Media Room

Films that explore the meaning of life

Life transitions

About Schmidt

I am fast approaching retirement so I could relate to Schmidt, a seemingly lost soul who has lived a less than ordinary life. He got me thinking about my attitude towards my wife. There's no doubt that I took her for granted through the years. Maybe this is how it is for most men, but since this movie, my priorities have changed. Work doesn't rank no.1 anymore. I'm painting landscapes, something I always wanted to do, and I'm courting my sweetheart like I did in the beginning. She's over the moon and I've never felt as contented as I do now. About Schmidt (2002) is excruciatingly slow, but it gave me the kind of adrenalin rush that comes with a blaring wake up call. - Bill

The Banger Sisters


Culture, gender and identity

Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress

Leonard Cohen: I'm Your Man

Drowning in self imposed mediocrity, I was wrenched to safety by this cinematic experience that reminded me of the riches to be gained from commitment to Self and self awareness. Leonard Cohen is one of those transcendent individuals whose talent goes beyond the product of art. His song-writing, characterised by a bitter-sweet poetic economy, is a powerful testament to the ideal that growing older can also mean growing wiser. It was refreshing to be entertained by artists of a calibre that is rarely seen under the influence of that aberration ‘fame’. Their connection to Cohen's lyrics was intense and illuminating. Rufus Wainwright, Nick Cave and an outstanding performance by Antony of “If it be your will” brought tears to my eyes, but it was the humour and insight from the man himself that I found so inspiring. He really embodies his philosophy; you can see it in his face and you can hear it in his voice. - Lisa Hayes

Million Dollar Baby
Not Without My Daughter
Whale Rider
Yentl

Beyond mediocrity

Cool Runnings
Cosi
Dead Poet’s Society
Mona Lisa Smile
Patch Adams
Shakespeare in Love

Resilience and resourcefulness

Cast Away
Cold Mountain
Ever After
Moll Flanders
Never Tell Me Never
Nowhere in Africa
Rabbit Proof Fence
The Pianist

The Pursuit of Happyness

Based on the true story of Chris Gardner, The Pursuit of Happyness demonstrates that with perseverance, imagination, focus and loyalty to one's self, dreams do not necessarily belong to the realm of the impossible. In a chance encounter with a stock broker, Chris observed how happy he looked and asked himself "Why can't I be like that?"  This was a profound 'aha' moment for me because it suggests that a dream starts with a question. You might not know the answer but if you continually work on asking the best questions of yourself, you will in time get clearer on who you are and what you are meant to be doing. - Jess Bryan

The Shawshank Redemption 

Lives transformed

Catch Me If You Can
Crash
Goal!
Les Miserables
Regarding Henry
Sommersby
Sweet November

Courage and integrity

Bonhoeffer: Agent of Grace
Braveheart
Brother Sun, Sister Moon
Erin Brockovich
Fly Away Home
Ghandi
Man on Fire
Michael Collins
Motorcycle Diaries
Schindler’s List
St Joan of Arc
The Last Samurai
The Power of One
Vera Drake
Veronica Guerin

 
Sustainability

Spirit Bear