12 Apr 2017

Movies and television shows can be pretty powerful things. When someone decides to tell a story about something that affects all of us, it can make us want to change ourselves. If you think about it, it’s probably because they get us when we’re most vulnerable: we’ve just sat on our arses for four hours straight binge-watching Netflix and nursing a tub of Ben and Jerry’s on our belly rolls. Changing ourselves is something we feel we desperately need.

Here are our fave things to watch when we need to motivation to change our lives:

1. That Sugar Film (2014)

Need a little help getting your hand off those creme eggs? That Sugar Film will ensure that you never want to stand within a metre radius of sugar ever again. Well, you know, at least for the next 24 hours, before you inevitably give up and congratulate yourself by downing a litre of frozen oak.

In all seriousness though, That Sugar Film has dramatically decreased the amount of sugar I eat on a daily basis and has made me far more aware of the fact that sugar is in everything. It’s basically all about Aussie actor Damon Gameau, who decides to start consuming what is considered the ‘average Australian’s daily sugar intake’ (4o teaspoons a day, if you were wondering). The catch is, he does it with foods that are generally considered “healthy”, like low-fat yoghurts, cereals and juices. Surprise, surprise, his body turns to shit, and you realise just how damaging sugar can be. Fantastic to watch if you’re trying to cut back.

 

2. Black Mirror (2011 – )

We live in pretty uncertain times, where rapid advancements in technology can make it feel like anything is possible. Netflix’s Black Mirror explores some of the potential technologies that could exist in the not-too-distant future, and the consequences they might have on society. Spoiler alert–they’re not good.

Each episode of Black Mirror tells a different story (so you don’t have to start from s1 ep1), but all of them examine the morality of the way we live in this digital age. You’ll be forced to question how you use technology and social media, and some episodes will leave you staring blankly at the credits with an existential crisis blossoming in heart, realising that you are actually a monster of a human being and you need to change your ways. You’re welcome.

 

3. Blackfish (2013)

If you want zoos ruined for you forever then don’t watch Blackfish. This truly effed up doco will confront you with questions about animals kept in captivity that you probably never wanted to ask. Which is exactly why you have to watch it.

Blackfish is all about Tilikum, a killer whale who was captured and placed in captivity at SeaWorld in the USA. Tilikum was ultimately involved in the death of three people, which sparked massive controversy over orcas being held in captivity. What you learn throughout the film is that SeaWorld basically manipulates its trainers and the public into believing their killer whales are happy in captivity, despite the truth being clearly quite the opposite. Prepare to be outraged, traumatised and ultimately motivated to treat all animals with the respect they deserve.

 

 

4. An Inconvenient Truth (2006)

It’s been over 10 years since An Inconvenient Truth hit our screens, and it’s still one of the most influential films on climate change ever created. After watching this film, you’ll never want to leave an unused lightbulb on ever again.

With global warming currently being put on the back burner (or even entirely dismissed) by a number of world leaders, there is no better time than ever to educate yourself about the science behind climate change. Luckily for us, there’s a brand new follow up to the 2006 film called An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power. Check out the trailer below and get ready to fly your eco-warrior flag.

 

5. 13 Reasons Why (2017 – )

The message of new Netflix high school drama 13 Reasons Why is pretty simple: always be kind to people, because you never know what is going on behind closed doors. And this goes for everyone too–not just bullies who roam the halls of preppy US high schools.

13 Reasons Why deals with some pretty heavy themes as it explores the various reasons why student Hannah Baker has committed suicide. We follow Hannah’s classmate Clay’s story as he uncovers the factors that contributed to the deterioration of Hannah’s mental health, encompassing large issues such as rape and assault, to seemingly innocent things like gossip and being a bystander. It’s an important watch whether you’re in high school or not, and you can read all about what we learnt from 13 Reasons Why here.