5 Movies every 8 year old must watch!

Watching movies is a part of our day to day life. Be it metropolitans, small towns or villages, this is one form of entertainment that is available liberally and easily. With children however, the role of goes moves beyond entertainment to influence and learning. Their minds are like soft clay, their thoughts take the shape of what they see and hear, what they feel and experience. As parents we can pick and choose good movies and use them as a means to create a positive impact on our children. Watching a classic is an effective method of conveying thoughts of empowerment, ideas of inspiration and stories of success. Here are 5 such movies that every 8 year old must watch at least once:

Jungle Book

The movie is a refreshing attempt to bring to life the tale of Mowgli, a human child who is born and bought up by a family of wolves in the dense Jungle and how he overpowers SherKhan, a wicked tiger who killed Mowgli’s parents and now was after his life. The twists and turns of the story have been beautifully portrayed in the movie making the entire experience quite thrilling and amazing.

Apart from the fun part there are several things the movie taught its audiences:

• You meet numerous different people during your lifetime, each with a different mindset and appearance. You can peacefully co exist so learn to live and let live.
• Never run away from problems, face them with determination and grit. Enough to fight against all odds!
• Stay alert and keep learning – the value set with which Mowgli grew up. You are your best competitor.

 ‘Jungle jungle baat chali hain pata chala hain, chaddi pehen ke phool khila hain phool khila hain’

I am Kalam

This is a simple story of a small boy working at a tea stall in a remote village in Rajasthan, aspiring to become like our very own Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam. His innocence is his strength and he cares little about money and belongings.

The immediate learning is:

• Never feel intimidated about what you don’t have, work by your strengths.
• Your presence of mind will allow you to tap every singly opportunity to grow that comes your way.
• Whatever is your work profile, do it merrily and gracefully, infusing fun in every bit.

Justice to Dr. Kalam’s words - ‘Let not the winged days go in vain, once gone they will never be back again.’

Iqbal

In this movie Shreyas Talpade suffers from hearing and speaking disabilities but dreams of becoming a world class cricketer. He consistently spends time on his early morning workouts and parallely balances his chores. His father’s belittling statements did not deter him from following his pursuit. Once they see him succeed – the family appreciates. It’s a serious plot but fun to watch.

The movie taught us:

• Never underestimate people with disabilities they are special and blessed with other qualities and senses.
• If you happen to be one, trust God and work with your core strengths. It is important that parents make them realise their uniqueness.
• There is no substitute for sincerity and hard work.

‘Aashaiyen Khile Dil Ki, Umeeden Hansen Dil Ki, Ab Mushkil Nahin Kuch Bhi, Nahin Kuch Bhi’….. Dream big and make them come true.

Kung Fu Panda

It’s the story of Po, who aspires to become a Kung Fu warrior and is also unwittingly named for becoming one to bring peace in turmoil and happiness in distress. There is a mockery that surrounds him till he proves himself about his structure and fat. He overcomes and sails through.

The movie taught us:

• Never decide what the person is by his physique, color and hair.
• Have complete faith in self and take comments lightly in a fun way.
• Have the courage to accept your weaknesses and improvise on them with sincerity and focus.

As the message goes, “There is no special ingredient for success, the one who does or makes should believe he/she is doing something special.”

Finding Nemo

Quite a beautiful animation flick, here a small fish that has a less developed right fin is separated from his father. The entire movie revolves around the father searching for Nemo and at the same time Nemo is devising escape plans as he gets captured by some scuba divers.

The important learning is:

• Fear disorients so when in an unpleasant situation act with courage and intelligence.
• When parents warn you for a certain act that may turn dangerous, listen to them and follow.
• In your quest to explore and see do not forget that the fear of the unknown exists. Everything happens at the right age and the right time. Put it across to your parents and leave it to them.

Have you ever met a shark? How old are sea turtles? Nemo asks his father, so when children want to know, spare the time and make them understand.

We also have movies like Chain Khuli Ki Main Khuli, Chillar Party, Dhanak, Taare Zameen Par and the Home Alone series that are enchanting and at the same time powerful media creations. It would be best if parents watch these movies with their children because in all these titles there are underlying messages and tips for parents also. If you think I have missed any movie that needs a mention here please add on to this list by leaving a comment and let us make this blog more meaningful.