Films With Feelings #1

When it comes to movies, I often share lists of my favorites, especially at certain times of the year, and while I enjoy that, sometimes I watch a film that deserves a stand alone, and I want to start sharing more of these.

Neil and I are big fans of classic movies, so often times we will spend our evenings watching Turner Classic Movies, (TCM) especially during the summer months when our favorite TV shows are on hiatus.

Last night TCM aired “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington.” Neil, knowing that I love Jimmy Stewart and informing me that his character reminds him of me, recommended that I watch it. I’m really, really glad I did!

Jimmy Stewart plays Mr. Smith, a young, passionate senator who writes a bill for a boys camp. He wants to teach young boys about liberty, the importance of freedom, and everything America holds dear. Mr. Smith is a rare man in Washington, and as he quickly learns, politics are not sexy. It’s a slap in the face when he learns how corrupt and unjust the government really is. His bill is stopped by fellow senators so that they might line their own pockets and when Mr. Smith learns of this and tries to speak out against them, the tables are turned back on him. I wont get into the how’s and why’s because I don’t want to spoil the movie if you haven’t seen it. Just be ready, because if you’re anything like me, this film will inflict lots of outrage, it will royally piss you off!

The sad thing is this movie premiered in 1939, but the movie is still very much relevant today! Washington needs more men like Mr. Smith, but unfortunately, it is filled with the Taylor’s & Paine’s of the world. You’ll understand once you watch the movie, and I’ll leave it up to you who you decide to replace “Taylor” & “Paine” with.

I highly recommend this movie, it’s important to understand why those of us with big hearts and intelligent minds cannot afford to stay silent. While the entire world wants to take a bite out of us, we must stand firm, we must be a force to be reckoned with.

This movie also teaches that those with nothing to hide are the ones who stand firm, who will speak out against the wrong doings, who won’t give up, but the ones who are corrupt, the ones who do have something to hide are the ones that will stop at nothing to “prove” they are in the right. They will point fingers at the innocent, hurt the undeserving, and tell you they didn’t say the words you literally heard them speak.

Does that sound familiar?

Seriously, if you haven’t seen this movie you need to. Pronto! Stat! Tonight! If you have seen it, I’d love to hear your thoughts.

I even love this move trailer, it shows and tells just enough to keep the viewers intrigued without giving away any vital information.

Love & life lessons,

Kristian