Introducing 27 Spiritual Films in Cinema History

The following list includes 27 spiritual films made throughout cinema history. Given the vast number of cinematic films, it is obvious that this list could have been far longer than its current form. Therefore, an effort has been made to select the best of them. By spirituality, what is meant is a life accompanied by peace and tranquility[1]. In compiling and presenting this list, when a film is said to be spiritual, the intention is that the film manifests ethical living, well-being, and the value of life. In this list, a spiritual film is not necessarily one where the story's characters are connected to the metaphysical realm; rather, it is entirely possible for a film to have supernatural elements yet not be spiritual. Likewise, art films, for all their beauty, are not necessarily considered spiritual films, and of course, mystery films are not necessarily considered spiritual either, and finally, philosophical films share a fine line with spiritual films.

In order not to spoil the stories and screenplays for those interested in this list, I have confined myself to a brief description of the films and have tried to concisely explain the spiritual point hidden within each film.

May it find acceptance and favor!

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The Truman show 1998:

The Truman Show is the life of a character named Truman, who is monitored by five thousand cameras, and his life is broadcast live on television screens for his audience, depicted 24 hours a day, uninterrupted. Viewers follow his every move and observe everything he does, but Truman does not even imagine that his actions are being watched by millions of viewers. Jim Carrey plays the role of Truman. In addition to being philosophical, this film is considered a spiritual film. Truman (Jim Carrey), despite all the hardships he faced during the film, never lost his joy and sense of humor.

If rationality organizes the how of our lives, and spirituality deals with the why of our lives; Truman reached a dead end in seeking the why of his life.

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Dancer in the dark 2000:

This film tells the story of a dancer who faces problems due to her difficult eyesight condition, and beyond her vision problem, she encounters the troubles and injustices of others as the story unfolds. If one can accept the claim that the moments before death are the best moments to gauge the steadfastness and honesty of human beings toward life; the main character of the story was joyful and dancing even in the moments close to death, and she skillfully employed that Epicurean trick of imagining sweet events to overcome negativity. The character's oppressed state and, at the same time, her patience are highly praiseworthy. This film has heartbreaking scenes of wailing and mourning.

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City lights 1931 :

This film, in the milieu of silent cinema, was released in the first half of the twentieth century; its story is the self-sacrifice of a hero (Charlie Chaplin) who, in the form of a romantic love, restores sight to his beloved flower girl. He endures many hardships so that his beloved might regain her sight. The film's delightful music, alongside its romantic theme, has placed it among the finest films in cinema history.

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Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter and Spring 2003 :

This film is the work of the fine Korean director Kim Ki-duk. The filming location is inside and around a Buddhist temple, where the director attempts to immerse the audience deeply in the silence and tranquility of nature. The temple's apprentice faces various incidents throughout the story. He had a beloved, and until he became disillusioned with her, he had not yet realized the instability of existence, but ultimately he grasped that important teaching of the Buddha: that the world is a world of instabilities. He also learned from the temple master that one should not be surprised by unfulfilled desires.

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Into the Wild 2007 :

This film is based on a true story, depicting the life of an individual in America who is fed up with modernism and has no interest in attaining social desirables or an affluent life. Influenced by Henry David Thoreau and Tolstoy, he ultimately abandons life in modern American urban society, turns to the embrace of nature, and puts the philosophy of primitivism into practice. He is so influenced by primitivist thought that he throws away all his credit cards and passport. His detachment is the admirable aspect of the story's main character.

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Detachment 2011 :

This film tells the story of a teacher (Adrien Brody) who suffers from depression and begins working as a substitute teacher at an American high school. This teacher's encounter with a student attempting suicide is very compelling. Outside of school, he also encounters a young prostitute, to whom he offers his wholehearted affection. Despite all his life's problems, he is noble in every sense and never abandons his moral duties.

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The legend of 1900 (1998) :

This film tells the story of a pianist on a ship who, throughout his entire life, was occupied with nothing but the art of music and never agreed to step out of the world in which he was confined into the tumultuous world outside. Even in the challenge that arose with a major contender in jazz music, he did not play his instrument with the intention of defeating him. The musical performances and dances depicted inside the ship in this film are truly spectacular.

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The flowers of war 2011 :

This film concerns the war between Japan and China in 1937, in which prostitutes sacrifice their lives to save the lives of young girls. Christian Bale plays the role of the Christian priest in the film. He makes great efforts to protect the sanctity of the church and the women inside it, yet the church and the defenseless people within are repeatedly assaulted by soldiers.

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The shawshank redemption 1994 :

This film tells the story of two individuals who are taken captive in one of America's most fearsome prisons. The hero of the story (Tim Robbins) is repeatedly assaulted inside the prison by inmates and guards, yet he never ceases to stand his ground. Aside from all the artistic merits this film possesses, two spiritual lessons lie within it, and those two lessons are the lessons of patience and hope for life.

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schindler's list 1993 :

This film is the story of the rescue of a group of prisoners and captives of World War II, which is carried out through the immense efforts of the main character (Liam Neeson). The images of the hardship endured by prisoners who are shackled as families pierce the soul of any compassionate human being. The agonizing regret of the main character for not saving a greater number of innocent people is deeply moving.

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Life is beautiful 1997 :

This film is the story of a Jewish man who, despite his captivity, never abandons his humor and laughter until the very last second he is alive. Despite being separated from his wife, he never complains and always keeps his child happy with his humor and cheerfulness, never letting the hardships of captivity bend his back for a moment. This film demonstrates in every sense that even in the most difficult and agonizing moments, a person can see life as beautiful and make it appear beautiful.

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It’s a wonderful life 1946 :

This film is the story of the townspeople's collective help for the hero of the story (James Stewart), who, due to certain events, encounters problems in managing his affairs. The film, in a fantasy comparison, juxtaposes the two main characters of the story. The metaphor of the angel and the angel losing its wings is depicted as an interesting metaphor in this film. In this film, the hero of the story is constantly benevolent toward the people, and the people, in turn, help him because of the problems he faces. This help from the people to the hero of the story signifies the mutual affection that a spiritual individual has with existence.

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Princess mononoke 1997 :

This beautiful animation, in addition to having a good screenplay and using fantasy elements, contains two excellent points. First, the director avoids creating a dichotomy of good and evil, and it is explicitly shown in the animation that all beings have strengths and weaknesses, and no one is completely black or white; therefore, one should not be utterly ruthless toward anyone. Second, when the Forest Spirit was attacked, it responded to weapons and violence with leaves and flowers. This behavior is reminiscent of the words of Jesus Christ, who says: Love even your enemies!

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UP 2009 :

This animation is the story of a happy couple who love each other passionately from youth to old age and dream of having a house atop one of the tallest cliffs in the world. The old man makes great efforts to achieve this dream, but ultimately, for the sake of helping another, he lets go of his long-held dream. This animation contains the highest moral point: to help a person or people, one must even forgo one's own dreams. In the words of André Gide, my happiness lies in pursuing the happiness of others.

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Taste of cherry 1997 :

This film shows the zest for life in the form of an individual inclined toward suicide; when the main character of the story, who has a strong intention to commit suicide, becomes a traveling companion to a rustic man, the old rustic man makes him understand that even eating a single cherry can be a reason to live. This reference is reminiscent of Nietzsche's words, who says: "You tell me that enduring life is difficult; so what is your pride in the morning and your surrender in the evening for?[2]"

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Peaceful warrior 2006 :

This film tells the story of a sports hero who, after a severe accident, encounters a spiritual master. This spiritual master points out the athlete's weaknesses to him. He makes him aware of his complexes. The teaching and training methods of this master contain many spiritual insights.

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Ikiru 1952 :

This film is the work of the renowned director, Akira Kurosawa. The story of the film is the tale of a man's life after being diagnosed with cancer, as he seeks to discover or invent the meaning of his life. In this film, with a tone tinged with humor, the bureaucratic mode of service is criticized. According to this film, the meaning of life is nothing other than serving human beings.

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Cinderella 2015 :

This film, besides the fine acting of Ms. Cate Blanchett, possesses many aesthetic qualities. Cinderella's patience when facing the undeserved oppression from her stepmother and stepsisters is very remarkable. Clearly, in this film, the director tries to teach the audience a lesson in courage and kindness.

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Big hero 6 2014 :

This animation is a comparative story of technological and spiritual life. One of the 6 main heroes of the story, despite all the technological power he acquires throughout the story, only finds peace when he sits and watches the sunset. It is as if, once a person attains peace, they have no desire for more power. The contrast between external power and internal power is clearly visible in this film.

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Dead poet society 1989 :

This film is the story of a literature teacher named "John Keating" (Robin Williams) who inspires his students through love and poetry to seize the day. The teachings of this teacher are deeply moving. Being bold, not conforming to the crowd, simplicity, avoiding unnecessary truths in life, the ability to critique rigid values, and most interestingly, preferring honor to subservience are part of this teacher's lessons. This film was directed by Peter Weir (director of The Truman Show).

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Stalker 1979 :

This film, like Tarkovsky's other works, is highly distinctive. Its decoupage style of cinematography and its mysterious tenor place the viewer in a strange yet soothing atmosphere. Certainty, doubt, and faith are among the key concepts considered in this film.

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Seven pounds 2008 :

This film tells the story of an individual (Will Smith) who, at the beginning of the film, experiences a horrific accident in his life. He donates his organs after death to people close to him.

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Atonement 2007 :

This film shows the direct impact of truthfulness on human lives, how adding or subtracting words in recounting the truth can turn people's lives upside down. According to this film, the truth must be told exactly as it is.

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The pursuit of happiness 2006 :

This film, based on a true story, shows the effort and patience of a person striving for a dignified life. The protagonist's disregard for the judgments of others is a prominent spiritual point in this film, which is portrayed well.

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3-Iron 2004:

This film is among the finest works of the renowned director Kim Ki-duk, depicting the life of an individual in South Korea who is tasked with distributing advertising flyers to various homes. During his rounds, he meets a woman with whom he embarks on many of his adventures. The protagonist does not speak a single word from the beginning to the end of the film, communicating only through his silence. Another notable point is that the protagonist adopts enjoyment, rather than ownership, as the model for his life. It should be mentioned, of course, that the protagonist also possessed unethical traits.

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Toy story 3 (2010) :

This animation shows the solidarity among the characters and how empathy can alleviate suffering. During the film, there is a valuable spiritual point: as long as it does not contradict prudence, love should be unconditional, and mercy should not be withheld even from one's enemies.

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Tokyo story 1953 :

This film tells the story of an elderly couple who travel from a provincial town in Japan to the capital, Tokyo. The film condemns the ingratitude of children, while the story's positive character, despite having lost her spouse, extends the utmost gratitude and kindness to her father-in-law and mother-in-law. The film portrays the affection buried within the independent lives of children after marriage.

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[1] Mostafa Malekian/ Lecture on the Crisis of Spirituality and the Components of Spiritual Living

[2] Thus Spoke Zarathustra/ Part One

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Introducing 27 Spiritual Films in Cinema History

Compiled and edited by: Hesam Shoushtari

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