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BRIGHTSIDE — Did you know that Dec. 21 is "Look on the Bright Side Day"? Practice the whole month, with the help of three movies that will help you look on the bright side.
"Life Is Beautiful"
When you are having a rough day, do you feel like you are incapable of putting on a happy face and trying to make the most of the situation? If so, you might want to check out “Life Is Beautiful.”
In the film, Guido Orefice is a Jewish man who, along with his wife and son, is placed in a Nazi internment camp. Desperate to protect his young son from the brutal hatred and violence exhibited by the Nazis, Orefice turns the experience into a game where, if they act their part well, they will receive a tank at the end. “Life Is Beautiful” is the ultimate movie about finding the bright side in any situation.
OK.com viewers say that “Life Is Beautiful” is appropriate for viewers aged 13 and older and give the film a 100 percent “Worth Your Time” rating.
"O Brother, Where Art Thou?"
It’s been said that laughter is the best medicine and can lighten even the heaviest of burdens. If that’s true, then “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” just might be the right remedy for you.
Set during the Great Depression in Mississippi, the film follows the journey of three escaped convicts as they seek a treasure beyond their wildest dreams. While on this journey, they happen to meet an African-American guitar player who sold his soul to the devil, a one-eyed con artist, a renowned bank robber and seductive women. They also manage to run afoul of the KKK and the devil himself on their quest. Throughout all of these crazy experiences is infused a high level of hilarity. Throw on “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” if you need a laugh to brighten your day.
OK.com viewers say that “O Brother, Where art Thou?” is appropriate for viewers aged 14 and older and give the film a 100 percent “Worth Your Time” rating.
"Stranger Than Fiction"
While you may have had your fair share of bad days, it is unlikely that you will hear a narrator say in your head, “Little did he know that this simple, seemingly innocuous act would result in his imminent death.” Such is the case for Harold Crick in “Stranger Than Fiction.”
In the film, Crick is an IRS agent who suddenly has the disturbing experience of hearing his every move narrated in his head by a woman he has never met. Convinced that the voice is real and not a symptom of schizophrenia, Crick sets out to find the woman whose voice he hears. With his death about to happen seemingly at any time, Crick decides to make the most out of life and experiences love and connection with other human beings in a way he had never done before. Check out “Stranger Than Fiction” and try to follow Crick’s lead in making every day count.
OK.com viewers say that “Stranger Than Fiction” is appropriate for viewers aged 13 and older and give the film an 89 percent “Worth Your Time” rating.
What movies help you look on the bright side of life?
Dylan Cannon is a regular KSL.com contributor and can be reached at DylanCannon86@gmail.com or via twitter @DylanCannon11. Listen to his weekly podcast, "Cougar Talk," on iTunes.
