Illustrations by Megan Le Brocq
The Broad's Creative Director, Jasmine Owen Moulding, has put together a mix of ten refreshing films and TV shows that are sure to give you a boost as we enter spring and the final academic stretch of the year. What better way to give yourself a break from all the hard work than to sit down with an uplifting movie in the evening - or a sneaky episode in the library!
Film: Eat Pray Love
Based on Elizabeth Gilbert's bestselling memoir, Eat Pray Love is the perfect film to start of the list. It chronicles the journey of a woman on a quest for self-discovery after a painful divorce. Traveling to Italy, India, and Bali, she seeks pleasure, spiritual enlightenment, and balance, making it a quintessential springtime watch for those who relish in the themes of rebirth and self-renewal.
Film: Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off is a classic coming-of-age comedy that follows Ferris, a charismatic high schooler, as he decides to skip school and embark on an adventure through Chicago to enjoy a beautiful spring day - it has to be on the list. Embodying youth, freedom, and the joy of living in the moment, it's an infectious and uplifting film that truly celebrates the essence of spring.
TV: Anne With an E
Anne With an E is a heart-warming adaptation of L.M. Montgomery's classic Anne of Green Gables, following the imaginative and spirited Anne Shirley. As she navigates her new life on Prince Edward Island, her adventures and misadventures capture the essence of youthful optimism and the beauty of finding a place to call home. There's a reason it is so beloved by its fans, it's definitely worth a watch!
Film: Bambi
Disney's Bambi is an animated classic that follows the early life of a young deer as he learns about life in the forest. The film is renowned for its beautiful animation of the natural world, exploring themes of friendship, growth, and the cycle of the seasons, making it a timeless spring viewing and well deserving of a place on the list. Don't forget the tissues.
Film: Eternal Sunshine of a Spotless Mind
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is a sci-fi rom-com which presents a unique and emotionally rich story about a couple who undergo a procedure to erase each other from their memories after a painful breakup. It's a deeply moving exploration of love, memory, and the pain and beauty of forgetting, resonant with the themes of renewal and change. I especially love Jim Carrey's performance in a more serious role.
TV: Call the Midwife
Set in the 1950s and 60s in London, Call the Midwife offers an intimate look at the lives of a group of midwives. The series beautifully combines heartrending moments with heart-warming stories of childbirth and the resilience of the human spirit, reflecting the themes of renewal and hope inherent to spring; its a rather on-the-nose pick, but a wonderful show nonetheless.
Film: Mean Girls
Mean Girls is a smart and completely hilarious commentary on high school social hierarchies, following new student Cady Heron as she navigates the complicated world of girl cliques. Its sharp wit and memorable quotes have made it a cult classic and as the film builds up to the Spring Fling dance, it is the perfect comedy for the season.
Film: The Secret Garden
The Secret Garden, based on the novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett, is a magical tale about an orphaned girl who discovers a hidden, neglected garden and works to bring it back to life. The film is a testament to the healing power of nature and the beauty of new beginnings, echoing the rejuvenation of spring. Personally, this is a film full of nostalgia and a refreshing watch with its orchestral scores and natural beauty - no cgi in sight!
TV: This is Us
This is Us is a multi-generational family drama that explores the complex relationships between parents and children, siblings, and spouses. With its emotional depth and flashbacks that reveal the characters' pasts, the show adeptly portrays the human experience, making it a compelling watch that fits any season, but especially spring. Gilmore Girls fans will also love to see familiar face, Milo Ventimiglia. Warning: this is another watch which requires a box of tissues!
Film: Spring Breakers
The final film on this list has to be Spring Breakers. Led by an iconic cast, it dives into the darker side of youth culture, following four college girls as they embark on a spring break vacation that spirals out of control. The film blends themes of freedom, excess, and the consequences of living without limits, set against a backdrop of vibrant, neon-lit scenes that capture the wild spirit of spring break.
Make sure you check out The Broad’s other seasonal picks on the creative section of our website!