Love, support shown
Kimberly Miller of Center Township, who is a professor of film, journalism and communication at Grove City College, was asked to list her five favorite portrayals of mothers in film.
Here is what she picked.
Helen Steiner Rice wrote that “A mother's love is patient and forgiving when all others are forsaking, and it never fails or falters, even though the heart is breaking.”
This quote exemplifies the kind of mothers the film industry has portrayed through the years. While some moms fight, others stand firm in their resolve to support their children, while still others protect their children with the fierceness of a mother bear.
Motherhood can be challenging, fulfilling, inspiring and comical, and it is often all of these within a 10-minute span of time.
These movie moms prove that most of all motherhood is not for the weak.
• “The Blind Side” (2009) — Based on the true story of professional football player Michael Oher, this film features an opinionated and strong mother. Leigh Anne Tuohy (Sandra Bullock) is a no-nonsense but kindhearted mom who takes in Michael Oher (Quintin Aaron), a boy she barely knows, and raises him alongside her other children, S.J. and Collins.
This mom has a fierce attitude and a practical love, which teaches all of her children that they are important. Even as a friend tells Leigh Anne that she is changing Michael's life, this humble mom refuses to take the credit, telling her friend, “He's changing mine.”
This portrayal of motherhood is an inspiration to mothers everywhere.
• “The Incredibles” (2004) — Helen Parr/Elastigirl (Holly Hunter) is the epitome of the overprotective mother. She puts herself in harm's way numerous times in an effort to protect her children Violet, Dash, and Jack from a dangerous villain who wants to destroy this superhero family.Helen wants her children to be successful, yet she struggles to keep their identities a secret.Ultimately this mother not only protects her children but is able to encourage them to use their superpowers to help others, and of course, save the world.Don't let the fact that the film is animated fool you. This tough mom shows her children love by keeping them safe and reminding them that they can do amazing things.Leave the saving of the world to men? Elastigirl doesn't think so.• “Mask” (1985) — Based on the true story of Rocky Dennis (Eric Stoltz), a boy born with a facial deformity commonly called lienitis, this film features a less traditional portrait of motherhood.Rusty Dennis (Cher) resolves to protect her son and help him find success. When the principal at Rocky's junior high school tries to place him in special education classes because of the way he looks, Rusty reminds the principal that what her son needs is algebra and geography not special education courses, and she clearly won't take no for an answer.Because Rusty fights for her son to be treated like other kids his age, he is given the chance to excel academically and socially. This mom is a fighter, showing love for her son by her determined love.
• “Forrest Gump” (1994) — Mrs. Gump (Sally Field) is a mother who believes her son Forrest (Tom Hanks) is no different from anyone else, despite his physical and mental challenges.Mrs. Gump's unfaltering belief leads Forrest to live a life full of excitement and adventure — from college football, to serving his country in the Vietnam War, to deep friendships and eventually fatherhood.Because of Mrs. Gump's positive influence, Forrest inspires others around him to love and enjoy life as he has, believing that they too can do anything.Although his life might have been “like a box of chocolates,” one thing Forrest did get was a sincere and hopeful mother.• “Gifted Hands” (2009) — Based on the true story of Dr. Ben Carson, this film features a mom who makes choices that will ensure success in her sons' otherwise challenging lives.Despite being a single parent who is illiterate and struggling with depression, Mrs. Carson instills faith in her sons that anything is possible for them if only they work hard enough. While Ben wrestles with school, a temper and friends, he ultimately becomes a successful, pioneering neurosurgeon thanks to the consistent and faithful love of his mother.This mom represents what motherhood is and should be.
These films show other positive representations of motherhood. The moms in these films love their children and reveal that even if a mother's love isn't perfect, it is always a true miracle.“Where the Heart Is” (2000)“Brave” (2012)“A Christmas Story” (1983)“Jerry Maguire” (1996)“Almost Famous” (2000)“Dumbo” (1941)“Little Miss Sunshine” (2006)“Baby Boom” (1987)“It's a Wonderful Life” (1946)“Fantastic Mr. Fox” (2009)“The Sound of Music” (1965)“Freaky Friday” (2003)“My Big Fat Greek Wedding” (2002).
