Check out these movies to lift your spirits during Covid-19

  Editor’s note:  

5·25, for its similar pronunciation as“I love myself” in Chinese, has been set as Mental Health Day for university students, meaning to remind us of the importance of self-love and self-care. 

For a long time, we have been watching news of COVID-19, worrying about the variants, and guessing when the pandemic will be terminated. However, there are always ways to brighten ourselves up, and watching films is one of them. 

Below are our selected films that have curing magic for a pensive heart and life. On the day of “I love myself”, find a comfy spot, enjoy the wonderland of films, and give your mind a moment's respite.

Click to read more

Frozen

Recommended by Dr. Zhao Yukun

Frozen is a metaphor for our relationship with emotions, which are embodied in the magic of Elsa. Emotions are powerful enough to add fuel to our energy when we are in high spirits for achievements. However, emotions also hurt.

In Frozen, Elsa accidentally hurt her sister Anna through magic. Consequently, her parents put gloves on her and made her suppress her emotions. But how can one's emotions be suppressed forever? When Elsa took the throne as queen, which is a metaphor for her coming of age, she felt like being no longer restrained, letting all her magic go and all the emotions gush out – of course, she felt cool, but the result was to turn the whole world into snow and ice. She was rejected by her people and had to build a kingdom of isolation to hide from everyone. Eventually, it was her and her sister's love that resolved the conflict. Elsa discovered that magic could help as well as hurt, as she learned to control her emotions and returned to the world as her own true queen. 

Instead of suppressing emotions, using them to do the right thing will bring about a better version of yourself.

Click to read more

Green Book

Recommended by Cranberry

Green Book discusses the topic of racism. Two characters from different classes and backgrounds are bound together by chance. They need to let go of their prejudices and accept each other, and music became the medium. In the end, music let them realize that there are things universal across skin color– love, dignity, dreams, and the pursuit of them. When we embrace a misunderstood group, we are also embracing a softer but stronger self.

Click to read more

A story of Yonosuke

Recommended by Yu

I watched it together with my friends in Xiaoxitian. I find it a pleasant watch especially in recent times, to relieve the general anxiety of people in special times, and to review the kindness and warmth between people. The tone of the story is not too heavy, as there are plenty of hilarious moments during the movie, but it is meaningful.

Click to read more

Hugo

Recommended by Troubadour

"Hugo" is a movie I watched the day after the college entrance examination. If movies are the art of dreams, then "Hugo" created a gorgeous dream, and it was in such a dream that the director completed his tribute to earlier movies. This movie soothed my emotions, who had just gone through an important hurdle in my life, and also made me interested in and think about movies, which in turn influenced my academic path.

Click to read more

Three Idiots

Recommended by Martina

I am always afraid of exams. The anxiety and nerves brought by exams had been a trouble for me until I discovered Aamir Khan's "Three idiots". The night before each exam I will watch this movie to relax myself in the comedy, and also rethink the meaning of education. I feel better as it helps me to realise that my future will not be bound by an exam, and the definition of excellence is not just good grades.

Click to read more

Quill

Recommended by Orange

I watched this movie when I was very young, probably more than ten years ago, but I am still very impressed by this movie. It is the kind of well-known Japanese healing series, very touching and warm. It makes us love the little animals around us and our lives more.

There are many reasons for recommending it. Perhaps it is because my family has kept dogs since I was a child, and the same is true in my brother’s family. After coming to China, I also interviewed how the blind and guide dogs get along. I have seen it, and I can better understand how difficult it is, how dedicated, and how hard the guide dogs in the movie are. They will always be good friends of human beings.

To find your own pace and cheer yourself up, here are some tips from Prof. Jing Qian, Associate Professor from the Department of Psychology.

Prof. Jing Qian

1

Accept uncertainty, adjust immediately and allow more creativity

Life is full of changes and possibilities. Instead of pushing yourself so hard to raise a perfect solution at the beginning, try to be positive about everything you come across and keep improving your plan. Do believe that things will eventually sort themselves out.

In our daily busy routine, we are often very busy and wound up. Formerly, we often adopt the fastest route, but now we have a chance to be more creative when we face challenges and uncertainty. As the proverb says, "every cloud has a silver lining." Take advantage of this new perspective, and this period of time will be more meaningful.

2

Commit to long-term goals, stay true to your mission and be determined to overcome every obstacle

Twists and turns are just momentary difficulties; however, it is the long-term goal that steers your direction.  There is always a destination to reach no matter how remote it is. This is especially significant for graduates facing more uncertainty and options.

The movie Dead Poets Society actually discuss such topic of meaning and ambition. What on earth are we after in our lives？Seek for answers in your heart, and then you will find your own path.

I was moved and motived recently by watching the series Medal of the Republic (Gong Xun in Chinese). Many times was I moved to tears, when reviewing the lives of our national heroes. Their live stories were not only inspiring but also insightful. Your spirits will rise after each episode.

3

Step out of self-focus, show empathy to others and open up your minds

Humans need mutual communication and support, especially in time of difficulties. Empathy is the cure that heals both the seeker and the giver. Opening up your minds and your arms make a difference. When you share your worries, be empathetic and accepting. Help your friend with your advice and support. The key is to listen, and be supportive. 

In addition to caring others, maintaining our love for beauty in wider world can also open your mind and dissolve your worries. Immerse yourself in a BBC nature documentaries. Imagine that you're a whale gliding in the deep ocean, imagine you are the friend of a flower, sitting by its side when it bolossoms, imagine you are on the adventure tour exploring the universe, gazing deep into the starry space; Imagine you are on a foreign land, joining the carnival and having fun.  Although the global pandemic situation limits our travel, our mind is never restrained to your room. There are abundant resources for us to take a visual tour and a spiritual wander. 

To sum up, when your universe gets bigger, your worries get smaller. I Hope that everyone can introspect, enjoy, and love your life.

Read more about THU

Discover library in Tsinghua

Solving brain teasers while waiting in line for COVID tests

Special | Check out these movies to lift your spirits during Covid-19 

Writers: Wang Jingjing, Gao Kejing, Wong Rhui Poh, Liu Zhaoxi

Editors: Liu Shutian, John Olbrich 

Designer: Xia Yifei