Growing up with films, I’ve come to see them as more than just entertainment – they’ve shaped my perspective, teaching me that every action carries its own consequences.
Whether you consider yourself a true cinephile or simply enjoy the occasional blockbuster, there’s no denying the power of cinema.
More than a means of unwinding, films offer a window into different cultures, social issues, and histories, broadening our understanding of the world in ways both subtle and profound.
As a child, nothing excited me more than the words, “We’re going to the cinema” – especially if popcorn was involved.
The dimming lights, the hum of anticipation, and the larger-than-life stories unfolding on screen always felt like magic.
It wasn’t until my late teens that I realised just how much I truly loved films.
Now, as a young adult, my taste in movies has shifted, yet certain films hold a special place in my heart. There’s something about revisiting childhood favourites – particularly the High School Musical trilogy – that instantly transports me back to simpler times.
No matter how much my preferences evolve, that sense of nostalgia remains unchanged.
The Internet is full of debates on whether there’s a real distinction between a ‘cinephile’ and a ‘movie lover’. Some argue that the two are one and the same, but others insist there’s a clear divide.
CINEPHILE OR MOVIE LOVER: IS THERE REALLY A DIFFERENCE?
A cinephile isn’t just someone who enjoys watching films – they revel in dissecting them. Ask a cinephile about their favourite movie, and they’ll likely name a director instead, waxing lyrical about cinematography, narrative structures and the nuances of storytelling.
Their love for cinema extends beyond the screen, into the artistry and craftsmanship behind every frame.
A movie lover, on the other hand – someone like myself – sees films as an escape. We get lost in the story, the emotions, the spectacle.
We appreciate a film for the experience it provides rather than the technical mastery behind it. Favourite films hold a sentimental place in our hearts, and we’re less concerned with analysing camera angles or screenplay structure.
ALL-TIME FAVOURITE FILMS OF MINE
At the end of the day, whether you’re a cinephile or a casual movie enthusiast, the magic of film lies in its ability to transport, inspire, and connect us. And perhaps that’s what truly matters.
Having watched over 200 films (and counting), a handful have left a lasting impression on me – movies that resonated so deeply they’ve become more than just entertainment.
They are stories that have stayed with me, moments captured in time that I find myself revisiting over and over again.
One such film is Room (2015), a gripping drama starring Brie Larson and a young Jacob Tremblay. It tells the harrowing yet tender story of a mother and son held captive for years, only to finally escape and confront the vast, unfamiliar world beyond their confines. What makes the movie extraordinary isn’t just its suspenseful premise but the raw emotional depth it explores – the lengths a mother will go to protect her child and the wonder of seeing the world through fresh eyes.
Then there’s Marrowbone (2017), a haunting psychological thriller that delivers one of the best plot twists I’ve ever seen. Starring George MacKay, Mia Goth, Charlie Heaton, and Matthew Stagg, the film follows four siblings hiding from a dark secret within the walls of their sprawling yet eerie manor.
The cinematography is breath-taking, amplifying the tension and mystery in ways that keep you on edge until the very end.
And of course, as a Marvel Cinematic Universe fan, Avengers: Endgame (2019) easily claims a top spot. A grand culmination of over a decade of storytelling, this film brought together beloved characters in an epic battle that had me at the edge of my seat.
Seeing the original six Avengers – Robert Downey Jr, Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson and Jeremy Renner – share the screen one final time was nothing short of cinematic history. The final battle alone? Pure adrenaline-fuelled perfection.
THE JOY OF CINEMA
At its core, my love for movies isn’t just about the stories themselves – it’s about the experience. Films have a way of pulling us into different worlds, allowing us to escape reality, even if only for a while. They make us feel, think, and connect in ways nothing else can.
With countless genres and narratives to explore, there’s a film out there for everyone. And if you’re lucky, you’ll stumble upon one that stays with you long after the credits roll – just as these films have for me. – Jolene See
