Inspirational Movies Based on True Stories

The biographical film about Richard Williams, the father of tennis star siblings Serena and Venus Williams who served as their coach from a very early age.

Here’s 5 powerful lessons from this film.  Would love to know yours ...

• Saying “no” to opportunities (even those that appear lucrative) that don’t align with our values and purpose, leaves space to say “yes” to the right opportunities when they arise. 

• Drop the ego. With humble confidence continue to ask for the help you need. If you receive a no, try a different door, just keep on knocking. Persist until you receive what you need to achieve your goals.
  
  
• Parents who provide an environment for their child’s natural genius to flourish raise winners.  When parents are protectors, guides, cheerleaders, and champions for their children, they allow natural talents to grow and blossom.
   
• We win when we have others who champion us in life - someone to lift us on the days we fall.   Someone to believe in us when circumstances are set for us to fail.  We too can become the champion for another. 
  
  
• There’s power in a plan -  but you've got to believe.  No matter our circumstances, we can transform the story of our life and the story of our family. 

The true story of Mohamedou Ould Slahi and his fight for freedom after being detained and imprisoned for decades, without charge by the U.S. Government.

Here’s some of the power lessons from this film.  Would love to know yours ...

• Legislative, judicial, and administrative systems do not deserve our trust without question.  What is reported by leadership through media channels is only one story.  As people we must continue to question what governments and leadership are doing to people on our behalf.  
  
  
•  When we feel fear or anger rise up within us about a cultural, political or religious issue, get curious.  Question the source of the story/ies that may have led to these feelings.  Do I have the whole story?  What bias am I approaching the story with?  Is there another side to the story?  Is there still another story to be told to give me a more rounded view?  
  
  
• We need more women sitting at boardroom tables.  We need more diversity and representation in government.  We need more compassion and empathy in policy making.  We need a different kind of leadership - people who can see beyond their own personal gain.  
   
• If Mohamedou Ould Slahi didn't write and share his story, the world wouldn't know about what happened in Guantanamo Bay.  Sharing stories is a pathway to greater empathy and understanding around our globe.
  
  
• It is possible for the human spirit to rise above oppression and adversity.  We can turn anger into forgiveness, we can turn fear into love. 

The Upside is a comedic film based on the true story of quadriplegic millionaire Philippe Pozzo di Borgo and his unlikely friendship with a paroled convict, Abdel Sellouwho whom he hires to take care of him.

Here’s some of the more serious take-aways from the film…

• A person’s past does not have to define their future. People make mistakes – in relationships, in work and other life choices - but we can choose to start over from today.  We can choose to re-write our story. 
  
  
•  It doesn’t matter how wealthy we are, we need good relationships, loving support, creative expression and laughter to make our life complete.
  
  
• Two people from totally different backgrounds can develop a deep and enriching relationship. Trust, honesty and accepting the weaknesses of one another strengthens our bond.
  
  
• Gain a greater understanding of the challenges and frustrations faced by people living with disability, as well as the beauty of life they experience just as those without disability.
   
• We all have gifts we can use to help someone else in need. For some it might be money, for others it’s time, for others it’s loving support. One act of generosity or service can change someone’s entire life for the better. Never underestimate the power we have to change someone’s life. 

The King's Speech is based on the true story of King George VI's quest to find his voice.  The King and his unconventional speech therapist become unlikely friends as they work together to conquer the King's stammer - a condition he's struggled with since childhood. 

Here are few lessons you'll take away from this movie ...

• No class of society is immune to personal struggle.  We never know what someone is dealing with behind closed doors - even if they appear to have everything.
  
  
• Stay open to new ways of handling problems in your life.  If one method hasn't been effective, keep trying, seek help to find a way that works for you. 
  
  
•  It's not always the person with the most letters after their name, or the person with the highest qualifications that can achieve the best results.  
  
  
• Passion for what you do,  natural talent and a genuine love for the people you help is just as important as official qualifications.
  
  
• When it comes to overcoming our fears, it helps to have a mentor to guide us through the difficult times.  

Million Dollar Arm is based on the true story of a struggling sports agent who comes up with an 'impossible idea' ... to find two promising cricket players in India, and turn them into star baseball players,  via a reality TV show.  

This is an inspiring film the whole family can enjoy together.  Here are some take-aways ...

• There's always a way.  When things don't seem to be working out, when your plans aren't coming to fruition, when doors close, then look for new opportunities. Walking a different path, doesn't mean you quit walking.  
  
  
• Even if someone says, "This can't be done", or "That's impossible", or "That won't work" ... doesn't make it true. Sometimes the so-called crazy ideas and impossible dreams work out the best.
  
  
• We are all influenced by our backgrounds ... cultural, religious, socio-economic, childhood etc. Remember this especially when dealing with someone who responds to a situation differently to us.  Doing so helps promote peaceful and rewarding relationships with others.  
  
  
• Stay hopeful - circumstances can change.   One person coming into your life, at the right time, with the right opportunity, can change everything...  and there will be times where we can be that person for someone else.    

Born with an eye condition that eventually leads to his blindness, Andrea Bocelli pursues his ambition and becomes a famous singer, songwriter.   Whether you're a fan of Bocelli or not, this movie teaches so much about overcoming obstacles and going after your dreams ... 

• You may be born into circumstances that seem incompatible with your dreams. But the challenges you must overcome will be the very thing that makes you strong enough to reach them.  
  
  
• Not everybody will believe in your dreams, but there will be those who show up for you.  They will give you the motivation, strength and encouragement to keep going - a friend, an uncle, a mentor.  Someone will show up for you, be open to them when they do.

• Not all experts will give you the right advice.   Even if you experience rejection by so-called "experts", keep pursuing doing what you love.  
    
• When we see a "successful" artist, remember there is always a story behind their success.  They have experienced many disappointments along the way.  After every bout of depression, every fall, every fight they have got up and continued on the path toward their dream.

The film Green Book is inspired by the story of a true friendship that transcended race, class, and the 1962 Mason-Dixon line.  The film takes you on a comedic (yet meaningful) tour of the Deep South with African American classical and jazz pianist Don Shirley and Italian American bouncer Frank "Tony Lip" Vallelonga who served as Shirley's driver and bodyguard.

You'll experience a whole range of emotions, and learn  powerful life lessons watching this film  ...

• Two people from completely different backgrounds -  culture, education and socio-economic, can become life long friends by accepting each other's stories, learning understanding and showing mutual respect for each other.  
  
  
• When we are open to share in each other's experiences we can learn empathy.  We can see life from the perspective of another person.  When we do that,  we recognize the the powerful force empathy can be in bringing people together.  
  
  
• It is possible to change.  We can go from having strong prejudice and judgements, to accepting others, learning from their viewpoints to the point of mutual respect and admiration.  
  
  
• Try not to judge someone by outward appearances.  We have all been through "stuff".  We all have a story to tell.  When we share our stories, show vulnerability, and approach life with a desire to connect rather than condemn, we do our part of make the world a more loving, compassionate place.