Sometimes a film can make you see your career or your job search in a different light and move you to action. Try renting one of these chestnuts if you want a boost of inspiration.
"All the President's Men" (1976)
Washington Post reporters Bob Woodward (Robert Redford)
and Carl Bernstein (Dustin Hoffman) know they've got a big story in Watergate.
Unfortunately, they're the only ones who seem to know it. This story of
single-minded pursuit of the truth can help you stay the course when times get
tough during your search for opportunity.
"Coal Miner's Daughter" (1980)
Country singing star Loretta Lynn (Sissy Spacek) came
from less-than-modest means to become the pride of Nashville. Success wasn't
without its price, though, and Lynn suffered through heartaches, illnesses,
losses, and a nervous breakdown. Despite these setbacks, her career survived
and her frank, feminist songs remain influential to this day. This film's a great reminder that when you're
down, there's only one way to go.
"Elizabeth" (1997)
Elizabeth I ruled England for more than 40 years, a time
known as the Golden Age. But when she first ascended to the throne, she was
just 25 and lacked any experience governing a divided nation on the brink of
ruin. She stepped up and kept her head (figuratively and literally), learning
to trust her instincts and manipulate her image. Even if you don't think you're
ready, seize every opportunity when it arises.
"Field of Dreams" (1989)
Thinking about opening your own business? If you build
it, they will come! Similar words haunted and inspired Iowa farmer Ray Kinsella
(Kevin Costner) when he built a baseball diamond in his cornfield. A lot of
folks thought Ray was crazy and you may hear similar reactions, but if you
believe in yourself, your venture may yield similar feel-good results.
"Invincible" (2006)
You're never too old or too amateur to pursue your
professional dreams. Based on the true story of Vince Papale (Mark Wahlberg), a
30-year-old, down-on-his-luck bartender, who turns an open tryout into a
football career with the Philadelphia Eagles, "Invincible" is
guaranteed to put a lump in your throat and a fire in your belly to follow your
dreams.
"It's a Wonderful Life" (1946)
Everyman George Bailey (James Stewart) wanted to be
anything but. He was going to see the world and have adventures. Instead, he
wound up running his family's banking business while other folks chased glory.
Even if you're not curing cancer or jet-setting, Bailey's experiences reveal
that no matter what we do for a living, we touch other people's lives.
"Rocky" (1976)
The ultimate underdog, Rocky Balboa (spoiler alert!)
doesn't win the big fight, but he still manages to win everyone's heart
(including Adrian's). The washed-up boxer goes from hack to hero in fifteen
gory rounds against the champion and challenger Apollo Creed, and even though
he's robbed by a decision, Rocky (Sylvester Stallone) emerges as the picture
(albeit a bloody and nearly blinded one) of class and sportsmanship. A
cinematic illustration of the idiom, "It's not whether you win or lose;
it's how you play the game."
"Rudy" (1993)
How do you make a grown man cry? Put "Rudy" on.
Another true-life tale, Daniel E. "Rudy" Ruettiger (Sean Astin) wants
nothing more than to play football for Notre Dame. Trouble is, he lacks the
grades, the skills, and the size to get him there. Good thing the kid's got
heart. A great example of why you should always refuse to take no for an answer
when it comes to your dreams -- no matter how many times you hear it.
"Seabiscuit" (2003)
Separately, Seabiscuit was a plucky, injury-ridden horse
and Red Pollard (Tobey Maguire) was an impoverished jockey with one good eye.
Together, they became one of horseracing's most legendary pairs. What they
lacked in breeding, they made up for in chemistry, mutual devotion, and dogged
determination in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles, proving that
sometimes all you need is someone to believe in you.
"Working Girl" (1988)
Whether your stumbling block to success is big hair or a
bad outfit, you can take a lesson from tough Tess McGill (Melanie
Griffith). She shows the tenacity it takes to answer when opportunity knocks.
Sure, she gets knocked around. But in the end, she gets a corner office on Wall
Street -- and Harrison Ford. Isn't that worth a few lumps?
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