I’ll be the first person to admit my love for modern movies, local Singapore and international films alike. That said, I still love countless classic films. The films that people still watch even today because they’re just downright memorable, from the somewhat cheesy and relatable characters to the little life teachings each movie gives to its viewers. So if you ever need a break from all the modern movies, here are five of the best classic movies that’ll surely take you back in time, and teach you a few important things about life.

1. The Wizard of Oz

Without a doubt, we all know the story of Dorothy – a young girl who was magically swept off from her home in Kansas, and into the colourful and mysterious world of Oz. In Dorothy’s journey to find her way home, she meets all kinds of characters, bad and good, and some of them don’t look what they really seem.

While the film’s concept is slightly quirky, there’s actually a lot The Wizard of Oz teaches us about life. It simply teaches us to accept and love our friends for who they really are, allow ourselves to dream, and to make us realize that there’s truly no place like home.

2. Cinderella

Just like The Wizard of Oz, Cinderella is another story that we’re all familiar with – especially since it has been retold and remoulded countless of times already. That said, nothing still beats the original Disney film. Cinderella is a humble character who’s always being put down by her own family, but despite this, she remains selfless and kind, and even proves that good things truly comes to those who wait.

Cinderella’s story is one of the most inspiring tales there is, since it teaches us that regardless of where we came from as long as we’re optimistic and we continue to dream, we’ll be able to find a way to true happiness just like Cinderella did.

3. It’s a Wonderful Life

If it’s about the best Christmas film there is, then this movie surely rises above both old and new films. It’s a Wonderful Life follows the story of George Bailey who’s guardian angel grants his wish to see what his life would be if he was never been born. I won’t be spoiling the story for you if you still haven’t seen the film; all I’ll say is things didn’t quite turn out as what George expected it to be.

It’s a Wonderful Life teaches us some hard life lessons, such as the bad guy doesn’t always get his just reward, but there are some truly inspiring messages there, too. Other than that, the film also teaches us that every life has a purpose, and that even if we don’t always feel like it, we are blessed.

4. Gone With the Wind

Even after 75 years later, Gone With the Wind remains as a much loved classic movie. The film is an epic romance set during the turbulent times, and while it teaches us that we don’t all get to have our own happy endings, the movie also encourages us to stop clinging into the past, to never give up, and to learn to own up and apologize for our mistakes.

Gone With the Wind is simply a heart-breaking and heart-warming movie all at once, and I have no doubt that it’ll still be one of the most loved film even after another 75 years.

5. Grease

Finally, we have Grease – a teen musical that rocked a generation, and a movie that we’re still singing along even today. Although Grease isn’t the first classic film that comes to mind when you think of inspiration, the movie was still able to teach us a lot of things about friendship, what it means to fit in, and how to be true to ourselves.

Paired with some remarkable songs and choreography, Grease truly presents a timeless story that’s as entertaining as it is inspiring.

There you have it – five good old movies that’ll surely inspire you in one way or another. Toss the popcorn bags into the microwave now, and enjoy these feel good classic movies.

Some Singaporeans are saddened and devastated to hear about the death of Robin Williams on August 11, 2014 in California. His sudden and appalling death made people think why he died and what the industry lost. Investigators are considering the possibility of suicide. According to reports, Robin Williams was found unconscious in his home and was pronounced dead right there and then.

The preliminary investigation pointed out the cause of death which is asphyxia. Robin Williams is a familiar face in Singapore and the whole world because of his myriad shows and movies. If you are curious about him, it is not too late to know him better. Here are some things that you need to know about Robin Williams:

• Early life: Robin Williams was given the name Robin McLaurin Williams. He was born in Illinois, Chicago on July 21, 1951. His mother, Laura McLaurin was a model and his father, Robert Fitzgerald Williams, was Ford Motor Company’s senior executive. Robin was of Scottish, German, English and Irish ancestry. He grew up in Michigan and attended Redwood High School. He later attended Claremont Men’s College (now known as Claremont McKenna College). However, Robin left Claremont and pursued studying in Juilliard School.

• Television career: Technically, Robin started with The Richard Pryor Show but it was in Happy Days where he played the role of alien Mork in 1978 that gave him a break. He impressed the producer of his peculiar sense of humour. Mork was so successful that it was made into a television sitcom. It was called Mork and Mindy. After that, he was known for his HBO specials “Off the Wall” , “An Evening with Robin Williams” and “Robin Williams: Live at the Met”. His show “Robin Williams: Live on Broadway was also successful.
• Film roles: His first film was “Can I Do It ‘Till I Need Glasses?” in 1977. He also performed in “Good Morning, Vietnam” which earned him his Academy Award nomination. His other movies include “ Aladin”, “A.I Artificial Intelligence”, “Happy Feet”, “Everyone’s Hero” and many more. However, his role in “Good Will Hunting” earned him his Oscar’s Best Supporting Actor trophy. There’s the “Dead Poet’s Society”, “Hook”, “Moscow on the Hudson”, “Awakenings” and the list goes in.
• Personal life: Robin married three times and is survived by three children. Sons Zachary (31 years old), Cody (19 years old) and daughter Zelda (25 years old).

No one really knows what transpired but whatever is the reason for his death, he will be surely remembered and sorely missed. His brilliance will forever shine in the hearts of his family, friends and fans. Even the President Obama relayed his condolences to the family.