Five movies every graduate should watch

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John Walker

Link to original image: https://www.flickr.com/photos/whatcouldgowrong/4608963722

Pierce Brenner, Senior Staff Writer


 

If you’re a senior and realizing that your your college career is coming to an end, you may be wondering what’s next, whether you would wish to relive your college years and whether it was all worth it. Whatever questions may be floating in your head, there is always a movie to speak to you.

Here are five movies that you must see before graduating, for they perfectly capture the emotional experiences seniors may feel.

5. “An Education”

Set in 1960s London, an ambitious 16 year-­old girl gets involved with a 20­something year­-old man, who may not be who he seems. The film brilliantly shows how growing up too fast can cause a myriad of problems and handles a difficult topic with charm and grace. Another thing worth noting is that actress Carey Mulligan gives one of her best performances in the film.

4. “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off”

Quite possibly the quintessential teen comedy, this 80s classic follows three friends’ adventures playing hooky in school. Although a comedy, it’s not just a silly romp. The film portrays a deeper message; it shows the importance of spending time with friends (hopefully not spent skipping school), the value of freedom and learning to enjoy the spontaneity of life.

3. “The Perks of Being a Wallflower”

A high school freshman falls in with two seniors who help him navigate his way through a new school. While this film may be about high school, it shows the trials and tribulations of transitioning in a new environment, something all of us have been through and will go through after graduation. It’s also anchored great performances by three of the best young actors in the film industry: Logan Lerman, Ezra Miller and Emma Watson.

2. “Dead Poets Society”

This film follows an all­-boys prep school class through a few months of learning, recreation, personal exploration and high drama. Not only does the film perfectly depict the school experience, but it also has great characters, with the standout being Robin Williams’ performance of a free­-spirited teacher, Mr. Keating. This is a great movie that should be required viewing for all students.

1. “Good Will Hunting”

Robin Williams strikes again! The film tells the story of a troubled young man from south Boston, with a gift for advanced mathematics and his relationship with his therapist. Not only did this film put Matt Damon and Ben Affleck on the map, but it is truly one of the best movies of all time. The brilliance of the film lies in how universal Will’s experiences are. Whether you had a tough upbringing, struggled in schools or had personal demons that are intangible to everyone else, you root for him all the way through. It also takes you down some roads you don’t expect, just like school and life.