A film has one purpose - to entertain.'Using examples, consider this view. ('01)

Over the past few decades, technological advances have seen an increase in films- also known as movies or motion pictures- being produced. Recently released movies such as "The chronicles of Narnia: The voyage of the Dawn Treader", "I am Number Four" and "The Green Hornet" may easily lead one to conclude that films are produced for their entertainment factor. However, it must be noted that these films only form a segment of the films industry and there do exist films which inspire, educate and bring about greater societal introspection.

Undeniably, one major and reigning function of films is to entertain. Given the high demand of viewers for thrillers, comedies, and romance, it is not surprising that many movie producers produce movies for the sole purpose of entertainment. Oft-times, these firms are obsessed with profit-making objectives, and little thought and consideration is given to whether the film has any educational value at all. In "Balls of fury", scenes of people playing table tennis sweep through the entire length of the movie; in "Dead or alive" and "Ninja assassin", viewers enjoy gripping combat scenes; and in "Valentine's Day" and "Dear John", viewers bask themselves in the sweetest romance. Films are commercialized and are often used as a revenue-generating tool.

However, films are also used to inspire and ignite hope in viewers. Through recounts of fellow human beings who have faced difficulties in life and yet braced through them with sheer willpower, films have the power to mould the outlook one has on life. A truly touching and enriching film can reduce the pessimism one has about life, and instill optimism so that he/she has the strength to carry move on in life. "Schindler's List" tells the heroic effort made by a businessman in Nazi Germany to save thousands of jews from death. Similarly, "Hotel Rwanda" tells the story of real hotel manager Paul Rusesabagina who saved thousands of refugees fleeing the dangerous milita that had taken over Rwanda. These films throw hope on the human population that people can still maintain their humanity in the face of unhinged barbarism. More recently, "127 hours", a true story of mountain climber Aron Ralston's remarkable adventure to save himself after a fallen boulder crashes on his arm and traps him in an isolated canyon in Utah, has received reviews that it was truly inspirational. It shows how we can make it out of adversity so long as we persevere on and never give up. Oscar-winning film, the "king's speech" shows how King George VI overcoming his stutter and becomes a worthy king of Britain. The determination and grit protrayed by lead actor Colin Firth in the movie will definitely inspire viewers to stay positive and never be daunted by shortcomings they possess.

Films, especially documentaries, do have an educational value to it. "Super size me", for instance, shows what happens when one man lives on only Mcdonald's food for thirty days. Watching this film allows the viewer to be more aware of the dangers of fast food, leading to a more conscious eating habit and lifestyle. "The Cove" is a documentary that looks at both the massive slaughter of dolphins that occurs annually in a small Japanese fishing village and the dangerous health impact of mercury poisoning. Documetaries like these increase environmental awareness and may lead to concrete actions aimed at improving our natural habitat. These films are enriching as they provide accurate and insightful information which goes a long way in improving our lives and the society.

Films also bring about greater societal introspection as pertinent social issues are discussed. Familial values and the power of friendship are some of the common issues injected into films. "Sex and the city" had multiple continuing storylines and tackled socially relevant issues such as sexually transmitted diseases, safe sex, and promiscuity. It specifically examined the lives of big-city professional women in the late 1990s/early 2000s and how changing roles and expectations for women affected the characters. Despite receiving a not-so-notable three razzies at this year's Oscars, the film and its sequels must be credited for the public debates it has generated about the issue of sex. Besides increasing awareness on social issues, such films have the potential to generate constructive discussions and feedbacks in society.

No doubt, entertainment film is still the most prominent genre in the movie industry, with "Titanic" as the all-time best movie and "Avatar" ranking top in the box-office in 2009. However, it must not be forgotten that there do exist films that do not just entertain, but provide constructive insights on life. Walt Disney, a famous cartoonist once said, "Movies can and do have tremendous influence in shaping young lives in the realm of entertainment towards the ideals and objectives of normal adulthood." Indeed, while films exist to entertain, perhaps we should view them with more maturity and grasp the deeper meanings they are trying to present to us.