A recent online discussion concerned films that will help you get over a fear of death. It proved interesting. So here are several movies they suggested will do just that. Have you seen them?
1. The Seventh Seal (1957)
The Seventh Seal is the best film to understand the human response to death. As Antonius (Max Von Sydow) and Squire (Gunnar Bjornstrand) are on their journey towards the Block’s castle, they encounter death in many forms. Their confrontation depicts multiple philosophies of death.
2. What Dreams May Come (1998)
If you want to experience the realistic imagery of Heaven and Hell, this film is a must-watch. The overall premise of the film is a love story. Annie (Annabella Sciorra) is depressed as she lost her family and boyfriend (Chris, played by Robin Williams). Chris is in Heaven, and Annies commits suicide and enters Hell. Chris rescues Annie and suggests reincarnation.
3. P.S. I Love You (2007)
This film is a portrayal of love that we all want. The type of love that can cheat death as well. Holly (Hilary Swank) lost her husband, Gerry (Gerard Butler), to an illness. Holly finds the series of letters that her husband left for her. He writes them to help Holly move on and start a new life.
4. Big Fish (2003)
The premise of this film is the strained relationship of a father and son (Edward Bloom, played by Albert Finny and Evan McGregor). In every frame, this film portrays the healing power of escapism. Will is grieving his father and playing the same dream in his mind that his father told him. Tim Burton (Director) presents every frame and the concept of mortality as a visual delight.
5. The Fountain (2006)
The Fountain discusses themes like mortality, obsession, and grief. The protagonist, Tommy (Hugh Jackman), fears death but is adamant about saving his wife. This film aptly represents the grief. It gives an understanding that the only way to live in peace is to accept the reality and move on.
6. Defending Your Life (1991)
This film is a satire on the afterlife. The visuals of Judgment City and the bickering of the lawyers about your major life decisions are the soul of this film. This film makes us understand that fear blocks your mind. Daniel (Albert Brooks) falls in love with the recently deceased woman, Julia (Meryl Streep). She is the superior character in the afterlife as she aptly conquers her fears in this life.
7. Wings of Desire (1987)
It’s a love story of an Angel (Daniel, played by Bruno Ganz) and a human (Marion, played by Solveig Dommartin). This film offers hope through the angels as they witness human beings. Wings of Desire ensues the sense of meditation and calmness in the viewer. Angel listens to a variety of people, which depicts the struggles of mortal mankind.
8. Ghost (1990)
Ghost is a perfect blend of horror and Comedy. Sam (Patrick Swayze) gets killed by a contractual murderer. He becomes a ghost. Through his death, we witness the realm of the afterlife. His girlfriend, Molly (Demi Moore), is in danger, and she tries to communicate with her.
9. Stranger Than Fiction (2006)
Harold (Will Ferrell) is an IRS auditor. He starts to hear a voice in his head. The author, Karen (Emma Watson), has written Harold as her protagonist. Harold hears the narration of his character in his head. This film is about his journey of finding the author and convinces her to change the story. Stranger than Fiction appropriately portrays the inevitability of death.
10. Harold and Maude (1971)
This film is a comprehensive guide to how to embrace life. Harold (Bud Cort) fakes suicide to avoid change and people. Maude (Ruth Gordon) schools Harold. Harold likes faking death as it gives him attention. We see an unconventional storyline in both the characters. They believe they can control their lives. Maude chooses death as she decides she has lived to her fullest.
11. Fearless (1993)
This film is the story of survivors of the airplane crash. Max (Jeff Bridges) and Carla (Rosie Perez) are helping each other to overcome their traumas. In the process, Max realized that he was suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. A person has to embrace the pain to live in the reality. We have been put in the shoes of the main characters to understand what life-changing situations can do.
12. Waking Life (2001)
Walking Life represents the phenomenon that when we sleep, it’s half death. It’s a blend of philosophy and playfulness. It’s a speculation that dreams are the experience we have outside our physical bodies. This film is about the journey of a man (Wiley Wiggins) in his dream.
13. It’s Such a Beautiful Day (2012)
The only way you can appreciate life is because of death. Bill (Don Hertzfeldt) is diagnosed with a tumor. He fears death so much that he is unable to live. This film is a commentary on how immortality does not guarantee happiness. We can appreciate life by living it to its fullest. Bill forgives his father and spends the rest of his time with him.
14. Enter the Void (2009)
You can think of any theme, and it is present in Enter the Void. This film discusses death, the afterlife, tragedy, family, and existence. We experience the world through Oscar’s (Nathaniel Brown) eyes. He is a drug dealer and gets killed. He then goes on the journey to his past life. He witnesses his own life and sees his parents.
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