Hero's Journey Movie
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A Hero's Journey Movie is a film genre that tells a hero's journey story.
- Context:
- It can (typically) blend elements from various film genres such as action, adventure, drama, and sometimes fantasy to create a compelling narrative.
- It can (often) incorporate Universal Themes like courage, sacrifice, betrayal, and redemption, which resonate with a wide audience.
- It can range from being a Fantasy Epic like The Lord of the Rings to a Science Fiction Adventure such as Star Wars.
- It can feature significant Character Development, focusing on the protagonist's transformation from the ordinary to the extraordinary.
- It can challenge conventional storytelling by presenting unconventional heroes or twisting typical narrative arcs.
- It can provide a platform for exploring complex Social Issues through the metaphorical journey of the hero.
- It can range from being a Female Hero's Journey Movie and a Male Hero's Journey Movie.
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- Example(s):
- Female Hero's Journey Movie:
- Wonder Woman (2017) depicts Diana's transformation from a sheltered Amazonian princess to a world-changing superhero, embodying strength and compassion.
- Moana follows the story of Moana Waialiki, a Polynesian village chief's daughter who sets sail to save her people and finds her own identity.
- Mad Max: Fury Road, where Imperator Furiosa leads a daring escape from tyranny and searches for her homeland, proving her leadership and resilience.
- Alien (1979), showcasing Ellen Ripley's survival and leadership against an alien threat aboard the spaceship Nostromo.
- The Hunger Games series featuring Katniss Everdeen's evolution from a district resident to the symbol of rebellion and change.
- Male Hero's Journey Movie:
- The Matrix, where Neo ascends from a computer hacker to the prophesied savior of humanity, overcoming immense obstacles and realizing his full potential.
- Star Wars (Original Trilogy), depicting Luke Skywalker's growth from a farm boy on Tatooine to a key figure in the Galactic Rebellion and a Jedi Knight.
- Rocky charts Rocky Balboa's rise from an underdog boxer to a champion, encapsulating the theme of persistence and the human spirit.
- The Shawshank Redemption follows Andy Dufresne's journey from a wrongfully convicted prisoner to an escapee who finds freedom and redemption.
- Captain America: The First Avenger, where Steve Rogers transforms from a frail recruit into a superhero during World War II, symbolizing ideals of bravery and justice.
- Fantasy Epic Hero's Journey Movie:
- The Lord of the Rings trilogy where Frodo Baggins embarks on a perilous journey to destroy a powerful artifact that threatens his world.
- Harry Potter series depicting Harry's journey from an unassuming boy to a powerful wizard fighting against evil.
- Science Fiction Hero's Journey Movie:
- Star Wars (Original Trilogy), following Luke Skywalker's evolution from farm boy to Jedi Knight.
- The Matrix, which explores Neo's transformation as he discovers the truth about his reality and his role in the fight against its controllers.
- Dune (2021), depicting Paul Atreides' journey from a noble heir to a messianic figure on a desert planet.
- Dystopian Adventure Hero's Journey Movie:
- The Hunger Games series featuring Katniss Everdeen's rise from a district underdog to a revolutionary symbol against oppression.
- Divergent series following Tris Prior's journey as she navigates a divided society and fights against a tyrannical system.
- Superhero Hero's Journey Movie:
- Wonder Woman (2017) that showcases Diana's journey from a sheltered Amazonian princess to a powerful superhero in the world of man.
- Captain America: The First Avenger depicting Steve Rogers' transformation from a frail young man to a superhero fighting against the forces of evil.
- Post-Apocalyptic Hero's Journey Movie:
- Mad Max: Fury Road where Max Rockatansky teams up with Imperator Furiosa to escape from tyranny and bring hope to survivors.
- Children of Men following Theo Faron's journey to protect a pregnant woman in a dystopian future where humanity faces extinction.
- Gender Diverse Hero's Journey :
- Mulan (1998) depicting Mulan's journey as she disguises herself as a man to take her father's place in the army and save China.
- The Color Purple following Celie's journey from an oppressed young woman to finding her voice and independence in the face of adversity.
- Anti-Slavery Hero's Journey :
- 12 Years a Slave depicting Solomon Northup's journey from a free man to a slave and his fight for survival and freedom.
- Amistad showcasing the journey of Mende captives who overtake their captor's ship and the ensuing legal battle for their freedom.
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- Female Hero's Journey Movie:
- Counter-Example(s):
- See: Monomyth, Joseph Campbell, Narrative Structure, Chick Flick, Action Movie