I will be honest. I am an action moviegoer. I like movies.
No, I praise movies.
That is why when someone asks me the question “Is watching movies good for you?” I always respond positively- “Look, my non-medical statement is yes, it is good for you, unless you feel pain while doing it”.
In this article, we are going to explore the hidden benefits of watching action movies.
Such benefits exist and if you are already reading, I’m sure that you will agree on that.
When it comes to the choice of watching a film, everybody has a favorite genre. Some of us like to laugh at comedies, some prefer the immersing atmosphere of the sci-fi flicks, while others enjoy the emotional touch of the romantic drama.
For some individuals watching movies is a complete waste of time because they don’t find satisfaction in it or they easily get bored no matter the film category. Can you imagine that I know a person who fell asleep on the “Alien”?!
If you are like me, however, the action movies are your cup of tea. In the action, you can easily find a distraction. True, isn’t it?
Let’s examine how watching action movies could be beneficial to you.
Contents
Relax and Welcome To a Brand New World…
When you start watching, you get yourself acquainted with a whole new universe. Very often this universe is totally different from yours. This awakens your curiosity and at the same time gives you a sweet relaxing feeling of escapism.
You start to unconsciously associate with the events and the problems related to the movie characters and you gradually forget your own.
In today’s busy life, everybody has the necessity to get distracted. We work, we have everyday duties, we take care of our children, we socialize, we try to stay in shape.
It is normal that sometimes the need to escape from everything for a while is so strong that we want only one thing- to be a spectator and not a participant.
We want to step aside and let others take the action. What a better way to rest than to drawn into an action movie universe? That is a perfect getaway.
…Full of Emotions…
Usually, watching a funny action movie is an emotional ride. You sympathize with the main character, your heart palpitates in the same rhythm as the hero’s while he is going through very intense events.
An action flick can easily awaken different emotions in your brain, which often reflect on your body. I’m sure that you’ve experienced multiple times goose bumps. This can happen while watching an emotional action roller coaster like “Terminator” for example, or while listening to a song you like, especially live in a concert.
Such moments develop your emotional intelligence which is crucial for the understanding of your feelings and the feelings of the others.
By knowing your emotions, you become more self-aware. This helps you to control your feelings. Like the famous proverb goes “he who controls others is strong, but he who masters himself is even stronger”.
The world of the action cinema is a swarm of emotions.
…And Natural Painkillers…
The action flicks often contain (un)intentional humor. There are movies with scenes filled with ridiculous one-liners or hilarious moments.
Therefore, they make you laugh. I am definitely not re-inventing the wheel here by stating that laughter is good for the health.
Many scientific studies have proven that laughter creates endorphins in our brains. In fact, these little neurotransmitters are released even when we smile and they are believed to be the best natural painkillers.
That is right. The feel-good brain chemicals have a revitalizing effect on our organism and serve as a stress reducer.
I’m sure you can confirm that you felt in a good mood after watching “Rush Hour” or “Predator” for example.
…And That is Not All, Folks…
Have you ever wanted to look like an action hero?
Guys, do you like to have the shredded body of Jean-Claude Van Damme in “Universal Soldier”? Ladies, do you like to look as sexy as Milla Jovovich in “Resident Evil”?
I am sure you do, no matter what you say. I know I do! That is why I started going to the gym many years ago.
The media influence on body image is undeniable. When we watch TV or go to the cinema all the time we see beautiful people with beautiful bodies.
The men and women in the action actors’ guild often go under insane workout and diet plans in order to keep their physics in shape and look impeccable on the screen.
Unconsciously, we desire to look like them. This is the human nature. We compare to the others, we judge them and if we like what we see, we like to be them at least partially.
When it comes to the action movies, this can be inspirational. The action cinema can have a positive influence on the body health because of the robust bodies of the action heroes.
There are many stories of people who lost weight because they were inspired by their favorite actors. They wanted to look like them and they said to themselves “Hey, he/she looks cool, I have to try to get in shape too”.
There are also cases when martial arts actors became martial artists because of their on-screen idols. They found a profession and a purpose in life through the inspiration they received thanks to the action icons they loved so much.
Well-known stars like Scott Adkins and Jet Li, for instance, became what they are today because they wanted to be like Bruce Lee.
Not to mention the inspirational effect that Arnold Schwarzenegger had and still has on millions of people because of his immense success in the bodybuilding as well as in the film industry.
…Now that is All, Folks…
I really hope that my message is clear.
Many critics preach that television and cinema wash our brains. I must admit that they are not entirely wrong. Also, I don’t want to advocate violence and gore.
I just think that we need to stay positive and always search for what is good for us in any aspect of life.
And when it comes to the action movie universe, benefits do exist.
Now leave me a comment and tell me…
…is watching movies good for you?