Critical Evaluation of Films/ Video Shows Related to

the Course
Cinema is the most complex and powerful art form in the present world. It can help us to better
understand our own lives, the lives of those around us and even how our society and culture operate.
They can shed light on political and spiritual matters too and can provide catharsis and perspective and
may open our eyes to new ways of thinking, feeling and pursuing our live. Despite the exaggerations for
dramatic effect, films are one of the best ways for counselling students to catch a sneak peek of
their future careers. While there may be some veracity to the old adage that truth is stranger than
fiction, those with a penchant for counselling and associated fields can extract a wealth of
anecdotal information from movies. A few cases in point are the films listed here. Depicting
intriguing studies of individual attempts to ameliorate the negative emotional effects of difficult
circumstances, these films also include a few that feature the counsellor’s role in that process.
Virtually any movie can offer situations and behaviours that bear analysis by counsellors. These
movies make counselling and the attendant issues integral to their plots, which is precisely why
they are great movies for counselling students and professionals.

Some of the great movies for counselling professionals include:

 28 Days :
In the film "28 Days," Sandra Bullock depicts a newspaper columnist, Gwen Cummings, who
abuses prescription pills and alcohol. After she ruins her sister's wedding by giving an
embarrassing speech, falling into the wedding cake and stealing a limo, she faces jail time or
rehab. Gwen chooses to go to rehab. At first, she refuses to participate in the facility's programs,
but when she breaks her leg in an attempt to retrieve a bottle of pills, she realizes that she needs
help. While watching this movie, you'll see good counselling skills that you can emulate if you
decide to go after a career in a rehab facility.

 Dear Zindagi :
This Bollywood movie should be on the list for the mere fact that someone finally thought of
making a movie on the dilemmas and depression that the younger generation faces, due to the
apathy of people around, and sometimes the generation indifferences induced by the society
which distances them from even their parents.

 A Beautiful Mind :
Actor Russell Crowe takes on the challenging role of John Forbes Nash in the movie "A Beautiful
Mind." Based on Nash's true-life story, the film expertly portrays how hard life is for those who
suffer from schizophrenia. If someone already studying psychology, they may notice Nash's initial
signs of the disorder. As the film progresses, his symptoms become more intense, and they begin
to affect his friends and family. Since the film portrays the disorder from Nash's perspective, this
element may make it easier for you to empathize with and treat those who suffer from
schizophrenia.

 Ordinary People :
 If someone considering family counselling, then be sure to take the time to watch "Ordinary
People." The film stars Timothy Hutton, Mary Tyler Moore and Donald Sutherland. Timothy
Hutton plays the role of Conrad who is suffering from survivor's guilt and post-traumatic stress
disorder, or PTSD, due to a boating accident that took the life of his older brother. After Conrad
attempts suicide, his parents commit him to a psychiatric hospital. Upon returning home, Conrad
struggles to heal because of the tension in his family. Since the movie delves into the
fragmentation that a family faces when losing a child, you'll have the chance to study group
therapy techniques while watching the film.

 Reign Over Me :
Starring Adam Sandler, Don Cheadle and Jada Pinkett Smith, "Reign Over Me" is a film that
features psychological problems like PTSD and intense grief. After the September 11th attacks
took his family, Adam Sandler's character, Charlie Fineman, isolates himself. By chance, Charlie
runs into his college roommate Alan Johnson, and the two men rekindle their friendship. With
Alan's help, Charlie is able to deal with his past losses, and he begins to rebuild his life. If you're
considering a career in counselling, the film will give you a firsthand look at PTSD and how it can
change a person's life.

 Art Imitating Life :

Art often imitates life, and because of this, you can gain an understanding of the struggles that
mentally ill people face by watching movies that depict psychological disorders. Use the
information that these films provide to prepare yourself for the challenges and rewards that will be
yours when you become a counselling professional.

 Antwone Fisher :
Based on a true story, this film illustrates the legacy of childhood trauma for one young man.
Abandonment, abuse, and neglect are merely the beginning of the counselling matters portrayed,
with identity crises, anger management problems and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) being
among the results. While all of this makes for excellent cinematic, it is the transformation of the
film's protagonist, as he meets with a psychiatrist over a period of time, that is supremely
fascinating to watch. As his life story unfolds during these cathartic counselling sessions, the
young man's self-perception evolves, resolving some of the anguish within him.

 Hope Springs :
With the counsellor being central to the story line, this film focuses on a marriage that has lost
intimacy on every level. The draw for counsellors and counselling students is the detailed
depiction of the counsellor’s role and techniques. Retaining all the proper boundaries while also
offering empathy and compassion, the counsellor assists a couple in restructuring and
rejuvenating their marriage. In addition to the counselling professionalism portrayed, which
provides excellent fodder for those in counselling professions, the apprehensions, embarrassment,
and awkwardness of the couple as they initiate and undergo counselling offer valuable insights
into the patient's perspective of counselling.

Conclusion: With the review of these films we can now understand the importance of films in
creating awareness as well as the need of guidance and counselling among the society. From
behavioural problems to relationships these movies give a way to tackle with them in a better way.