Category: Movies

Lawyers may be among the world’s most-hated professionals, but they sure make for good television. 

Whether you watch for the suspenseful courtroom scenes or tune in for a glimpse into the dramatic lives of high-powered lawyers, you’ve got your pick of programs to choose from. 

But while TV law shows may be entertaining, they’re not necessarily accurate. In fact, some people might argue that the less realistic a show is, the more fun it is to watch. 

Which begs the question: Which TV law shows reflect the truth, and which might be found guilty of misrepresentation in a court of law?

Read on for a roundup of 5 of our favorite TV shows ranked from most to least realistic.

1. Better Call Saul

If you’re not familiar with the legal profession, you may be surprised to find this Breaking Bad spinoff at the top of the list. However, insiders insist that its depiction of the legal industry is on the money thanks to storylines that are mostly accurate and believable.

Law firm partner Jordan Rothman says of Better Call Saul, “It’s hard to relate all of the instances in which the show accurately depicts the practice of law. ”

2. Law & Order

It’s not surprising that this iconic television drama has a place toward the top of this list. The original Law & Order, aired for a decade, followed by several spinoffs with varying degrees of longevity and popularity.  

Set in New York City, Law & Order portrays the law from two different perspectives: the NYPD’s investigation of a crime, and the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office’s prosecution of the case. 

In addition to its unique viewpoint, Law & Order is also well-known for something else: it’s “ripped from the headlines” plot lines inspired by real-world cases. 

3. The Practice

While its predecessor, Ally McBeal, may have been known for its unbelievable antics (dancing baby hallucinations, anyone?), The Practice is one of the more realistic television portrayals of law life. 

Following the interactions and experiences of lawyers at a Boston law firm primarily handling criminal defense cases, The Practice doesn’t just address cases from a legal standpoint that pays meticulous attention to procedure and conduct, but also from an ethical one as the lawyers often end up wrangling with their own consciences. 

Furthermore, while many legal dramas take place at large prestigious firms, The Practice presents a realistic view of a smaller, struggling firm.

4. Suits

This USA Network show begins with the unlikely premise of a college dropout genius scamming his way to a position at an elite NYC law firm. From there, it doesn’t get much more realistic.  

According to law firm Orsus Gate, Suits “presents numerous fictions about what lawyers do and how they work,” including that attorneys randomly drop into the offices of opposing counsel, the use of a few “magic words” that lead to dramatic results, and the fast-moving judicial process.

Additionally, while Suits frequently depicts attorneys pouring over case law in the firm library, the majority of legal research takes place online. 

While these falsehoods may be entertaining, they can also lead to warped perceptions and unreasonable expectations about legal procedures, according to Orsus Gate.  

5. Ally McBeal

And that brings us to the aforementioned Ally McBeal. 

While this show was a huge hit—and made Calista Flockhart a household name—when it debuted in the late 1990s, its success had nothing to do with its realistic portrayal of the law. From the super-short hemlines to week after week of outlandish cases, Ally McBeal was sensationalism at its best. 

Oddball characters like John Cage and his “wattle fetish,” fantasy sequences, insane plot lines in which lawyers go undercover, and romantic entanglements rivaling a game of musical chairs are just a few of the reasons Ally McBeal has the distinction of being the #1 least realistic law show on this list. 

We’re all used to sequels that merely try to financially capitalize on a hit original film – From Dusk Til Dawn 2 anyone? Typically, the best you can expect is a passable, but inferior, imitation of the original. But there are those exceptional cases where a sequel hits heights the original failed to.

Here are the top five arguably great sequels that are better than the first movie in the series.

5. The Godfather Part II

Francis Ford Coppola directed a trilogy of Godfather films. While the original is regarded as a classic in its own right, part II is the one which garners the most critical acclaim and attention.

The Godfather introduced the Corleone crime family, led by Don Vito Corleone in New York in the 1940s, while the sequel picks up the story in the 1950s as well as presenting a plotline from Italy in the early 1900s exploring the family’s roots. Not only is the follow up more gripping than the original – as Michael undergoes multiple assassination attempts as part of a riveting gang war – its exploration of Vito Corleone’s early life in Italy adds depth to the original movie. As film critic Roger Ebert notes, The Godfather Part II “enhances our understanding and appreciation of the legendary characters presented in the original film. It surpasses it, in part, because it manages to make its predecessor even better.”

How about that for a successful sequel? 

4. Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan

Star Trek: The Motion Picture, released in 1979, was Paramount’s way of trying to capitalize on the success of Star Wars. The film got mixed reviews. Fans were not excited about the movie’s changes from the beloved television series.

However, with the release in 1982 of Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan with Ricardo Montalbán brilliantly playing the character of the evil Khan, the audience loved the film. The film explores human frailties, along with intense action, a suspenseful plot, and a bit of comedy. The tone more closely matches what made the television series so popular. Kirk must defeat his nemesis Khan, even though we learn that our hero, Captain Kirk, is a flawed person with fathership issues.

3. Terminator 2: Judgment Day

Director James Cameron and producer Gale Anne Hurd created The Terminator franchise. The first film was released in 1984. The reception was decent, and the global box office was $78 million.

Due to disputes between the stars and the producer, it took seven years before Terminator 2: Judgment Day was released in 1991. The film is by far the best in the franchise. An evil artificial intelligence sends the Terminator robot back in time to kill the leader of the human resistance while he is still a child. The special effects are awesome. The second film did much better numbers, earning $515 million. 

2. The Dark Knight

Director Christopher Nolan made The Dark Knight trilogy of Batman films, which are Batman Begins (2005), The Dark Knight (2008), and The Dark Knight Rises (2012), with a much darker portrayal of Batman and Gotham City than was previously seen on the silver screen. The second installment already has the makings of an enduring classic, which built off the character development and world-building of the original to create a gripping movie with serious philosophical undertones – so much so that noted philosopher Slavoj Zizek has produced numerous commentaries on the film. 

Also notable is Heath Ledger’s classic portrayal of the Joker, which was much lauded – and perhaps made more poignant and arreseting by his death shortly after filming. The late actor won an Oscar for his performance, and is regarded as having significantly upstaged previous actors who took on the role, including legendary actor Jack Nicholson.

1. Top Gun: Maverick

The original Top Gun movie was released in 1986. It made $357 million worldwide. It took until 2022 for the sequel to be released. This new film exceeds expectations. It was the first film to pack movie theaters after they reopened from being closed for so long during the pandemic. It made $1.14+ billion globally. Once again, the story is the kind of high quality action-packed thriller that pleases everyone, even if some would regard it as a guilty pleasure.

There are films that touch the hearts of broad audiences in an almost universal fashion. The following may very well be the 5 most uplifting movies, bar none. Let’s see if you agree.

1: Forrest Gump

The 1994 romance drama starring Tom Hanks, Sally Fields, Robin Wright, Mykelti Williamson, and Gary Sinise was a box office smash that earned six Academy Awards. Hanks proves convincing in his role as a low-IQ young man who inspires people he meets during his journey.

Bullied for what some see as shortcomings during his youth, Forrest Gump becomes a college football All-American, Vietnam War hero, and millionaire while doing the right thing. Forrest Gump, the man and the movie, teaches us that love, kindness, and the patience he demonstrates as a loving father are more valuable than wealth or status. Life may be like a box of chocolates — as Forest famously says — but this film delivers heart-felt emotions with certainty.

2: Good Will Hunting

Matt Damon and Ben Affleck team up to create a touching 1997 film that doesn’t shy away from the emotional turmoil broken children carry into adulthood. Damon stars as Will Hunting, a brilliant young man shackled by the horrific abuse he suffered and must overcome.

Clinging to his lifelong South Boston friends and jailed after striking a cop, his genius is discovered by a Harvard mathematics professor. A deal is brokered that he’ll undergo counseling sessions with Dr. Sean Maguire (Robin Williams), also from Southie. Together the pair help heal each other’s wounds and garner the courage to take a chance on life and love. Or, as Damon and Williams say in the Academy Award-winning film, “I gotta go see about a girl.” To some degree, we all suffer trauma that holds us back. Good Will Hunting empowers us to try again.

3: Hidden Figures

The glass ceiling women face in wide-reaching industries was not see-through when three Black women mathematicians were needed for America to win the space race. It was a brick wall. That’s largely why the 2017 feature film is based on the non-fiction Margot Lee Shetterly book by the same name.

Starring Taraji P. Henson as Katherine Johnson, Octavia Spencer as Dorothy Vaughan, and Janelle Monáe as Mary Jackson, audiences get a glimpse of the discrimination experienced by African-Americans. Katherine Johnson has to answer for her long “breaks,” which require her to walk a half-mile to the nearest “colored” restroom. Racial and gender barriers are challenged in Hidden Figures. But what proves uplifting is the way three women earn the respect they deserve from the world’s most prestigious space exploration organization in the world — NASA.

4: Remember the Titans

Based on a true story, Denzel Washington stars as high school football coach Herman Boone who is trying to integrate a team in Alexandria, Virginia, in 1971. Although “whites only” schools and sports have been abolished, the practice festers across the region. A reluctant coach Boone is drawn into the controversial job because community members need racial obstacles to come down.

White and black players clash, referees try to punish the integrated team, and some in the community do not desire change. But leaders emerge among the high school athletes, and the Titans become a powerful force on the field because of their commitment to each other. Sports movies often drive an inspirational message. Remember the Titans offers hope that future generations can do better.

5: Sandlot

This 1993 coming-of-age movie places socially awkward fifth-grade Scott Smalls (Tom Guiry) in centerfield. As the new kid in town, his mom (Karen Allen) encourages him to take a break from academics and have some boyhood fun. “Run around, scrape your knees, get dirty. Climb trees, hop fences. Get into trouble, for crying out loud. Not too much, but some,” she exclaims.

Smalls joins a group of boys fully committed to the game of baseball as the adventures and antics mount. Sleep outs in a wooden fort, an encounter with a giant dog called “The Beast,” and the retrieval of a baseball signed by Babe Ruth keep you smiling. Sandlot doesn’t just make you reflect on fond memories. It makes parents want them for their own children.

Do you love a feel-good movie with a satisfying ending? Are you looking for something to make you feel uplifted in troubling times or just to get away from the rush of everyday life? Keep reading to find some unexpected hidden gems within the feel-good category that you probably haven’t seen before.

Our Little Sister

“Our Little Sister” is a Japanese film that focuses on the bonds of sisters as they come to terms with a new situation. Three sisters must adapt to their new 13-year-old half-sister as she moves into their grandmother’s house with them. The movie gives a glimpse into the complex relationships of siblings and family.

The History of Future Folk

If you are looking for a charming, homespun, and super-low-budget film that somehow warms your heart, then “The History of Future Folk” is the perfect movie for your interests. While the low-budget costuming and film style may seem awkward at a glance, the story of intergalactic aliens who deviate from their plans to wipe out Earth due to their love of music is charming, sweet, and leaves a great feeling by the end of the film.

Sing Street

Fans of music will enjoy the fast-paced, charming, and entirely teen-focused “Sing Street” when looking for a feel-good movie. The movie follows a teenager’s first love, his efforts to process his feelings, and his adorable attempt to impress the girl by starting a band. It reminds viewers of the challenges of handling emotions during their teen years and offers fun music as part of the experience.

Peter’s Friends

“Peter’s Friends” is a feel-good movie that focuses on reminiscing with friends after years apart. It follows six college friends, along with two new friends, as they reunite in an English manor after ten years. The movie is a charming look at the different ways life may cause us to grow apart only to return to old friends through reunions and remembering the good times.

Munna Bhai M.B.B.S.

If you are a fan of foreign films and want to find a great feel-good movie, then “Munna Bhai M.B.B.S.” is a great choice for your next movie night. The Hindi film follows a former gang member as he struggles to fit in with medical students in an effort to make his father’s dreams come true. It showcases the love of a son for his father and the transformation of a young man into an upstanding professional.

When you want to enjoy something uplifting during challenging times or when you are tired, a feel-good movie is the best solution. By finding a new hidden gem, you can enjoy something unique, charming, and full of fun details that keep you on the edge of your seat in the best way possible.

Every once in a while, a low-budget film makes a break-out financial success.

Here are five astonishing stories that are amazing about successful independent films.

The Film that Bewitched Star Wars

In the summer of 1999, movie theaters were packed with sell-out crowds to see the Star Wars movie, The Phantom Menace. The Star Wars film got so much attention that few other films dared to be released during the same time.

However, one film, made with a budget of US$60,000, was released on Wednesday, July 14, 1999. It was shown in one theater and then expanded to 27 theaters for the opening weekend.

The film was the Blair Witch Project.

The movie is about “found” video footage of people in the woods being murdered. There was intentional confusion about whether the video footage was “real.” The film was marketed by using posters of missing persons and a website. Attention about the film went viral on the Internet. Soon, there were lines around the block at the few theatres showing the movie to sold-out crowds. The release expanded to 2,600 theaters.

The producers sold all film rights to get the film distributed but held back a revenue-sharing position if the film grossed over $100 million. Nobody thought the film could earn that much.

It made $140 million domestic gross and $248 million worldwide. The producers are said to have earned $25 to $30 million to settle a lawsuit with the distributor.

Rocky

Sylvester Stallone was broke. His wife was pregnant, and he just turned down an offer of $100,000 for his screenplay Rocky because he refused to sell it unless the studio agreed to let him play the lead.

Due to Stallone’s stubbornness, the first Rocky was made with him as the star for a tiny budget of $1 million. Released in 1976, it earned $117 million domestic box office gross and a total of $225 million worldwide.

The franchise for Rocky films (nine so far) earned a total of over $1.5 billion.

Friday the 13th

The first film in this franchise was made for $550,000. It was released in 1980 with a brilliant marketing campaign created by legendary Michael Harpster, who would go on to be President of New Line Marketing for more than 20 years. Who can forget the hockey-mask-wearing murderer, Jason Voorhees, in this slasher film? The villain was truly terrifying. The worldwide box office was $60 million.

In total, the 12 films in this franchise made $466 million at the box office, and the merchandise sales were phenomenal.

Napoleon Dynamite

This film had a modest production budget of $400,000. Released in 2004, it brought a worldwide box office of $46 Million. The film is a quirky, strange, funny, and charming coming-of-age movie. Of the box office, $44.5 million was earned in the USA and only $1.5 million overseas. It might be to a non-US person; this film is just stupid. Still, Americans thought it was hilarious.

Paranormal Activity

This film was released in 2009. It was made for $15,000. It is a voyeuristic look at the security cam footage of a supposedly haunted house. The film scared the bejesus out of movie-goers. And they liked the feeling so much that the film earned $108 million at the domestic box office and $194 million worldwide. Based on its return on investment, these earnings made it the most profitable horror film on record.

Do you love a good villain? Do you prefer to watch movies from the villain’s perspective? Are you looking for a great crime movie to enjoy on a stormy night or with a friend? Keep reading this article to find the best crime movies for your night.

The Godfather

“The Godfather” is a classic crime movie that resonates even years after it was initially released. The movie offers up morally gray characters who are involved in various mafia-related crimes, while also exploring the bonds of family. If you enjoy mafia movies and you are looking for interesting characters with flaws, loose morals, and strong beliefs, then you will find that “The Godfather” is a great crime movie.

Goodfellas

For those who like the mafia crime movie category, you will enjoy “Goodfellas”. The movie follows an interesting character as he grows from small and petty crimes to the extortion and violence of the mafia. It also showcases the friendships that develop in the mafia and humanizes the characters for audiences. For those who need a bit of comedic relief in a crime movie, “Goodfellas” is a great choice. The screenplay adds a touch of humor that sets it apart and breaks up the tension at just the right moment.

The Silence of the Lambs

“The Silence of the Lambs” is an astonishing crime movie due to the psychological aspects of the film. It portrays the complex mental state of a serial killer as discussed by Hannibal Lector, a violent psychopath who is also a psychiatrist, and a young FBI student. It combines a crime movie with a cop movie for a satisfying and terrifying look into the minds of serial killers.

Pulp Fiction

Are you looking for a movie about hitmen? Do you want a few unexpected philosophical discussions to sneak their way into your movie? Then “Pulp Fiction” is the movie you want to watch as soon as you get an opportunity. The movie follows two hitmen as they weave through other characters that range from their boss and his wife to a boxer and a pair of armed robbers.

Unforgiven

For those who like a little bit of country and old-fashioned western themes in their crime movies, “Unforgiven” is a great option. When prostitutes in a small town post a reward for the deaths of two men for disfiguring one of the women, a pair of criminals clash with each other and the town’s sheriff. Whether you are rooting for the sheriff and his fight against vigilantism or you want to see the success of a criminal, “Unforgiven” is a great option for your next crime movie night.

The best crime movies focus on the characters you would usually consider the villains. By looking at the movie from a criminal’s perspective, you are able to see the different factors that drive their actions and make them turn to crime.

Science fiction motion pictures capture our imagination, partially because many of them have an element of truth to them. Many of us have let our imaginations run about the unidentified flying objects that have now been acknowledged by the U.S. military, and all those Star Trek television series technologies seem to be everyday gadgets now. Yes, Capt. Kirk used a cellphone in 1973! But perhaps the most exciting Sci-Fi movies are those with the fate of humanity on the line. In these 5 Earth-shattering Sci-Fi movies, humanity hangs in the balance.

1: Armageddon

The 1998 Sci-Fi flick earned four Academy Award nominations, and none of them involved the actors. That’s particularly funny given this action-comedy enjoys a household name cast that includes Bruce Willis, Billy Bob Thornton, Ben Affleck, Liv Tyler, Will Patton, Steve Buscemi, William Fichtner, Owen Wilson, Michael Clarke Duncan, and Peter Storage. J.J. Abrams was even involved in the screenplay.

The colorful cast of misfits is tasked with drilling a hole into an asteroid traveling at high speeds under the most dangerous conditions imaginable before it obliterates Earth. What could go wrong? Pretty much everything, which is why it was 1998’s highest-grossing film.

2: Signs

Ranked among the more underrated in the science fiction genre, M. Night Shyamalan wrote, directed, and produced, one of the most intriguing alien invasion movies, bar none. Mel Gibson stars as a preacher who lost his faith after the untimely death of his wife. Joaquin Phoenix plays his younger brother, a somewhat rudderless ex-baseball slugger helping to keep the family farm afloat and children safe from what comes next.

Enter militant aliens deploying crop signs to conduct reconnaissance missions in the 2002 thriller. Some factions see the alien presence as first contact, others as the end of days, but when the invasion begins, the former preacher, two children, and brother fight to survive. During the attack, God’s plan is revealed through telltale signs.

3: The Terminator

The 1984 film did things that made it the envy of the science fiction genre. Rather than start in the tired old post-apocalyptic future, the battle for human existence is fought in the present. The second thing the Terminator did was give the enemy of mankind a face — Arnold Schwarzenegger. The former Mr. Olympia bodybuilding champion perfected the relentless killer.

“Listen, and understand! That Terminator is out there. It can’t be bargained with. It can’t be reasoned with. It doesn’t feel pity, or remorse, or fear. And it absolutely will not stop, ever, until you are dead,” Kyle Reese (Michael Biehn) says.

The Terminator throws in a coming-of-age theme through Sarah Connor (Linda Hamilton), who goes on to become one of the grittiest heroines in Sci-Fi. The Terminator sparked a franchise of courageous humans and determined cyborgs.

4: Star Trek

The 2009 Star Trek reboot and ensuing films prove to be even more interesting than the original 1970s television show that inspired six feature films. A newly-minted Starfleet officer, James T. Kirk (Chris Pine) earns his way through the academy. We learn about his heroic Starfleet captain father, who saved hundreds of lives. The personalities of Mr. Spock (Zachary Quinto), Ohura (Zoe Saldana), and Dr. Leonard “Bones” McCoy (Karl Urban), among others, are brilliantly re-invented.

It’s an entertaining re-imagining of the crew of the Starship Enterprise who are tasked with defeating Capt. Nero (Eric Bana), a vengeful time-traveling Romulan determined to destroy Earth by creating a black hole using red matter. The Star Trek reboot is nothing short of a rollercoaster ride.

5: War of the Worlds

The 2005 War of the Worlds movie starring Tom Cruise as Ray Ferrier revives the conspiracy theory about a real-life invasion that may have occurred in 1938. After a Halloween radio broadcast narrated by Orson Welles feigned an incursion, some believe aliens were thwarted and the incident was covered up.

Directed by Steven Spielberg, Ray Ferrier and his brother Robbie Ferrier (Justin Chatwin) embark on a harrowing journey from New Jersey to Boston to unite his family. Extraterrestrials have little difficulty harvesting humans for food. But that level of defenselessness isn’t the most Earth-shattering aspect of the recent War of the Worlds film.

Few topics in cinema are as riveting as war movies. They offer a unique perspective on one of the most complex and intense situations humans can find themselves in. From the early days of film-making, directors have been drawn to the power and drama of war stories. Here are five of the best war movies ever made:

1:  Apocalypse Now (1979)

Set during the Vietnam War, Apocalypse Now follows Captain Willard (played by Martin Sheen) on a mission to kill Colonel Kurtz (played by Marlon Brando), who has gone rogue and set up his kingdom in the Cambodian jungle. The film is a masterclass in tension, with outstanding performances from both Sheen and Brando.

2: The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957)

Set in a Japanese POW camp in Burma during World War II, The Bridge on the River Kwai tells the story of Colonel Nicholson (played by Alec Guinness), whose captors order to build a bridge that the Japanese army will use. Nicholson and his men decide to make the bridge to the best of their abilities, despite the conditions they are forced to work in.

3: Saving Private Ryan (1998)

Directed by Steven Spielberg, Saving Private Ryan tells the story of a group of soldiers who are sent into enemy territory during World War II to rescue Private Ryan (played by Matt Damon), who is the only surviving son of a family that has already lost two sons in the war. The film is notable for its graphic depiction of the D-Day landings at Normandy.

4: Platoon (1986)

Platoon is an autobiographical film about Vietnam War veteran Oliver Stone, who also directed the film. It tells the story of a group of soldiers caught in the middle of a battle between two commanding officers who must choose which one to follow. The film is brutal and unflinching in its portrayal of the horrors of war.

5: Full Metal Jacket (1987)

Full Metal Jacket is another film about the Vietnam War, this time focusing on training a group of Marines before they are sent into battle. The film follows the recruits from their first day of boot camp to their last days in Vietnam. It is a gritty and realistic portrayal of the horrors of war and its effects on those who fight in it.

Wrapping Up

War movies offer a unique and powerful perspective on one of the most complex situations humans can find themselves in.  They can be brutal and unflinching, or they can offer a more nuanced view of the complexities of war. Either way, they are always fascinating to watch.

Movies are a powerful medium for storytelling. They can take us to new places, introduce us to different people and cultures, and show us the world in a way that no other form of media can. But movies are more than just entertainment; they can also educate us about history, science, and the human experience. And sometimes, they can even change how we think about life.

Here are five movies that have had a profound impact on my thinking about life. Each one of them has something unique to offer, and I highly recommend watching them if you want to expand your worldview and see life in a new light.

1. The Shawshank Redemption (1994)

This classic film tells the story of Andy Dufresne, a man who is unjustly imprisoned for murder and spends his time in jail trying to make the best of a bad situation. I love this movie because it shows us that hope is a powerful force.

No matter how dark and difficult our circumstances may be, we can always choose to see the light at the end of the tunnel. This film is an inspiring reminder that no matter what life throws our way, we have the power to persevere.

2. Forrest Gump (1994)

Forrest Gump is a heartwarming tale about an unlikely hero who goes through life with childlike innocence and optimism. I love this movie because it reminds us to appreciate the simple things in life, and it also teaches us that Everyone has their own unique story to tell and that we should never judge someone without knowing their whole story. This film is a feel-good reminder that life is precious, and we should always cherish the moments we have with our loved ones.

3. The Dark Knight (2008)

This action-packed superhero movie is based on the comic book character Batman. I love this movie because it shows us that even the most seemingly evil people are capable of redemption.

It also teaches us that the line between right and wrong is not always so obvious as we would like to believe.. This film is a thrilling reminder that life is complex and that we should never give up on somebody, no matter how bad they seem.

4. The Hunger Games (2012)

This dystopian film is set in a future where people are forced to compete in a brutal televised competition. I like this film because it emphasizes the need for people to stand up for what they believe in.

It also teaches us that hope can still be found even in the darkest of times. This film is an action-packed reminder that we should never give up on our dreams, no matter how impossible they may seem.

5. Life Is Beautiful (1997)

This Italian film tells the story of a father who does everything he can to protect his son from the horrors of the Holocaust. I love this movie because it shows us the power of love and family and teaches us that even in the darkest of times, there is still beauty to be found in life. This film is a moving reminder that we should never give up hope, no matter how difficult things may seem.

Wrapping Up

Movies have the power to change the way we think about life. They can teach us valuable lessons, show us different perspectives, and inspire us to see the world in a new light.