My Top 5 Fathers in Movies
My 5 Favorite Fathers in Movies
There are many awesome dads in movies. One of my favorites has to be the Pursuit of Happiness, starring Will Smith. He plays a father dedicated to providing for his family after losing his life savings when his invention fails to make a positive return. He ends up homeless but still remains positive and never gives up trying. Truly an inspiring story for fathers.
5. Alfred - Batman
We all know the tragic backstory of Bruce Wayne and how it motivates him to become the protector of Gotham City, Batman. After losing his father and mother, Bruce was left with his butler, Alfred. Although Alfred is not Bruce’s dad, he took over as his father figure. Always giving fatherly advice when needed and helping Bruce as a millionaire as well as Gotham’s protector. What makes Alfred such a great father figure is his undying loyalty to the Wayne family. I have always loved Alfred’s never-ending wisdom and ride-or-die nature for Bruce and this is why he made it to this list.
4. Jason “Furious” Styles Jr. - Boyz In the Hood
Boyz N the Hood is an early 90’s story about young men growing up in the hood. One of the characters, in particular, Tre Styles who is sent to live with his father after an altercation at his high school. Moving in with his father, Jason Styles Jr. who begins to educate him about being a man. Immediately Jason puts Tre to work, informing him of the importance of hard work and responsibility. These life lessons remain with Tre into adulthood where he attends Morehouse College. Boyz N the Hood illustrates how a father’s presence can make all of the difference in a young man's life, especially if they grow up in at-risk neighborhoods. Many of Tre’s friends never made it out of the hood. Two-pass because of gun violence, another forced to live life in a wheelchair because of a bullet wound, and just one attends college along with Tre. I commend Furious for teaching Tre how to maneuver onto a path to success.
3. Marlin - Finding Nemo
Finding Nemo is a story of a father who will go to the end of the ocean to find his son. A simple but yet masterpiece of a story told by Pixar. Marlin suffers a tragic loss at the beginning of the story. Losing the mother to his children as well as the majority of the eggs she laid, leaving just one son, Nemo. This tragedy makes Marlin extremely overprotective and it makes Nemo rebel, resulting in his capture. Marlin is a fish of pattern and normally avoids risk, but the loss of his son forces him to risk it all in a journey across the ocean.
2. Charles “Charlie” Hinton - Daddy Day Care
Daddy Day Care is a beloved comedy about two fathers who start a daycare together after losing their jobs. Seeing two fathers chase a bunch of rambunctious children is as funny as it is adorable. Charlie Hinton, the main protagonist, starts the daycare out of desperation after removing his son from his school. Originally seeking economic stability, Charlie finds himself drawing closer to his son and the children in the daycare making him a better father than he was at the start of the movie. Daddy Day Care is a cinematic example of that it is not about money, it’s about providing good service and doing what you love. Charlie learns this and decides to keep Daddy Daycare open after its forced closure.
1. Chris Gardner - The Pursuit of Happiness
Do we ever find happiness? Well, Chris is determined to find it even if it means sleeping in a bathroom, getting hit by a car, or showing up to a job interview after being arrested the night before. All while making sure his son has a place to sleep, food to eat, and encourages him no matter what bind they find themselves in. Chris takes you on an emotional rollercoaster that makes you ask the question, why he has not given up hope after so many wrong turns. Chris is a movie father idol that shows good things happen if you put in the effort to make them come true.
As a dad, I find myself willing to go through the seemingly endless obstacles to provide for my family. It is an unspeakable feeling to want the best for another life. I aspire to be as optimistic as Chris Gardner, risk it all like Marlin, be fueled by my love and passion like Charlie Hinton, be strong and wise like Furious, and be loyal like Alfred. Each of these fathers has amazing qualities I know I can apply to my daily journey as a father.