If you are somewhat like me, everything you do is conceived by intention & purpose. People like us don't give destiny, fate or any other foreign entities a chance to dictate our future, but rather ourselves be the architects of such.
Such so, that even when we are kicking back. Taking a break from conquering nations & expanding our influence. We would like our leisure time to be spent in somewhat of a productive way. In a way that slightly, but consistently propels us to our medals.
That's where the idea of this article came from.
You see throughout the centuries, art in it of itself has always been the people's primary go to for such. It has always had a role in terraforming humanity's landscape, relaxed our thoughts, spark our imaginations, filled our minds with wonder, served as inspiration & direction. Meant to be itself a staple of the eras & a legacy work. Something future generations can look back upon, as a reference point to their greatness & history.
Whether it's literature, paintings, sculptures, photography, film, architecture, designs, overall man made ovations. It's all meant to express the soul of an era, to interpret the spirit of a generation.
In a way, art shapes us. It ultimately shows us where we have been, to guide us towards where we should go. It molds us like a sculpture bends stone to his hands, an artisan illustrates a godly view on canvas, how a photographer captures time or a writer creates a whole universe on a sheet a paper.
Out of all these incredible art forms, there has been one that has evolved the most rapidly & the one capitalism has had the most influence on. The one the common man has a say over.
This one is theater, film, movies, TV series. The art of narrating a story through visual means. This art form has molded society in the most subtle of ways, at the same time being a part of the greatest modern cultural shifts, & ultimately been responsible for the biggest influence in revenue for the most powerful modern conglomerates, corporations, brands & overall entities that have decided to pursue such branch. It's one of the most effective ways to commute with the audience & influence the public.
The following films & series are my top 15. The ones that have had the most impactful perspective shifts on me, the ones that have molded me personally & the ones I owe the most lessons to. They are not necessarily my favorites, but rather the ones I have pulled the most value from.
If it where to be a list of my favorites however, Jersey Shore would be at the top of the list for sure. Pauly D & Snooki are the definition of icons & Mike is an example of what a renaissance man should be, Jacked & tanned. Plus you will learn more about psychology, conflict resolution, interpersonal dynamics & ethics from watching it, than you will on Psych 101. Remember GTL for life. I won't explain.
Now that my inner chad had a chance to express himself, let me show you a glimpse into the films that have influenced my cognitive neurological pathways. High IQ Chad*
1. T R O Y (2004)
The first one on my list is the movie Troy, a film based on The Iliad. The Greek philosopher Homer's greatest masterpiece. The Poem so as the film, depicts the battle at the walls of Troy. A tale that has transcended lifetimes for featuring such prominent characters as Achilles; the greatest & most skilled warrior of ancient Greece. Hector, Prince of Troy, also known as the Tamer of horses & the Champion of Troy. Odysseus; the Greek hero of agile mind & sharp tongue. There also be Helen of Troy; the most beautiful woman in ancient Greece, lover of Paris & the one whose face brought upon the fall of an empire. Among many others, there's also Paris; Prince of Troy, lover of Helen, & most famously known as the one who struck the arrow that pierced the heel of the mighty Achilles.
The movie follows many story arches, it being a romance/ adventure/ war movie. It depicts the journey of Achilles as a seemingly invincible & ungodly skilled warrior. On a quest towards his perception of immortality, to have his name forever carved in the annals of time.
You can also see some parallels between his character & figures like Michael Jordan or Mike Tyson. In the sense that at some point you are so elite at an endeavor, that it's hard to relate to the world. At least in the same manner must people do. An ancient example of what David Goggins calls "uncommon amongst the uncommon". As an aloofness & a sense of absolute certainty starts the fill each crevice of your mind, aloofness towards trivial matters & absolute certainty towards your actions, more so your destiny.
I personally like his character, because it ultimately serves as an ideal. Something to strive for. The word that could best describes Achilles is simply, absolute.
The other ideal I see projected in the film is that of the character of Hector, an honor bound prince. A man bound to his own ideals of family & country. Ultimately you could say he portrays the ideal of what a good man should & could be. Paralleled also to the character Ned Stark from the popular cultural masterpiece/ TV series, Game of Thrones. What you can learn from him? Sticking to your core values. Ultimately giving you an Ethics 101.
Among many other lessons, you will found such themes as King Priam's blinding faith to tradition, success & what was ultimately his downfall, his inability to adapt.
From Odysseus, the savvy Greek hero. Not only the one who served the Greeks their victory, but his cunning & calculated approach to the war. The methodology you can learn from him is the following. If you can't go through the front door, use the window, if the window isn't an option use the chimney. Besides options A & B, there's also option C.
As also the theme of not rushing into unexperienced waters is found in the characters of Paris & Patroclus. Brashness is ultimately their weakness.
This film is ultimately a showcase of the primal raw human emotions of courage, love, desire & power.
2. Beowulf (2007)
In this animated film, the story depicted is the classic mythological Scandinavian tale of the hero, Beowulf. It follows the adventures of the courageous hero on his relentless pursuit of glory & his embellished journeys. Now something that could be paralleled between Beowulf & Achilles was the mighty pursuit, the pursuit of glory.
A fun theme shown in the film, where the embellished, distorted details of his adventures. Regardless, something that can not be in dispute where his action. Ultimately his unrivaled courage, confidence & skill where the foundation of those tales.
Whether he killed 9 or 20 sea monsters, ripped Grendel's arm by hand or with a door, whether he killed or made love to Grendel's mother.
His actions stated what kind of person he was, & this is something you can also take from the film. No matter the details of your travels, your actions will ultimately tell me "who" & "what" you are. So act courageously every step of the way.
When you step in front of the dragon with his scorched breath warming your chest, his fiery eyes looking into your soul & unpierced skin deflecting your blows. Continue to go forth & reap the prize of your glory.
Now there's a scene in particular when salty soyboy Unferth is calling out Beowulf, nevertheless. Beowulf's BDE proves too much for his bullshit. In this scene the principles shown are the same as the ones in: (The truth behind opinions)
3. 300 (2007)
In this 2007 classic, Zack Snyder presents to us the fabled epic testosterone packed tale of the battle of Thermopylae. The battle in which a few men stood against the might & the wrath of the mighty Persian empire, men who would die for the man besides them.
Lead by King Leonidas, the forefront of one of the most skilled & dominant civilizations known to man. A city-state comprised of soldiers that transcended history & set the standard for what an ideal warrior should be. The Spartans are the prime example of courage, unrivaled skill, determination, loyalty & peak physical prowess.
Which is also the emotions & themes transmitted through the film, instead of taking a shot of TRT. Simply go & watch this movie. I will see you 6 months later full six pack, eating raw meat & drinking your morning coffee through a skull.
However. If you ever wondered how The Spartans transcended centuries & set the standard for the ideal warrior. Check out: (The truth behind discipline; Hardening your mind, soul & body)
4. Peaky Blinders (TV series 2013 - )
"By order of the Peaky Fucking Blinders" arguably one of the most iconic lines in film history, coming from arguably one of, if not the greatest TV series ever.
Up until know. The series is comprised of 5 seasons, about 10 episodes each, each one having around a 1hr duration.
It follows a family run gang "The Peaky Blinders" in old Birmingham, a sector in London. During the verge of the industrial revolution, right after World War 1. As it goes from one of the many local street gangs, to the most feared & influential group in London.
Lead by the Shelby family & whose leader the brilliant Thomas Shelby oversees the trajectory of the family, the gang & London. With an ambitious, methodical & precise methodology.
Thomas Shelby similar to Odysseus, doesn't believe in options A or B. Rather they prefer to add their own. A series that shows the value of preparation, preciseness, the will to succeed, among many others. A view into how you can absorb some of his traits into your own persona & life are found here in (The way of the boss)
A crime/mafia thriller, that will show you the chest moves needed in your business endeavors. The value of family & loyalty. The element of great style is also present throughout the series , since the swagger from old fashioned London gangsters is still unmatched.
Plus like I said it's a great series to indulge your psyche in.
5. The Great Gatsby (1974) & (2013)
Both of these films are adaptations of the American literature classic, The Great Gatsby. Written in 1925 by Scott Fitzgerald. It takes place during the controversial period of "The Roaring 20's". At the mist of the prohibition, a law attempting to make Alcohol illegal & right after the Spanish flu pandemic (you can imagine how that went.) Picture if Project X was a period, but with suits & instead of dubstep, high paced Jazz.
The story follows Nick Carraway a young up & coming social climber as he meets the fabled & dashing Mr. Gatsby. A man who seem capable of taming stars & bringing down the moon to the one he loved. On a film that brings themes such as social commentaries, social & gender inequality, the price of greed, the power of ambition & the peerless desire of men.
What lies beneath the magic of an era & in the scars of society.
Never the less, both Nick & Gatsby represent the American dream on different sides stages non the less. On this Romance/ Drama films it's easy to lose yourself on the spectacle & beauty of life, yet it will ground you into the perspective of those who gave up on it.
6. The Ocean's Trilogy (2001, 2004 & 2007)
A remake of the original, Ocean's eleven. Starring Frank Sinatra & Dean Martin.
In this remake however the main roles belong to the brilliant George Clooney & Brad Pitt. Clooney reprising the role of the original Danny Ocean, a savvy & charming high stakes thief. As he gathers a group of highly talented individuals in their own right, along side of "Rusty". The second in command, played by Pitt. Similar to Danny, Rusty is a savvy, charismatic, aloof, street smart thief. Both having one of the best on screen chemistries in film history & possibly being 2 of the 5 top coolest characters ever.
In this high paced comedy, action, heist films. Similar to Peaky Blinders, you will also learn the value of preparedness, planning, & the value of flawless execution. Dealing in high stakes situations. Also Danny & Rusty will give you a 101 on Swagger, Style & Charm. Plus like I said it's a comedy, so the element of a sense of humor is present.
Since the element of great style is also incredibly prominent in the film, I would suggest observing how the style of the main characters develop. But if you want to develop this great trait, to reach Brad Pitt & George Clooney swagger. Check out;
7. The theory of everything (2014)
A cinematographic masterpiece that illuminated me in the fundamental differences between a movie & a film. This beautiful biopic follows the life of the astrophysicist Dr. Stephen Hawkins. Widely regarded by the scientific community as one of the greatest minds in modern times.
As the film goes along it follows Hawkins on his accent as a seeming exceptionally brilliant prodigy, to transgressing into one of the most prominent figures in the history of Science. Particularly Physics.
Paralleled to his assentation into becoming an extraordinary breakthrough pioneer, follows the take on his personal descent health wise. As the brilliant Hawkins battles a progressive degenerative disease that affects his motor skills known as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis or (ASL) for short.
You see, I loved this film because it shows the real hero's journey. You may fight an opponent, you may kill giants. But if there is something that cannot be defeated is life. We may be able to manage it, guide it, channel it how the water follows a creek. But we cannot control it. Yet, this uncommonly exceptional individual not only battled throughout the film a seemingly deadly disease. He also thrived through it. With an incredible sense of humor non the less.
An incredible example of surviving versus Thriving.
In a situation most of not all would have folded by it's pressure. It will also show you the mentality you should have when dealing with adversity.
This film will show you the meaning of sacrifice, friendship, strength, character, breakthroughs & wonder.
Since Hawking sees the world through the eyes of the Magician & Lover's Archetype. Follow his journey as he makes sense of the world & feels your eyes with stars. For more info into the Archetypes of a well rounded individual see also (The Road to both mental & spiritual maturity)
8. CREED (2015)
Good news, if you are an avid fan of the Rocky franchise. This spin off starring Michael B. Jordan & Sylvester Stallone. Makes it justice & then some.
The movie follows the illegitimate son of ex heavyweight champion, the Magnificent Apollo Creed. The rival, then coach, then friend of Rocky Balboa.
In this modern twist to the franchise, we follow Adonis with a burning desire for boxing, making his way to Championship gold & a ship on his shoulder carving out his own name. With of course the mentorship, friendship & training of the OG himself Rocky.
This film is a pop cultural gem, filled with the soul of modern boxing & the traces of 21century hip hop culture while simultaneously paying respect to it's tradition. A great combination as it paves the way for the audience to feel at home in the film & the boxing is incredibly crisp. Having notable appearances from pro boxers such as Gab Rosado, Tony Bellew & Andre Ward. Now if the film rubbed off on you, the next day you hopefully woke up first thing in the morning & ran 10 miles.
9. King Arthur: The Legend of the Sword (2017)
Out of the many depictions of the transcendent tale of King Arthur, this has to be one of, if not my favorite. Guy Ritchie portrays the action/ fantasy film in a gritty, high paced format. As we follow Arthur, the legitimate King of England retake his throne.
The movie as itself depicts the classic hero's journey, but more so it interprets the journey back to self. Not running from who you are, nor steering away from who you are meant to be. But embracing it fully.
The hidden meaning inside the film, is to not deviate. But rather to go through & embrace.
As it is, the film is an interpretation of character, will, responsibility & loyalty. Follow as Arthur literally goes from being a Kung Fu street smart pimp, to becoming the mythological king.
As previously mentioned the film depicts the theme of responsibility, not running away from "who" & "what" you are. But embracing your path fully. As Arthur shows the value of not only responsibility, but also unrelenting & peerless loyalty towards his fellow men. For more info into this trait check out: (Responsibility = Power)
10. Medici: Masters of Florence (2016-2019)
If ever there was a family dynasty that influenced the course of history & left their mark in the history books, it would the Kardashians.
But next to them, it would be the Medici. The family behind the greatest period of philosophy, architecture, paintings, art & man made ovations. The breakthrough period known for centuries to come as, the Renaissance. When the greatest, most prolific minds & artist of the era came together into one enclave to form a dent in history, known for it's uncommon beauty & illustration.
At the center of it all was Florence, the sapphire of Europe.
Never the less, the true power behind Florence was found in the Medici. This Netflix series aims to capture the families rise to prominence & depict the political power/ influence the family had. The family was known for their incredible wealth due to their bank, political power, & as previously mentioned funding the artists that would come about this prolific period.
The series is comprised of 3 seasons. The first season follows Cosme de' Medici. The bright & methodical man who brought the Medici to prominence & at the height of their political power, after his father Giovanni de' Medici founded of the bank, then subsequently the family
As for the second season & third season. It follows Lorenzo di Piero de' Medici. Known also as Lorenzo The Magnificent, the most prominent figure of the family & the father of the Renaissance. Lorenzo is the grandson of Cosme & at a young age was groomed to ultimately become the head of the family at his time.
The series is filled with political machiavellism, love, sacrifice, watch as the family battles the different factions intended in bringing them down including the recurrence of the envious family, The Pazzi. How they at some point opposed the most powerful entity of the millennia, found in the papacy. Yet, through it all remain a family.
Cosme & Lorenzo represent the fundamentals of what a good leader, business man & family man should be. Especially Cosme. As the needs of the greater good, supersedes their own. They don't seek power for the sake of power. Yet, are methodical, savvy & machiavellic in their approach. They understand the political landscape & it's people. More so they understand the power of allies, coin & influence. Similar to the approach to Thomas Shelby & his Peaky Blinders.
Under their rule Florence flourished, & the renaissance blossomed. Blooming such minds as Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Botticelli, Rafael, Niccolo Machiavelli, among many others.
Remember in the intro when I told you that art is a legacy work? There is no finer example to this, than the names that stand above. Even to this day, The Medici & the artists involved in the Renaissance have their souls merged to Florence, to Europe, to the man made ovations left behind for centuries to come. Know that when you gaze upon them, you are paying sentiment to their lives & memory.
11. Sherlock Holmes (2009) & Sherlock Holmes: Game of Shadows (2011)
Is it somewhat weird how Robert Downey Jr., has a natural knack to portray high class arrogant & charming geniuses? I mean seriously, at this point you could just say he is just being Robert Downey Jr. at every interpretation. Same as Liam Neeson playing Zeus, Aslan & Brian Mills. You can feel the omnipotence through the screen.
Nevertheless when it comes to high achievers, The classic character of Sherlock Holmes, has to be in your top 5 by default. The infamous & legendary detective. As well as scholar, chemist, virtuoso violinist, expert marksman & swordsman, single stick fighter, pugilist/ boxer, & brilliant deductive thinker. Is the definition of such.
In one of his most resent interpretations & frankly the best in my opinion. He is portrayed by Robert Downey Jr., with the second role in the hands of Jude Law. Playing the best friend & partner of Holmes. The Physician, writer, consulting detective, Royal army surgeon & war veteran, Dr. Watson. Remember a while back when I told you that Danny Ocean & Rusty had one of the best on screen chemistries ever? These 2 tops crumbles them.
One of the bullet points that make this movie stand out from all the other interpretations, is simply. By truly show casing each side of Sherlock Holmes. Not just the intellectual persona, but the fully diverse & integrated personality of Sherlock. You can see how another example of the Goggin's terminology "Uncommon amongst the uncommon" is shown in the film.
The movie shows the grittiness of London in a high paced way, characteristic of a Guy Ritchie film. Same as the deductive reasoning & unorthodox methods of the detective. It shows how diversity conducted into a singular point of focus can increase the ROI of an endeavor. The arrogant remarks of Sherlock are simply hilarious & brilliant, not to expect less from RDJ. While on the other hand Dr. Watson's character serves as a grounding agent for Holmes. A way for him to better relate to the common man. Remember a while back when I told you the example of Achilles, Tyson & Jordan? An exemplary example of this is Sherlock. It's also the price few are willing to pay, the price of excellence is shown in this case as Sherlock is so elite at an endeavor he gives little to no shits, at what Susan from accounting is doing.
This is the price you need to pay for mastery, to remove yourself from the mundane & the stupid. To carve your own sliver in the path of excellence, a path most people don't know nor care about. Making it that much harder to relate to the common man. Never the less, it's a price that most if not all that embark on this journey are more than gladly willing to pay.
Yet again, both of this films are just fun & incredible examples of badassery. Both Holmes & Watson are examples of intellectual badasses, better yet. High IQ Chads.
12. Alexander (2004)
Following the example of Sherlock Holmes as a High Achiever is gonna be a challenge. Never the less luckily for me the next film follows the life of non other than one of the most important figures in human history. Not a god, nor folklore, not a myth, nor tale. But a story of a man. Same as you & me. Yet, this man was the living incarnation of ambition & greatness. The man's name was Alexander of Macedonia or most commonly know as, Alexander The Great.
Colin Farrell gives life to the man, that expanded his empire to the brinks of imagination. Who at the height of his life conquered the known world & brought glory to human history. From Greece to Asia, from Babylon to India. He marched, fucking & conquering everything on his path. The man who Genghis Khan dreamt about. (At this point you can tell I really enjoy doing this shit.)
Which also happens to be the lessons you can get from the film. The unrelenting ambition & desire of Alexander. His ungodly gift of touching the heart of his army. His peerless confidence & supreme BDE.
The way the stars & glimmer in his eyes could captivate the men who where willing to give their lives for his vision. Is something every CEO & Visionary needs.
A great parallel contrasted can be seen between him & Cosme De' Medici. In a sense that they inherited the clay in which they molded into a dynasty. You see, Alexander's Father. King Philip ll, was ultimately the founder & creator of the Greek empire, unifying the divided city-states & terraforming Macedonia. So that the Greeks could stand beneath their banner. Same as Giovani De' Medici, the founder of the Medici bank. They made something out of nothing. Meanwhile their sons just turned the good into great. A great analogy I like to use for Influence, you see a principle of this brand is turning the good into great. The very basic foundation to what self development is.
Now you cannot forget to pay homage & respect to the ones that came before you, the ones who paved the road to where you know stand.
As Einstein said:
" We stand on the shoulders of Giants."
13. Kingdom of Heaven (2005)
When the world "Exemplary" is brought up. What is your first thought? A prominent figure, an athlete, a family member, a friend, a cute high IQ Chad perhaps. For me at least, the first image that comes to mind, is that of Bailian de Ibelin, the perfect Knight. This film shows his journey into becoming such, paralleled & subsequently it also depicts the crusades. More specifically the period in which the Muslims, took the holy city of Jerusalem from the Christians.
In this incredible film we watch as another ideal in my eyes is formed, such being in the form of Bailian & the King Balduin lV of Jerusalem. Bailian resembling Hector is an honor bound man, trying to adhere to what is required of an ideal knight.
While King Balduin in my perspective is the most interesting character in the film. You see Balduin at 16 years old, at the beginning of his reign won an incredible victory. Yet, being an incredibly powerful & wise king did not save him from leprosy, this incredibly exemplary individual would not reach 30 & he knew that. With his impending mortality hanging in the forefront of his mind. It only exacerbated & amplified who he was. The great Monarch.
He also delivers one of the most important life lessons, that I have had the pleasure of learning.
"When you stand before God, you cannot say "But I was told by others to do thus." or that virtue was not convenient at the time This will not suffice"
Meaning you are withhold to your actions, as they are your own.
This film will no doubt inspire future generations of leaders & visionaries, who seek to course humanities history.
14. The Count of Monte Cristo (2002)
Out of all the classic works Alexander Dumas has produced, non come close to truly depicting human nature as well as The Count of Monte Cristo. As the literary tale flawlessly depicts such raw human conditions as Jealousy, Betrayal & Revenge.
See as Jim Caviezel portrays the humbling stages of Edmund Dantes as brilliantly, as he portrays Edmund transcending into The legendary Count. via peril, surviving betrayal & thriving in his revenge.
Everyone knows the epic tale, but the lessons I want you to look out for through out the film are the following;
- There's no excuse for ignorance more so the price of being naivety.
- Failure to understand human nature, is a fault.
Both of which where Edmund's last mistakes. Ultimately leading him into the Count's path.
- The value of knowledge & mentorship.
- There's nothing below rock bottom.
These two lessons, where profoundly imparted unto him in Chateu d'if. The prison which was the cradle of his rebirth & where he met the OG Dumbuldore Priest.
As he befriends a group of pirates & takes in his most valuable ally, Jacopo. Might I also add is played by Luis Guzman, a Puerto Rican. WEPA!
Now the rest of the film is Monte Cristo enacting methodically & brilliantly might I add, his revenge on Mondego, Villefort, Maurice & Mercedes.
The films also shows that emotion is great motivator, the world class charm & charisma of Monte Cristo. It also shows that revenge, anger, emotions are fire. That it can fuel, but can also burn. As The count's desire for revenge burned so bright to the point, that he would thrust his sword into the chest of his unknown son. Played By Henry Cavill. Meaning anger & revenge would have robbed us of an awesome Superman, Sherlock, & a masterful Witcher series(Fuck Jim Caviezel).
Now we all know that Mondego was an sneaky, envious little prick. But, remember that was way back at the mist of the French revolution, no internet, no laptops, no cute High IQ chads to instruct him in the path of enlightment, nor stable self esteem or confidence. If a person like Mondego where to exist in the 21st century. I would highly recommend him/her/them (Progressiveness) to read (Influencing your insecurities away) so that my words may cleanse you of your bitchness.
Never the less, the movie is a great show of human emotions, adventure & ultimately a fun time I highly recommend.
15. The Hundred Foot Journey (2014)
The Hundred foot journey.
If there ever was a film that embodied passion & the pursuit of mastery, more so excellence towards a craft. It would be this one. The wholesome movie follows the journey of an Indian Family finding their place in a foreign place. This place being France as they soon open a piece their home in an interesting location.
With beautiful cinematography, well written character. You'll come to admire the standards of Madam Mallory. Entrance yourself as Hassan looks at his craft with the eyes of an artist & overall the family dynamic in the film will welcome you as one of their own.
A side note that I will like to point out however, in a particular sequence of the film. Hassan learns an important lesson in life, a lesson about the true meaning of happiness.
You have now seen the films that influenced my perspective, it's time to view the world through your eyes & extract your own lessons. Make Father Chad proud.
Big Love
-A
