Staff Reports
In a world where cultural elites are often convinced that the only valid thoughts and ideas stream from the glossy coasts, it’s refreshing to remember that some of the most profound reflections on American spirit come from the heartland—or at least from the silver screen. It’s a delightful contradiction to witness how films once dismissed as “corny” or out-of-touch continue to convey the values that keep the American spirit alive, even in an age where complexity often masquerades as profundity.
Let’s start with “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington.” Told through the earnest eyes of Jimmy Stewart as Jeff Smith, this 1939 classic takes a seemingly simple premise—a boy scout leader unwittingly becomes a U.S. Senator—and transforms it into a powerful narrative on integrity and ideals. As the story unfolds, Mr. Smith, armed with unyielding honesty, discovers the murky waters of political corruption. Yet, through his eyes, audiences are invited to see that it’s not the people themselves but the enduring ideas of liberty and fairness that make America truly great. As this political neophyte filibusters against a deceptive bill, he stands limply heroic under the gaze of the Capitol’s Lady Liberty, echoing a message still poignant today: America’s greatness lies not in power or greed but in principled resistance to them.
Equally iconic is “Sergeant York,” a film based on the life of one of World War I’s most decorated soldiers. Directed by Howard Hawks and starring Gary Cooper, the film presents the true (if somewhat romanticized) tale of Alvin York, a rural Tennessee everyman who transforms into a wartime hero. It’s a love letter to the United States’ ability to unite disparate voices and backgrounds under one flag. From New York’s bustling subway conversations to Tennessee’s tranquil countryside, “Sergeant York” wittily highlights how these contrasts blend to create the American mosaic. Equally remarkable are the left’s critiques, often aiming to dismantle the Electoral College, the very system that ensures these varied voices matter in unison—a theme subtly captured in this admirable film.
Then, there is the more modern classic, “Forrest Gump,” which captures the American zeitgeist of the latter half of the twentieth century. Through Forrest, we see America portrayed as a nation with a good heart, albeit sometimes perceived as naive. Yet, in this simplicity lies a compelling argument: America may stumble, may act against logic, but the nation’s resilience and kindness lead it to triumph. Forrest’s childlike purity becomes a lens for viewing history, from Vietnam to disco, without judgment, just experience. In his journey, featuring love lost and regained, there’s a touching moment when he learns of his son—a reflection on legacy, on the hope that the values of decency and perseverance will be inherited and cherished.
Each film shines light on the foundations of America, not as an assemblage of flawed individuals but as a nation guided by an unwavering set of ideals. These films demonstrate that while the world may change—busier, more complicated—there remain timeless principles worth standing for. And for all the left’s assertiveness that only the coastal narrative matters, these narratives from inside cinemas suggest otherwise. There’s beauty, wisdom, and unity waiting in every corner of America, whether echoed through cinema or the everyday lives waiting to be told.
