Feel free

Freedom is a word often associated with the Indian freedom movement. However, the modern day freedom struggle has taken different shapes and forms. We’re not fighting the British anymore but we’re still fighting battles in our everyday lives, freedom from the shackles of our negative mindset, freedom to go out and work, societal stereotypes; there are so many things we constantly strive to free ourselves from. As cinema reflects life, here are the best five Hollywood movies that tell great tales of freedom and can make for a good watch on this Independence Day:

Shawshank Redemption

Andy Dufresne is accused of a double murder and sentenced to life imprisonment. With a corrupt warden and inhuman inmates, he is often beaten up and even raped. In face of such adversities, it is easy to lose hope but not Andy. He believes in his innocence and continues to work towards proving himself so. In the end, after years of endeavour, he makes his way to freedom.

Braveheart

Braveheart tells the historic story of William Wallace, the legendary Scotts warrior who led his nation into battle against England in the 1300s. Wallace’s fight and cries for freedom made Braveheart an iconic movie telling the story of a Scottish freedom fighter who was ready to give up his life but not his freedom. An action packed, epic battle drama between Scotland and England, it is big on emotions of love, patriotism and treachery.

Born on the fourth of July

Considered one of Tom Cruise’s best performances, Born on the Fourth of July, tells the true story of Ron Kovic, a patriotic, small town athlete who enlists himself in the Marines to fight in the Vietnam war. After being paralyzed chest down from a bullet wound, he returns home leading a disillusioned life and turning into a drunkard. However, Kovic somehow turns himself around and pulls his life together.

Independence Day

We have always had a fascination with aliens, do they exist? Wil they come to destroy us or want to understand us. Independence Day portrayed the scenario if the former situation played out. What do we do when aliens with far superior technology come to destroy and invade the earth? We fight back with everything we have in us. Independence Day is an inspiring story about the human will to survive and not let go of our freedom. 

War for the Planet of the Apes

A growing nation of genetically evolved apes is slowly taking over while the human population is declining because of a deadly virus. After suffering unimaginable losses, Caesar, the leader of the apes, goes on a quest to avenge his kind. The movie is set to have its first Indian television premiere today, August 15 at 1 pm and 9 pm on Star Movies.