Mental Health in Film: 5 Movies About Overcoming the Hard Days
Cinema has always been a mirror to the human condition, offering us stories that illuminate not only the triumphs of the spirit but also the struggles that often remain hidden. For Mental Health Awareness Month this October, we turn the spotlight on films that confront issues of mental health, resilience, and the quiet battles people fight every day.
In this selection of powerful stories from around the world, each film showcases different cultures and experiences, reminding us that behind every struggle lies a deeply human story worth telling.
Martinez (2023)
Martinez, played by award-winning Chilean actor Francisco Reyes (starred in the 2018 Oscar Best Foreign Film, A Fantastic Woman) is a man in his sixties, living his uneventful life day-to-day in solitude. Martinez has worked thae same job for decades and plans to stay—until a younger man is employed to take over his role. Embittered by the sudden retrenchment, Martinez is forced to confront his way of living.
An award-nominated dramedy, Martinez explores themes of aging and loneliness with humour and tenderness. With Reyes delivering an affecting performance, the film captures both the frustrations and unexpected discoveries that come with starting over later in life.
A Far Shore (2022)
Clinching the Audience Award at the 2022 Tokyo FILMeX, A Far Shore offers a glimpse into the dark underbelly of Okinawa’s polished streets, revealing a world of poverty, crime and drugs.
17-year-old Aoi is a cheerful, optimistic teen who becomes a young mother to a baby boy. To support her new life with husband Masaya and her son, Aoi drops out of school and turns to the night scene, working as a night-club hostess. But when Masaya loses his job and grows increasingly violent, Aoi is left to carry the weight of survival on her own. Amidst abuse and hardship, both at home and within society, Aoi clings fiercely to the one light in her life—her bond with her son.
This 2022 Japanese drama depicts a modern tragedy born out of youth and social poverty, unfolding through the story of 17-year-old Aoi, whose resilience shines all the more in the face of crisis.
Ann (2022)
A raw, unflinching portrayal of the true events that shook Ireland in 1984, Ann tells the tragic story of 15-year-old Ann Lovett. The documentary-drama stars talented Irish actress Zara Devlin in the lead role, a performance that earned her the Best Actress in a Leading Role (Film) at the 2023 Irish Film and Television Awards.
Set against a backdrop of deeply ingrained religious conservatism, Ann strives to conceal her pregnancy, ultimately giving birth alone. The film traces the harrowing events that follow, capturing the societal pressures, secrecy, and heartbreak that culminate on that fateful day.
Paralympian (2022)
Driven by a simple yet powerful goal of uplifting audiences, Kazakh director Aldiyar Bairakimov draws inspiration from the true story of Alexander Kolyadin, the gold medalist at the 2018 Pyeongchang Paralympics.
The film follows Maksat, a professional skier whose dreams are shattered when a devastating car accident strikes on the very day he qualifies for the Olympics. After losing a leg, Maksat sinks into despair—until he is given a chance to rebuild his life and chase a new dream with the national Paralympic team.
A heartwarming sports drama, Paralympian also spotlights a community of athletes with different disabilities, united by their resilience and determination to find victory on the snowcapped mountains.
The Audition (2019)
Starring Nina Hoss (Tár), The Audition dives into the dark side of artistic ambition. Violin teacher Anna Bronsky sees raw talent in her new student, Alexander, and becomes fixated on transforming him into a virtuoso. But as her obsession deepens, Anna starts neglecting her family, consumed entirely by the desire for perfection. With Alexander’s final exam looming, Anna’s relentless pursuit pushes both teacher and student toward an inevitable breaking point.
Watch all these movies about facing one’s internal obstacles on CinemaWorld this October.
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