World Map at Merkin Hall

Taking risks is a natural part of life, and it influences everything from crucial life decisions to everyday choices. Whether it's changing careers, moving to a new city, or starting a new relationship, we continually face moments that require us to weigh potential benefits against the risks. The inclination to step into the unknown is driven by our pursuit of improvement and sometimes, the sheer thrill of the unknown.

Some people also embrace risk for entertainment and excitement. This is seen in activities ranging from adventure sports to playing games based on luck on either online casino platforms or at their physical counterparts.

The essence of risk-taking has also served as an inspiration for numerous movies. These movies showcase characters faced with significant risks and the results of their choices. Just like in real life, these cinematic narratives draw us in because they reflect our own experiences with risk and reward.

The Blind Side

This film centers around Michael Oher, an impoverished teenager with a challenging past, who is taken in by the Tuohy family. This family, led by Sandra Bullock’s character, Leigh Anne Tuohy, opens their home and hearts to Michael, despite the potential risks to their own comfort and safety.

Leigh Anne's decision to adopt Michael is not made lightly. The film delves into the complexities of bringing a stranger into one’s home, particularly one from such a different background. It portrays the skepticism from friends and the broader community, highlighting the societal norms and prejudices the Tuohys confront. 

However, the narrative also shows the transformative power of compassion and empathy. By providing Michael with a stable home environment and the opportunity to play American football, the Tuohys not only change his life trajectory but also enrich their own lives.

Serendipity

In Serendipity, the concept of risk is beautifully interwoven with themes of fate and serendipitous encounters. The story follows Jonathan and Sara, played by John Cusack and Kate Beckinsale, who stumble upon each other while shopping in New York City. They share an immediate spark and a memorable evening wandering the city. Instead of taking the usual route of exchanging phone numbers, they put their future in the hands of fate: Sara writes her contact information in the book Love in the Time of Cholera, which she sells to a used bookstore, and Jonathan does the same on a five-dollar bill.

By leaving their next meeting to chance, they embrace the romantic notion that if they are meant to be together, fate will bring them back to each other. This decision to rely on fate encapsulates the risk of potential heartbreak or the reward of true love, which set the stage for a narrative rich with romantic optimism. The film cleverly plays with this idea, inviting the audience to think about the chances they might take for love.

Lean on Me

Lean on Me vividly portrays the power of decisive leadership in the face of adversity. The film is a sharp departure from the whimsical Serendipity, focusing instead on the serious challenges of a failing inner-city school. Morgan Freeman delivers a compelling performance as Joe Clark, the principal determined to turn around the school’s fortunes.

Clark's approach is not without controversy. He implements stringent measures, including expelling around 300 students involved in criminal activities. The film does not shy away from showing the tension between Clark and the teachers, parents, and even the police, who sometimes question his methods. Regardless of that, Clark took the risk and followed his methods, even though it sometimes seemed that the wider community judged him for being too radical (or brutal).

Despite the pushback, Clark's tough love and unwavering commitment to the students illustrate how leadership can dramatically influence a community. The movie provides real-life examples of how Clark's actions, though seen as extreme, lead to improvements in the school's academic performance and a decrease in crime. It challenges viewers to think about the role of leaders in crisis situations and the difficult decisions they must make to effect change.