Well, I’m guessing this collection either means I’m EXTREMELY well-rounded… OR I’m even slightly more INSANE than we all thought anyway. You be the judge. But for better or worse here they are, my desert island movies, the ones I watch over and over {and OVER} again.

A little movie & popcorn inspiration for your weekend…

Amazing Grace: Based on the life’s work of antislavery pioneer William Wilberforce, who worked for years to abolish the slave trade to England.

Band of Brothers: An absolutely brilliant depiction of the Easy Company of the US Army 101st Airborne division during WWII. No wonder they are called “The Greatest Generation”

The Blind Side: Inspirational. The story of Michael Oher, a homeless boy who became an All American football player and first round NFL draft pick with the help of Leigh Anne Tuohy and her family. Although a lot of the details have been altered, this one really hits home for me, since I was only mildly aware of Michael’s presence when he came to Briarcrest as a tenth grader when I taught 9th grade English there. It reminds me that you never know what someone is really dealing with, and it’s worth it to take the time to find out.

Emma: PBS Masterpiece Theater and finally an adaptation of Emma that doesn’t make me cringe. In fact, this is just about four hours of loveliness. The thing I love best about a Jane Austen adaptation is that it usually doesn’t keep you on guard for all sorts of trash assailing your eyes. No one hops in and out of bed, justice is always served, and everyone’s not running around cursing and blaspheming. This is entertainment I can get behind. My only qualm is that Jane Austen usually seems to paint religious figures in a negative light, so is true here with the vicar.

Pride and Prejudice: I know it makes me a total cheeseball, but I just love this. Elizabeth Bennet’s quick wit and pithy quips are so delightful that I like to think myself akin to her. Again, the religious character is a toolbox–unfortunate–but otherwise this film is wonderful as it weaves the story of the five Bennet girls, especially the unlikely match of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy and how they {spoiler alert} FINALLY get together in the end. The characters are just delicious.

Rudy: I cry every.single.time. I watch this movie. If you haven’t seen it, what HAVE you been doing with your life? 🙂  A totally inspirational story of how one young man perseveres to attain his dream of being a Notre Dame football player. The kid’s got character, and I admire him for it. A reminder to me to GO FOR IT and press on, even in the face of GREAT discouragement.

Sense and Sensibility: The charming and awkward Edward Ferrars, the dashing and kind Col. Christopher Brandon, the frivolous and impetuous Marianne Dashwood, and the steady and brave Elinor Dashwood keep me coming back for more. And everyone lives happily ever after. Except Willoughby, who is a cad. (And hooray! A clergyman who is actually painted in a favorable light!)

Sergeant York: Another “based on a true story” and my husband’s favorite movie, it follows the life of WWI hero Alvin York, a simple Tennessee farmer who “got religion” then tried to live his life by biblical principles. Moral story, love story, war story: it’s got it all.

The Young Victoria: Maybe I love this because I’m British? But it’s got more appeal than that, the true story of the frustrated and manipulated young heir and then the brilliant and effervescent Queen Victoria (crowned at 18), is both turbulent and terrific. Of course, her romance with Prince Albert is utterly moving for this romantic gal.

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So there you have it, a little fodder for your weekend viewing. Enjoy!

So what am I missing? What are YOUR desert island movies?

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And you might also like some other inspiration…