The following is a sampling of movies that are relevant to the Tao Practice. More to come...
About a Boy - The main character is a man who spends the majority of his time alone and is very attached to his daily patterns. When an unexpected stranger comes into his life and shakes up his routine, it helps him to open his heart and learn what it means to connect to others.
The Adventures of Baron Munchausen - Like many other Terry Gilliam films, this movie blurs the lines between fantasy and reality, portraying a more accurate depiction of the real world than our perceptions usually allow.
Crash - This greatest strength of this movie is that it shows the powerful and transformative effects of interconnectedness (the Chinese word ‘yuen’- see the glossary). It accurately depicts the dynamic nature of human beings, because the characters are repeatedly placed in challenging situations which offer them the choice to act from a place of integrity and compassion or a place of evil. It becomes clear that the capacity for both lies inside each of us, and therefore it is up to us to choose what effect we will have on the world.
Defending
Your Life- This comedy presents a unique vision of the afterlife and reincarnation where advancement to the next level is determined by how well one faces fears and insecurities.
Dolphins IMAX - This documentary is almost therapeutic to watch. The energy of the film is warm and bright, and the experience of watching dolphins is enjoyable. This film showcases extraordinary people doing what they love and making the world a better place for it.
E.T.
The Extra-Terrestrial - "I'll be right here" There is enough here to fill a book. If you can read Mandarin, go to www.taosculture.org and order the book.
The
Fisher King - The Fisher King illustrates very clearly the dynamics of Karma, as well as the ways in which we can learn from our Karma in order to grow spiritually.
Groundhog Day - Bill Murray has to live the same day over and over again until he gets it right. Groundhog Day is a vivid and humorous depiction of the futility of living selfishly.
Howl’s Moving Castle - A theme of this animated movie is cultivating your heart, so that you can handle difficult situations with equanimity and humility (two Buddhist virtues). It is also about learning the difference between the small self (ego) and the True self, which can only be accomplished by taking action.
I
Heart Huckabees - An existential comedy about searching for meaning in all the right and wrong places. The main characters must “dismantle” (get to a place of pure openness and vulnerability) before they are able to discover the real truth. There is also an interesting interplay between yin and yang in this movie, among other Taoist and Buddhist themes.
The Iron Giant - This animated feature shows the story of a robotic giant from outer space who attempts to go against his internal programming and become a hero instead of a weapon. It is a heartwarming analogy of trying to change a deeply ingrained behavioral pattern and redefine who we are.
Legally Blonde - This is about challenging our perceptions of who we are and actively redefining ourselves in order to become more aligned with our authentic self, no matter how controversial it may be.
The Matrix Reloaded and Revolutions - These movies handle themes such as: consciousness, virtue, love, compassion, mission, teamwork, giving, and who we are as energetic beings. The box set has commentary by Cornel West and Ken Wilber.
Million$ - During the Christmas season, a bag of money falls out of the sky and lands next to a little boy. As the boy tries to decide what to do with the money, he is faced with many challenges from the external world. His journey illustrates how difficult it is to faithfully follow your heart when everything in the world is trying to lead you astray.
My Neighbor Totoro - This movie delves into the magical world of a child’s consciousness and shows how wonderful it can be to exercise imagination and creativity in one’s life.
The
Others - A family believes that they are living in a haunted house, and their perceptions of what is real and what is imagined are repeatedly challenged.
Pleasantville - The story takes place in a conservative town during the 1950’s. As some of the townspeople begin to challenge the current norms and think for themselves, they tap into their latent creativity and begin to uncover their true selves.
Rize - This is a documentary about young people who practice street dancing in Los Angeles. As the dancers are interviewed, it becomes clear that these dancing groups are the only thing that keeps the kids out of gangs and away from street crime. It is about creative energy, love, karma, violence, spirituality, and community.
The
Story of the Weeping Camel - This is a documentary about a Mongolian family in the Gobi desert who raise sheep and camel. They live in a way that is rather primitive and the environment is harsh, but they live in beauty. It is a wonderful example of how people can live in harmony with nature and spirit.
Tiger
Woods Documentary, Disc One- You do not need know a thing about golf to learn from Tiger Wood’s experiences. The documentary communicates what it means to recognize and appreciate our unique gifts. Excellence is achievable for everyone, but we have to invite it first.
The Truman Show - The main character must grapple with the challenge of learning who he really is, as his external reality crumbles around him and he can only find the answers within himself. The movie illustrates the all-pervasive nature of karma, and that we must rely on faith if we want to transcend our karma.
Unleashed (aka Danny the Dog) - This movie is about the struggle to break free from the patterns that karma has set up for us, and how we don't have to be a slave to the past.
What
the Bleep Do We Know? - This film uses theories of quantum mechanics and physiology to challenge our notions of reality, perceptions, and emotions. It invites the viewer to take an active role in positively shaping one's own existence.
What Dreams May Come- This is a fantastical story about how love transcends the boundaries of time and space.