takes a while for the movie to reach its happy ending, but the film will make your heart swell when it comes around.
The Lord of the Rings (2001-2003)
You may not have the time to watch the entire trilogy (or even one film, for that matter) but know that if Frodo can take the One Ring to Mordor, and an elf and dwarf can become friends, then you can make it through finals. If the movies—or the time to watch them—aren’t at your disposal, then you can always queue up the soundtrack for some inspirational study music.
Life of Pi (2012)
Directed by the incredible Ang Lee (Brokeback Mountain; Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon), Life of Pi is based on a book by Yann Martel that follows a young man who is stranded on a lifeboat with a tiger—Richard Parker—following a shipwreck. It’s a colorful, amazing survival story. If you need a happy medium between The Lord of the Rings and Seabiscuit, Life of Pi is a good option for you.
Photo: (CC BY 2.0 by 5kul1k)
