A Guide to Therapeutic Media
It is not a surprising statement at this point that this semester has taken a ruthless toll on every aspect of our lives. In a desperate attempt to cleanse one of all the mental, creative and spiritual turmoils, this semester break for BRAC University students needs to be therapeutic and restful. On that note, we have compiled a list of media in different formats that would give you the calm and meaningful respite you need.
A Beautiful Day in The Neighborhood
This deeply profound and intimately comforting film is for those who need a sit-down conversation about our problems. The film is based on the real-life television presenter Fred Rogers and his encounter with a cynical and troubled journalist who is assigned to write an article on him. There are scenes in this film when Mr Rogers, eloquently portrayed by Tom Hanks, has conversations with the journalist while intentionally or unintentionally delving into said journalist’s past regrets. Because of the excellent cinematography and Hank’s impeccable acting, it almost feels as though the conversations are happening between the viewers and kind-hearted Mr Rogers
Anxious People by Fredrik Backman
This book, along with most of Fredrik Backman’s other titles, screams therapeutic media because of its elegant portrayal of human kindness and raw emotions. This specific book takes place when a failed bank robber takes a group of people hostage. Throughout the book, the author delves into every single perspective of everyone involved in the hostage situation, including the robber. What makes this book therapeutic is its sheer relatability to every character, in nothing but their mere humanness.
The Good Place
This comedic take on the afterlife, as portrayed in The Good Place, is at first just what you think it would be: a laugh-out funny TV series. But as you approach the end of the series, you slowly begin to discover the multilayered concepts of humanity and our insatiable drive to persist. Suddenly, you find yourself crying over the lines of a comedy show, not because they are funny, but because you need to hear them at this point in your life.
The Secret Life of Arrietty
Ending the list with an obvious choice is none other than The Secret Life of Arrietty, a Ghibli movie, the ultimate therapeutic media. The reason for including this charming animation of Miyazaki in this list is because there are many of us who, most of the time, find our brains overwhelmed with the chaos of this world. And in those moments, seeing a pure and soft friendship between a miniature girl and a lonely boy with visuals of lying in a field of flowers or playing with miniature housewares is all we need.
