He is a daughter’s first love and a son’s first hero. Most of the time, he is the strongest pillar of the household – yet there are also other father figures out there whom, like our dads, put on different hats to be there for us no matter the occasion.
‘Tis the day to celebrate our fathers, single parents, teachers, coaches, and whoever that has inspired you in a way that no one else has ever done. We’re going to look at our top 5 movies that feature these lionhearts. Note that there might be spoilers ahead!
1. FINDING NEMO
Finding Nemo. Picture credit: Pixar.
This is a classic that most kids from the 90s should know. If you don’t, shame on you 👉👈. While it may just be a movie about clownfish, the emotions portrayed by single dad Marlin throughout the movie to search for Nemo are heart wrenching to watch. Just because fishes lack faces like ours, we assume their mask-like features mean they do not experience any feelings. But did you know, on the contrary, they are sentient creatures with capacities to feel? You’re welcome.
2. THE LION KING
The Lion King. Picture credit: Disney.
“It means no worries, for the rest of your days…” Did you sing along to Hakuna Matata as we typed that out? Because oh yes we did. It’s also safe to say that none of us walked away from this movie without shedding a tear or two. The bond between Mufasa and Simba in the movie is undeniably strong as he saves his son in exchange for his life. It was revealed by Rafiki, Mufasa’s shaman and advisor, that he never left Simba’s life – instead, his spirit continued living on strongly in him. How lions show their affection for one another is by rubbing their heads against each other’s – one lion bends its head down towards the head, neck, or most often, under the chin of the other lion, and nuzzles up to it.
3. THE PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS
The Pursuit of Happyness.
Based on the true story of Chris Gardner, the movie portrays how Chris (starred by Will Smith) secretly struggles with being a single dad and homelessness for almost a year. None of his coworkers realised that he and his son were homeless during this period of time – he scrambled often to place his son in daycare, stood in soup kitchens and slept wherever both of them could find safety. Places like his office, parks, airports, public transport and flophouses became his ever-changing homes.
Despite all the hardship he went through, Chris pulled through, persevered, and went on to establish his own brokerage firm, Gardner Rich & Co. Never give up, kids. :’)
4. DADDY DAY CARE
Daddy Day Care.
Daddies + children = chaos. Need we say more? Watch how the idea of running a daycare centre turns from the issue of financial constraints to a full-fledged business idea.
5. TAKEN
The most popular line of the show.
How far would a father go to save their child’s life? Liam Neeson gives you his answer in Taken when his daughter and her best friend get kidnapped in France by human traffickers. Needless to say, the movie kept us on the edge of our seat the whole time – we shan’t say more. Watch the movie to find out how it all unfolds…
That wraps up our list for today. What are your favourite movies involving father figures? Stream one and watch it with your dad and family tonight! Don’t show him love and concern on just Father’s Day alone, let him know that you love him every other day too.
